The Bad Guru: 5. The Breakthrough
World Of Secrets
Deep Dive
What role did the guru Gregorian Bivolaru play in the yoga movement's connection to the cam girl business?
Gregorian Bivolaru, the guru of the international yoga movement, did not own the cam girl businesses but encouraged members of his yoga school to work as cam girls. He believed there was something spiritual in this work, claiming it helped women become more feminine. The earnings from these businesses were often donated back to the guru and his network, aiding the movement's growth.
How did Miranda's involvement with the yoga movement lead to her working in the cam girl industry?
Miranda joined the Tara Yoga Centre in London and, through her involvement with the international yoga movement, ended up working in a topless massage parlour in London and later in a live online pornography business in Prague. She was told she needed to pay for her passage by doing cam girl work, which was common among women in the movement.
What evidence links the Tara Yoga Centre to the cam girl business?
A Czech newspaper investigation uncovered a webcam house 80km north of Prague, owned by the Atman Federation, the umbrella organisation for Tara Yoga. The purchase agreement for the house was signed by two senior teachers from Tara Yoga, Maria Pawsfeld and Bogdan Radasanu, who were directors of the Atman Federation at the time.
Why did Miranda decide to leave the yoga movement and speak out about her experiences?
Miranda began to realize she was part of a cult after watching documentaries about cults and reflecting on her experiences. She decided to leave and speak out to prevent others from being exploited in the same way. She shared her story with her mother and others, eventually going public to raise awareness and seek justice.
What was the reaction of the yoga movement when Miranda spoke out about her experiences?
The yoga movement, led by Gregorian Bivolaru, attempted to discredit Miranda by playing a coerced recording of her past statements to suggest she was lying. They held meetings to denounce her and accused her of taking advantage of others' naivety. Despite this, some members left the movement after hearing her story.
What legal actions were taken against Gregorian Bivolaru and the yoga movement?
Miranda and other former members reported their concerns to Thames Valley Police, but the investigation concluded that no offenses had taken place in their area. Gregorian Bivolaru was eventually arrested in November 2023, marking a significant moment for those seeking justice against the movement's exploitation.
How did Miranda's mother react to her daughter's revelations about the yoga movement?
Miranda's mother, Penny, was horrified and deeply shaken by her daughter's revelations. She felt a mix of relief that Miranda had left the movement and sadness for the trauma Miranda had endured. Penny expressed absolute revulsion towards the organisation and described Gregorian Bivolaru as a 'complete shit.'
- A yoga movement became a recruiting ground for camgirl work.
- The guru, Gregorian Bivolaru, saw a spiritual aspect in webcamming.
- Mihai Rapture, a former lawyer, expressed concerns about the exploitation.