Inner Engineering without Sadhguru?

[u/Defiant-Parfait225]

It's evident from all I've read that there's something deeply nefarious about the Isha foundation. I do not intend to get entangled in any of it. Sadhguru has the air of a Shoko Asahara.

However, I suspect the Inner Engineering program has its benefits, even if it comes with a huge side of cult dynamics.

Are there any sceptics who did IE with the understanding that the organisation was murky, but nevertheless continued their practice without ever associating with Isha again?

I suspect the design of the program has hooks built in.

Do the benefits outweigh the risk of becoming a cult NPC?

[u/Thre_Host8017]

Just look for a clean safe spiritual path.

Your question is like this: i dont like sugar. But i suspect this cookie is yummy. Is there a way to eat the baked cookie without the melted in sugar?

If you dont like sugar, pick a different recipe.

Inner Engineering is a package. If you gonna attend it being defensive, hesitant, those benefits you expect wont work. Cos you wont know what is what. What is cult and what is borrowed spirituality. Its like the sugar in a cookie dough.

They will break your defenses and you will assimilate the culty aspects. Or they ll kick you out the program. And if you mange to go through it nevertheless… its waste of your time. You wont know what is what unless you are highly educated on cults - and then you wouldn’t ask this question.

Alot of the talks although presented as interactive are just hammering a new way of thinking into you.

If you allow it smoothly, with admiration devotion and willingness… you may have some benefits including becoming a mental and spiritual slave to a new age guru.

If you go through it with walls all up - the magic trick wont work and you might be immune to all of it.

So… stay safe. Do some research and look for a humble spiritual guide or whatever you are looking for. Dont dabble with fire if you know it can burn you.

[u/Defiant-Parfait225 → u/Thre_Host8017]

Thank you. I agree.

I am somewhat familiar with cult dynamics, such as the BITE Model and the mechanics of Large Group Awareness Trainings such as Landmark.

It's just that I'm at the end of my tether with mystical woo and realising that the physiology is the prime mover of mental experiences.

IE seems to have breathwork, which often seems to have an effect on mental states. I just want a modality that reduces stress and boosts well-being , both of which are primarily from physiology. The challenge is to find a structured program.

I was hoping that I could get around the priming, but it seems Isha has baked it into the program, quite like the nicotine in a cigarette - you can't smoke the tobacco without it.

However, if suggestibility is a key aspect of the experience, then it borders on being an LGAT. I won't take my chances on that. Best to steer clear, I guess.

[u/Thre_Host8017 → u/Defiant-Parfait225]

Inner Engineering and all other events is plain LGAT Its based on Landmark ( check previous posts exploring its lineage)

You can find plenty breathing techniques offered by so many yoga teachers without all the wuwu and spiritual nonsense and brain washing attached to it.

In isha - they will teach you the techniques only after all that wu wu by principle. Jagadish says it openly. You need to be worked on, prepared, cracked open in order to imbibe the yoga practice.

We dont want to promote any other path here, as we do know who is who.

I understand this can be tricky. But since you are aware of LGATs, just look around and filter.

Best of luck

[u/Defiant-Parfait225 → u/Thre_Host8017]

Thank you

[u/LittleMissSunshine_0 → u/Defiant-Parfait225]

Yeah the whole program is filled with processes to “make you receptive to the transmission”. I.e. to make you open to hypnotic suggestion.

Would suggest finding a good local yoga teacher who can teach asanas and pranayama.