Soteria International, an organisation specialised in the newly emerging domain of spiritual human rights, has been closely following the case of Gregorian Bivolaru and MISA for more than 10 years now.
In the wake of Grieg’s arrest on 26th February 2016, Konrad Swenninger, film director and human rights activist in Soteria International, invited my good friend and fellow yoga teacher, Adinathananda Nicu Catrina and I, to an open dialogue on the hot topic of the day: the yoga school MISA and its founder, yoga professor Gregorian Bivolaru.
Konrad Swenninger is one of the human rights activists who have advocated the case in Brussels and in human rights forums over the last decade. Knowing the case well from political, sociological and human rights angles, Konrad invited us for a talk to better understand Gregorian Bivolaru and the school from a spiritual and Inside perspective.
For the first time we had the chance to answer open and unbiased questions about MISA and Grieg; to have a talk without being pushed by a hidden agenda and the preconceived idea of the journalist.
The talk was from an angle that was neutral and gave us the chance to share our perspective, motivations and experiences from within this yoga school. As the title so well puts it, “MISA and Gregorian Bivolaru UNCENSORED!” was intended to become an example of communication and dialogue with the outside world, a sharing platform where we can also meet others for an open talk.
In a world obsessed by drama and scandal, it’s refreshing to be interviewed from another more real, truthful and ethical angle.
Dear Advaita,
I can understand better and have a bigger perspective about Gregorian Bivolaru as what he is, an amazing teacher! A man who inspired so many people, giving real chances to transform their lives into a better one, with real and profound effects in many levels and thus generating a big impact. He is also giving a way of approaching spirituality which is for everybody, and therefor he becomes a “threat” for a society which nowadays is far away from offering any kind of freedom or independence to people.
Thank you and Nicu for clarifying some of the black wholes (especially the ones related to sexuality) which are the core of many doubts about his teachings for the ones who don’t know about them.
I have been following the yoga course since 5 years in Denmark, with Grieg as the author of the courses. It is amazing how I can use every single technique to improve my life, and how these old yogic techniques are presented in a combination with modern science.
I enjoyed very much your vivid and alive discussion about Grieg (Gregorian Bivolaru) and MISA! Your bright perspectives are inspiring. It is so much reminding me of the old saying ‘The way you see the problem is the problem’. Our level of consciousness gives our perspective, and according to it we see either lights or shadows. In Griegs case, this is so valid. Looking superficially at all the media presentations around (with a subconscious impregnated with fear, doubts, suspicion – which we are not normally aware that we are impregnated with), it is easy to have emotional reactions. Grieg is always challenging our horizon, putting light in all aspects of life. He doesn’t let anything untouched by the light of consciousness. He embraces the spectrum from the highest, purest transcendent communion with God, to all the minute details of daily life (including healthy eating, bodily health, knowledge of plant therapy etc), and touches everything in between, including sexuality and politics – hot subjects to challenge!
I consider it a huge gift that he offers his vast perspective, and inspires us to dive deep inside our own beings to discover the deeper layers and our very essence. It is a challenge, yes, and it requires dedication, courage, patience and a lot of other virtues.
My life is greatly transformed by the touch of his consciousness, and I am deeply grateful for that. I hope that soon this masquerade of political interests covered up behind impressive manipulations of juridical and mass media instruments will come to an end. It doesn’t take much investigation for an honest and open-minded person to realize that Grieg is not the black sheep he is presented as. Opposite, his awareness is too bright to let compromises un-noticed.
Thank you for sharing your vision, Advaita and Nicu!