The Arete community was founded as a platform that honors the wisdom, knowledge, and experience that Kundalini Yoga brings into our lives. Many of us studied directly with Yogi Bhajan, who was a pioneer in bringing and adapting many ancient teachings of India to the Western World. We are inspired by the yogic techniques and meditation practices that he taught, that tens of thousands of people around the world found to be effective and, many times, life-changing. We were part of and motivated by the beautiful and vibrant community that grew around these teachings for decades.

However, in early 2020, credible testimonies of sexual misconduct and other abuses surfaced, revealing that Yogi Bhajan did not uphold the integrity he preached or expected from his students. These revelations were profoundly shocking and deeply painful for us and many within our community. After listening to numerous first hand testimonies of abuse—hidden from the community for years—we no longer view them as mere allegations but as truths that must be acknowledged. They expose behaviors that no teacher, especially one like Yogi Bhajan, who called upon others to honor the highest human and spiritual values, should ever engage in. Sadly, while Yogi Bhajan left a significant legacy of light and joy, he also left behind a legacy of pain and grief.

At Areté, we honor the powerful, transformative, and healing practices that have nurtured the Kundalini Yoga community. At the same time, we are committed to build a community based on dialogue, openness, and compassion that is willing to evolve, face its own shadow, and do the necessary inner work to avoid harm.

Our intention is to:

Do no harm

• Listen and honor all victims of abuse
• Accept, embrace, and promote diversity of opinions and points of view
• Build an inclusive and safe community

Thank you for being part of this beautiful community.

Areté Team