HBO’s ‘Breath of Fireplace’ Documentary Talks Kundalini and Gurus

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Since its introduction to the West, yoga has delivered copious advantages to those that observe. Yoga has additionally introduced, at occasions, some ill-intentioned gurus. The autumn of 1 such chief, Yogi Bhajan, a Punjabi Sikh credited with bringing Kundalini yoga to the U.S., and his self-proclaimed successor, Guru Jagat (a.okay.a. Katie Griggs), are chronicled in HBO’s forthcoming documentary Breath of Fireplace.

Directed by Hayley Pappas and Smiley Stevens, the four-part documentary relies on “The Second Coming of Guru Jagat,” a Vainness Honest story by Hayley Phelan. The documentary follows the rise of each Bhajan and Griggs, each deceased, the latter of whom gained recognition on-line and in Los Angeles after founding the Ra Ma Institute in 2013. Throughout her time as “the face of Kundalini,” Griggs constructed a roster of celeb purchasers—together with Kate Hudson, Alicia Keys, and Demi Moore—and urged followers to funnel cash her method for entry to religious attainment. “Those that maintain the ability of those teachings will rule the earth for five,000 years,” says Griggs within the trailer.

The fashion of yoga referred to as Kundalini, which implies “coiled snake” in Sanskrit, contains motion, respiratory, chanting, and doing kriyas, or particular actions. These practices are thought to tug the power on the base of your backbone upward by your crown and outward in order that power can circulation by the chakras and, based on Bhajan and Griggs, enlightenment and wealth may be attained. Griggs’ white ensembles echo Bhajan’s perception that the colour initiatives constructive power whereas defending your spirit and his insistence that followers put on white from head to foot.

Bhajan and Griggs have confronted allegations of abuse, corruption, manipulation, and customarily questionable practices. Breath of Fireplace delves into the shared story of their seeming need for energy by interviews with former college students and staff, childhood associates, household, followers, and extra.

There’s no denying that facets of Kundalini yoga have benefited many, though separating the lecturers from the teachings stays an integral part of practising yoga…and of navigating life.