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Since its introduction to the West, yoga has delivered copious benefits to those who practice. Yoga has also brought, at times, some ill-intentioned gurus. The fall of one such leader, Yogi Bhajan, a Punjabi Sikh credited with bringing Kundalini yoga to the U.S., and his self-proclaimed successor, Guru Jagat (a.k.a. Katie Griggs), are chronicled in HBO’s forthcoming documentary Breath of Fire.
Directed by Hayley Pappas and Smiley Stevens, the four-part documentary is based on “The Second Coming of Guru Jagat,” a Vanity Fair story by Hayley Phelan. The documentary follows the rise of both Bhajan and Griggs, both deceased, the latter of whom gained popularity online and in Los Angeles after founding the Ra Ma Institute in 2013. During her time as “the face of Kundalini,” Griggs built a roster of celebrity clients—including Kate Hudson, Alicia Keys, and Demi Moore—and urged followers to funnel money her way for access to spiritual attainment. “Those who hold the power of these teachings will rule the earth for 5,000 years,” says Griggs in the trailer.
The style of yoga known as Kundalini, which means “coiled snake” in Sanskrit, includes movement, breathing, chanting, and doing kriyas, or specific actions. These practices are thought to pull the energy at the base of your spine upward through your crown and outward so that energy can flow through the chakras and, according to Bhajan and Griggs, enlightenment and wealth can be attained. Griggs’ white ensembles echo Bhajan’s belief that the color projects positive energy while protecting your spirit and his insistence that followers wear white from head to foot.
Bhajan and Griggs have faced allegations of abuse, corruption, manipulation, and generally questionable practices. Breath of Fire delves into the shared story of their seeming desire for power through interviews with former students and employees, childhood friends, family, followers, and more.
There’s no denying that aspects of Kundalini yoga have benefited many, although separating the teachers from the teachings remains an essential component of practicing yoga…and of navigating life.
HBO’s Breath of Fire premieres on October 23 at 9 p.m. ET.
