Guru Left Lives Made And Broken
File under: Gurus Clockin' Dollars and Gurus To The Stars
Vijayadev Yogendra was a bit of a family wrecker like Amadon Amadon, a bit of a success counselor like Deepak Chopra, and a lot of a money collector like almost all the rest of them. Recently killed by cancer, a disease he claimed he could cure; Yogendra's wife, younger by 33 years, was next by way of suicide. In a stunning case of co-dependent narcissism, former party girl Kate Ellis followed the source of her self-acceptance to the grave.
A fixture in Australia's upper echelon, Yogendra's Rasputinish charms had found a fallow field to furrow:
He had the sort of self-regard that could... convey eternal reassurance. Like [Fitzgerald's] Gatsby, the guru had a smile that "concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favour, understanding you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believ(ing) in you as you would like to believe in yourself".Apparently, Vijay has made and broke the fortunes of a number of his devotees over the last 40 years, all the while being a typically naughty guru:
There was no room to disagree. Anyone who did was told their ego was obliterating the guru's higher purpose... Covertly he was conducting affairs, several women claim. One, in his inner circle, says he initiated midnight trysts, saying it would free her from her "sexual demons".Here's a man who worked his way through the money and power of Australia's elite like a hooker at a butchers' convention. A vivid and telling illustration of an essential truth many sham gurus make use of: as long as you say what they want to hear, they'll always believe you are telling them the truth.
While followers were encouraged to live simply, he drove the latest Range Rover, began wearing expensive cologne by Paco Rabanne, and flew first class, always in seat 1A.
posted by jody radzik @ 6:09 PM
13 Comments:
I totally agree. I met VJ in the 80's he was a repulsive sleaze. God knows what his deperate devotees saw in him. He was a self serving man living in an abound of wealth from other peoples money. Most of his foundation members had been desperate addicts of drugs or alcohol or from prison easily preyed upon.
It would appear from all I can listen to,read and research that as one of vijays acquaintances said he was a victim of his own success.I knew vijay not closely ,read all his writings ,he was in my opinion very wise yes some would say cunning and it would seem also very human to the point of egotistical maniac.
Those who know the revered Shri Yogendra,Vijays father,would be well aware where Vijays wisdom come from.
There is no doubt Vijay helped many including myself.It would also seem hurt many and lost his way.
I suppose the only defence one could offer is Vijay and others know something we are not aware of.
Maybe lifes a sick joke or maybe he was just a bastard of the human kind.
As his father says yesterday is gone.
lets get on with it and love one another.
Just remember people the internet is for use and abuse.
Let people make up there own minds about Vijay.
Vijay helped a bloody lot of people and i think made a lot of enemies simply because their egos were tested and they did not like it including some journalists.
The vested egos have attempted a hatchet job .
The mind is a powerful tool and Vijay used it with excellence.
Dont judge people with respect on internet this or that. Keep the mind open.
From my experience he was a good bloke.
Rest in Peace Vijay.
I met Vijay in 1969, at a time when I was in great need to get control of myself - I was hyperactive and after 2 years of medical treatment, surgery was prescribed as essential. I knew that my mental and physical state was a result of my own doing and I was determined to overcome my behaviour patterns. Vijay was the one to show me the technique to attain my aim. This was not an easy task. It required a great effort from me and knowledge from Vijay.
Over the years I managed to reform my behaviour and have not had a relapse in almost 40 years although the physical fault still remains.
I can understand the attitude of those who write against Vijay. I was considered by him as a "senior student" but had my own falling out with him and with the organisation.
Vijay was a man with undoubtable ability and wisdom, but what counts more than these is the strength to apply ones wisdom to life. I think Vijay lost his way although it is not for me to condemn him. I am thankful to have had him for a teacher. He made me think and this is the mark of a good teacher.
I still love him and wish him well but the mistake his students in the main have made was to have faith in him. I always followed the principles and not the man.
When this story first broke in 2005 I was in agreement with what was said about Vijayadev Yogendra. It sounded pretty bad. However, 3 years on after the dust has settled, it seems not all that was alleged was right.
I have seen the school he set up and spoken to its students and graduates. Wonderful open and positive young people. There are no statues or photographs of the so-called guru. Apparently he didn't want them. I have spoken to the quite level headed and ordinary folk who have continued his work. Very sincere and decent people.
On the other hand, some of the things I have observed and learned about some of his critics are not so pleasant.
Now, I think Keiran Perkins was the one that got him right - a wise and unselfish man who just wanted to help people, without wanting any reward.
It looks like his life's work is blossoming and bearing fruit. Goodness knows our strife torn world needs it.
I have also practised in the Yogendra system and have found it to be just as everyone else, full of vulnerable dependent lonely people who have been seduced by the idea of love that they themselves have never had. My husband was seeing one of their therapists unknown to him for anger and stress management????? I was requested to go in and meet his therapist. upon meeting her, she found out I was doing Yoga at home, she then introduced both of us to Yoga and placed us into marriage guidance counselling we are now divorced. I find it a curse that I live with everday and have to see a counsellor for the problems that have been caused by my teacher jan Dugan.....
There have been many terrible things said about Vijay, many of which have not been explained by his followers. However it is very important to remember the huge amount of amazing work he did gratis for over 35 years for countless people, and the quiet, unassuming good work many of his students continue to do. His school in rural QLD is one such example.
Followers of any religion or spirituality form an emotional attachment because of their insecurity and dependence. This is the problem of those who still follow their deceased guru.
These people need your prayers.
When I read all your comments, I appreciate the contradictory experiences and emotions. However, I do not believe that any one should set themselves up as higher than everyone else. And this man did, as I know to my personal and sorrowful cost.
Follow the principles, not the man, as an earlier respondent said.
The world is bigger than us all.
I met Vijay over the 1980's and so on before he moved to Queensland and found him to be a sincere,dedicated,selfless humanitarian who contributed greatly to many areas of human need.If this approach was practised widely by society today there would not be the problems that are evident today.Undoubtedly a highly ethical humanitarian ethos was apparent in Educational and psychological and other contributions.Many,many years of sincere altruistic service ....was was provided.Vijay did eventually retire ..I think we need to affirm the good he has done....The world needs more of the good this man has done!That's for sure!
I worked with Vijay for over 30 years and was always amazed at his capacity for continuous work and service. I saw him deliver wise guidance to many many different types of people and contribute his time and ideas selflessly. The so called extravagant lifestyle is a gross exaggeration. - just because someone likes quality products doesn't make them greedy or corrupt. As you inevitably find with strong personalities, he did fall out with a lot of people who inevitably also had strong personalities. He was of course not perfect - and he no doubt made some bad decisions in his time. I think it's called being human. His good work easily outweighed any mistakes 10 to 1. Let's give the man a break and acknowledge the good he has done - which lives on with many many people.
I have recently read his book entitled "Overcoming Negative Feelings" and have returned to the practice of yoga that I learnt in the 1980's.From experience I have discerned the incredible value of these practices in enhancing resilience,equanimity,focus and in generating positive energy.Experientially it is highly beneficial in creating a buffer between oneself and the stress of the world.If people diligently and consistently practised the meditation approach suggested in his book they may find that it is immensly positive and perhaps the answer to dealing with the overwheming stresses of the modern day.If these methods were practiced excellent results can be obtained.Thankyou Vijay for this grat contribution to humanity.
I was a student of Vijay's and I think both sides of the story are true. he did help a lot of people, including me, and for that he deserves praise. He also had a large ego made mistakes. My mistake was to listen to him uncritically. When I realise I needed to take responsibility for my decisions I no longer need to idolise or demonise him. It did all end a bit sadly unfortunately.
Post a Comment
<< Home