Lecture Notes on "She joined the dark side: the strange story of the Elizabeth Holmes of yoga"
Overview
Documentary titled Breath of Fire focuses on Katie Griggs, also known as Guru Jagat.
Describes the rise and fall of Griggs in the wellness industry.
Key Figures
Katie Griggs/Guru Jagat: Former YouTube astrologer who became a yoga master and wellness guru.
Yogi Bhajan: Founder of Kundalini yoga in the US, accused of sexual abuse. Griggs claimed spiritual succession from him.
Documentary Details
Platform: HBO
Format: 4-part docuseries
Directors: Hayley Pappas and Smiley Stevens
Griggs' Journey
Raised on a Colorado farm, exposed to spirituality by her mother.
Dropped out of university but earned a degree from Antioch College.
Established herself in the wellness industry through social media.
Founded the Ra Ma Institute, building a commercial empire.
Griggs' Practices and Influence
Known for wearing white clothing and a turban, linked to Sikh practices.
Attracted celebrity followers: Russell Brand, Kate Hudson, Alicia Keys.
Adopted controversial ideologies, including QAnon theories.
Documentary Themes
Explores seeking spirituality outside traditional religions.
Highlights Griggs' marketing savvy and her appeal to millennials.
Shows the dual nature of her leadership: charismatic yet abusive.
Criticism and Controversy
Accused of cultural appropriation and bullying.
Practiced deceptive and exploitative behavior towards staff.
Compared to Elizabeth Holmes due to her manipulative character and eventual decline.
Legacy
Died in 2021 from cardiac arrest post-surgery.
Left a mixed legacy: viewed as both a spiritual leader and a controversial figure.
Documentary's Purpose
Encourages critical thinking about the wellness industry.
Aims to make characters relatable, showing the fine line between seeking guidance and exploitation.
Closing Thoughts
The docuseries serves to highlight the complexities within the new-age spiritual movements and the potential for both positive influence and manipulation.