The Bhakti Marga sect has its headquarters in the Taunus, and its guru, Swami Vishwananda, is worshiped as a god. But again and again dropouts report about abuse of power in the ashram - and about sexualised violence. This podcast investigates the allegations.
01/20/22
Chapter 1: Miles
In 2018, Miles, a young American, flies to the Bhakti Marga Ashram in the Taunus. To Swami Vishwananda, a guru from Mauritius, whom he also considers to be a godlike being. Initially, Miles only wants to stay for two weeks. It ends up being eight months. What Miles experienced in the ashram, he says today, he would not wish on anyone else.
01/20/22
Chapter 2: Massages
Chapter 2: Three men say the guru lured them into his bedroom on the ashram grounds in Taunus. It was there that their limits were exceeded. Episode 2 is about why the men said they were convinced that they had to follow the guru's instructions.
Just Love is a co-production of Hessischer Rundfunk and hauseins.
01/28/22
Chapter 3: The Guru
Chapter 3: How does a young man from Mauritius become an internationally sought-after guru residing in Hesse? We trace the rise from Mahadeo Singh Komalram to “Brother Michael” and then to Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda. In episode 3, we tell you what role relics stolen from churches play in this.
Just Love is a co-production of Hessischer Rundfunk and hauseins.
2/3/22
Chapter 4: Enlightenment AG
Chapter 4: What began in 2004 as a small spiritual community in a tiny village in the Hunsrück has grown into a corporation over the past 17 years, which now unites various companies under its roof - and presumably earns millions. Swami Vishwananda, the superstar that Bhakti Marga revolves around, can obviously be marketed lucratively. Just Love is a co-production of Hessischer Rundfunk and hauseins.
02/10/22
Chapter 5: Obedience
Chapter 5: In 2008, a scandal shook the pseudo-Hindu community in the Taunus. Rumors are circulating that Swami Vishwananda preaches abstinence but presumably does not live it himself. Deeply disappointed, numerous followers leave the community. However, Bhakti Marga continues to grow. Swami Vishwananda is their enlightened guru for countless people around the world. And over the years he has been getting more and more honorary titles, both Hindu and Christian-Orthodox. Just Love is a co-production of Hessischer Rundfunk and hauseins. You can find a list of links and telephone numbers for those affected at hr.de/justlove-hilfe
02/17/22
Chapter 6: Charge
Chapter 6: Back in the US, Miles tries to sue Swami Vishwananda for alleged rape. Years passed before he reached the German police with it. When he finally succeeds, the investigation is dropped a little later. In this episode we talk about why this is not uncommon in cases of alleged sexual violence. And we look at the gaps that German case law still has in relation to sects and gurus. Just Love is a co-production of Hessischer Rundfunk and hauseins.
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