We Do Not Ask People To Marry Or Become Monks: Isha Foundation

Isha Foundation has responded to recent controversies surrounding allegations made in a habeas corpus petition, saying it does not ask people to get married or take up monkhood.

The foundation, founded by spiritual leader Jaggi Vasudev aka Sadhguru, emphasized its mission of imparting yoga and spirituality to individuals, while stressing the importance of personal freedom. In a statement, the organization said, "We believe that adult individuals have the freedom and wisdom to choose their path. We do not ask people to get married or take up monkhood, as these are individual choices. Isha Yoga Center is home to thousands who are not monks and a few who have taken Brahmacharya or monkhood."

This statement comes in the wake of a Madras High Court directive, directing Coimbatore police to gather all case details registered against Isha Foundation. The move follows a habeas corpus petition filed by S Kamaraj, a retired professor from Coimbatore.

Kamaraj alleged that his two daughters, both with master's degrees in engineering, were "brainwashed" by the foundation and that the center prevented them from maintaining contact with their families. He claimed that Isha Foundation was abusing individuals by converting them into monks and barring interaction with relatives.

Isha Foundation clarified that some residents at the yoga center have taken up Brahmacharya voluntarily, and they had appeared in court to affirm that they were staying there of their own free will. The foundation stated, "The monks have clearly stated that they are staying in Isha Yoga Center out of their own volition. Now that the matter is seized by the court, we hope truth will prevail and there is an end to all the unnecessary controversies created."

Meanwhile, Coimbatore district superintendent of police K Karthikeyan and District Social Welfare Officer R. Ambika conducted an inquiry at the Isha Yoga Center on Tuesday, following the allegations that women were "brainwashed" to reside there.

As the investigation continues, Isha Foundation expressed confidence in the legal process and hopes for an end to what it calls "unnecessary controversies."