The Bad Guru: 2. The Technique
World Of Secrets
Deep Dive
Why did Miranda initially trust the yoga festival in Romania despite the unusual conditions?
The festival was recommended by her yoga teachers at Tara Yoga Centre in London, where she had been attending for months and had a positive experience.
What was the atmosphere like at the women's villa during the yoga festival?
The atmosphere was described as a 'girls' holiday,' with around 150 women present, creating a sense of being part of an international and large community.
How did the yoga festival in Romania differ from a typical yoga event?
The festival included explicit sexual content, such as pornographic videos, a hyper-sexualised Miss Shakti competition, and a ritual involving group sex and drinking urine, which are not typical of standard yoga events.
What is the 'technique' mentioned in the episode, and why was it considered spiritual?
The 'technique' involved a highly choreographed form of group sex where participants drank their partner's urine, referred to as 'elixir,' to absorb spiritual and physical qualities, including zodiac signs and health benefits.
Who is Gregorian Bivolaru, and why is he significant in the yoga movement?
Gregorian Bivolaru is the founder of MISA, a yoga organisation that became popular in the post-Soviet era in Romania. He is revered as a spiritual guide by thousands of followers across 29 countries under the Atman Federation.
What was the Miss Shakti competition, and how did it reflect the movement's values?
The Miss Shakti competition was a hyper-sexualised pageant where women competed based on their embodiment of the divine feminine, with stages becoming progressively more explicit, reflecting the movement's emphasis on sexual energy in spiritual practices.
Why did Miranda continue to participate in the activities at the yoga festival despite feeling uncomfortable?
Miranda believed that pushing her boundaries was necessary for spiritual growth, a core teaching of the Tara Yoga Centre, and she didn't want to be ostracised by the community.
What was the Ecstatic Joy Temple, and how was it connected to Tara Yoga Centre?
The Ecstatic Joy Temple was a topless massage parlour near Tara Yoga Centre, where some teachers worked. It was a place for spiritual growth, offering tantric massages, and was promoted by Tara Yoga teachers to their students.
How did Miranda's involvement with the yoga movement affect her personal life?
Miranda became increasingly isolated from her friends and family, devoting more time to the movement and taking a job at the Ecstatic Joy Temple, which she believed would aid her spiritual growth.
What was the initiation process for meeting Gregorian Bivolaru, and why was it significant?
The initiation was a significant ritual where Miranda would meet Bivolaru, and failing it would result in spiritual downfall, making it a crucial and non-optional step for her to maintain her place in the community.