Nudity, sexual activity, and physical intimacy were part of the “learning and practice of ancient tantrik secrets’’ at Dhyanapeetam Ashram of controversial godman Swami Nityananda at Bidadi, near Bangalore. Nityananda was caught on camera during an alleged sex romp with an actress last month.
Bizarrely, those who volunteered for the programmes were made to sign an agreement prohibiting them from disclosing any of these details or taking legal recourse after practising “ancient tantrik secrets’’. The programme is called ‘Learning from the Master Program’.
The "non-disclosure agreements" were part of the documents seized by CID during raids on the ashram, where they seized computer hard disks, laptops and mobiles.
One clause of the agreement states: “Volunteer understands that the Program may involve the learning and practice of ancient tantric secrets associated with male and female ecstasy, including the use of sexual energy for increased intimacy/spiritual connection, pleasure, harmony and freedom.
Volunteer understands that these activities could be physically and mentally challenging, and may involve nudity, access to visual images, graphic visual depictions, and descriptions of nudity and sexual activity, close physical proximity and intimacy, verbal and written descriptions and audio sounds of a sexually oriented, and erotic nature, etc."
It further says: "By reading and signing this addendum, Volunteer irrevocably acknowledges that he/she is voluntarily giving his unconditional acceptance of such activities and discharges the Leader and the Foundation, and anyone else not specifically mentioned here but directly or indirectly involved in the organization, management or conduct of any such programs from any liability, direct or indirect, arising from such activities."
A CID official said most of those who enrolled for this programme were women, and 90% were from Tamil Nadu. CID sleuths had watched a CD with more than 35 video clippings of Nityananda in compromising positions with at least five women.
Nityanand Swami has lakhs of followers across the world. Were they aware that the swami was involved with sex-related activities? If yes, then I don’t think the self-styled godman is at fault. But if he kept his followers in the dark, then it becomes a serious breach of trust. I am not sure if the swami can be prosecuted under the law, as the sexual activities were taking place with mutual consent, but he is going to face the wrath of his followers and the people. The recent scams and controversies involving babas indicate one thing for certain: We should just keep ourselves away from people claim themselves as saviors of mankind.
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