WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:14.000 What do you do when you are in a situation where you don't like yourself? 00:00:14.900 --> 00:00:28.760 Why don't you just try to start by telling us why it has actually been difficult for you to talk about what we are going to talk about now. 00:00:35.219 --> 00:00:40.280 The first consideration I had was in relation to some material that the school has that I would not want published. 00:00:50.100 --> 00:00:50.700 The story you are about to hear is about an international yoga movement, 00:00:54.240 --> 00:00:55.060 which has attracted thousands of people for decades. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:02.159 People who have sought a new life of self-development, balance and meaning. 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:06.019 When you first get back, you will be given papers. 00:01:08.200 --> 00:01:08.700 They are essentially not exposed, but they are also waltzes. 00:01:14.140 --> 00:01:16.400 We must put our hand on the Bible, and then extend specific words after the teacher. 00:01:31.760 --> 00:01:32.459 First of all, let me put my finger on the Bible, this is heavenly, and I won't tell anyone. A hand on a Bible is probably something you typically associate with American courtrooms and presidential inaugurations. 00:01:35.579 --> 00:01:36.200 But in the yoga movement, ritual takes on a new meaning. 00:01:41.680 --> 00:01:44.019 And many of the members end up getting everything other than what they initially sought. 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:08.199 So you make choices on the Bible about your destiny and your spiritual evolution. We searched in the beginning. Do you want to tell me what kind of material you are afraid they might share? 00:02:08.460 --> 00:02:31.080 If they find out that you are currently standing in a stupor, reading some kind of statement, 00:02:31.979 --> 00:02:34.000 or consent. 00:02:38.560 --> 00:02:42.039 At the end of 2023, something will happen, 00:02:42.180 --> 00:02:44.560 which has now caused more people to break their promises, 00:02:48.539 --> 00:02:50.879 and caused the yoga movement to crack. 00:02:58.300 --> 00:03:00.379 On an early November morning in France, 175 police officers storm several addresses. 00:03:03.639 --> 00:03:10.939 The target of the operation is a 71-year-old Romanian man who is the spiritual leader and supreme guru of the secretive yoga movement, which has schools in 29 countries. 00:03:11.580 --> 00:03:12.240 Also in Denmark. 00:03:15.879 --> 00:03:26.120 They find him in a dark two-room apartment just outside Paris, handcuff him and charge him with kidnapping, rape and human trafficking. 00:03:28.599 --> 00:03:50.939 When my colleagues and I start looking at history, we find quick sources, called the guru's right hand man. 00:03:52.479 --> 00:04:09.699 Can it really be true that such a spectacular international criminal case is pulling the strings for a spiritual environment in Denmark, of all places? 00:04:15.840 --> 00:04:17.319 You are listening to the podcast series Vejen til Paradis from DR Dokumentar. 00:04:19.100 --> 00:04:29.040 My name is Merle Barré. Episode 1. The new me. 00:04:42.040 --> 00:04:46.899 In South Zealand, smaller towns lie like small islands in a sea of ​​fields. 00:04:47.660 --> 00:04:48.939 It says Stortorø. 00:04:49.300 --> 00:04:52.139 One of those islands is the town of Stortorø. 00:04:52.740 --> 00:04:57.399 This is the one I, along with my colleague Thomas Prakash, are on my way to visit. 00:04:59.899 --> 00:05:08.040 In the international yoga movement, where the top guru has now been arrested, schools around the world have different names. 00:05:08.920 --> 00:05:12.740 In Denmark and Sweden, the yoga school is called Natha Yoga Center. 00:05:13.600 --> 00:05:18.759 And in Denmark, a central part of the Natha Yoga Center is located in Stortorø. 00:05:18.759 --> 00:05:21.500 Now Thomas Søren's question is where we should park. 00:05:22.139 --> 00:05:26.639 Here the school has a retreat center, which they call the Paradise Growth Center. 00:05:27.300 --> 00:05:31.160 This is also where the man called Guru's right hand man lived. 00:05:33.459 --> 00:05:40.740 When you drive past Paradis Vækstcenter, you can see from the road two large wooden gates that open into a courtyard. 00:05:44.379 --> 00:05:46.040 The building is an old abandoned 00:05:46.040 --> 00:05:47.980 yellow brick yard, which 00:05:47.980 --> 00:05:49.620 today appears newly renovated 00:05:49.620 --> 00:05:51.839 and with roses climbing up along 00:05:51.839 --> 00:05:52.180 the bricklayers. 00:06:08.680 --> 00:06:09.980 Good day. 00:06:11.439 --> 00:06:12.060 Can we ask you something? 00:06:13.860 --> 00:06:14.540 We are journalists from Danmarks Radio, 00:06:17.860 --> 00:06:17.899 and we're researching a story, 00:06:19.879 --> 00:06:19.980 which is about a yoga school, 00:06:22.540 --> 00:06:22.800 who has such a retreat center here in Stortorv. 00:06:23.699 --> 00:06:24.139 Do you know them? 00:06:24.360 --> 00:06:25.420 Yes. 00:06:27.420 --> 00:06:27.959 So I think they actually make a lot of noise, 00:06:30.079 --> 00:06:30.500 when they hold their seances. 00:06:31.899 --> 00:06:32.300 It takes place outdoors. 00:06:34.379 --> 00:06:34.839 And that's something I don't like. 00:06:38.860 --> 00:06:40.139 Some music and stuff like that going like this here. 00:06:42.600 --> 00:06:43.540 Very unique thing. 00:06:45.220 --> 00:06:45.879 Validous mouse, or whatever it is. 00:06:46.660 --> 00:06:50.439 That's the most negative thing I have. They're sweet and nice. 00:06:50.680 --> 00:06:52.120 Those who live in there permanently. 00:06:55.360 --> 00:06:56.459 We are close. 00:06:56.459 --> 00:06:58.500 by the city's floodplain, which lies side by side 00:06:58.500 --> 00:06:59.560 with the community hall. 00:07:00.620 --> 00:07:02.240 The woman we stopped walks daily 00:07:02.240 --> 00:07:04.300 tours of the city and follow what is happening. 00:07:04.800 --> 00:07:09.459 So we ask if she would like to try to describe the people who come and go to the yoga school. 00:07:10.959 --> 00:07:17.860 That's the younger, slightly more eccentric category of people. 00:07:18.040 --> 00:07:19.420 I mean, they're wearing some funny clothes. 00:07:20.160 --> 00:07:22.800 When you meet them, you can always see that they come from there. 00:07:22.939 --> 00:07:23.959 There is no doubt about it. 00:07:26.220 --> 00:07:27.740 They are strange, aren't they? 00:07:29.040 --> 00:07:30.160 You have to do that to them. 00:07:34.160 --> 00:07:38.339 From the streetcar we move on along the city's small winding roads. 00:07:38.339 --> 00:07:41.439 and finds a man fixing the chain on his bicycle, 00:07:41.879 --> 00:07:43.579 while listening to P8 Jazz. 00:07:46.920 --> 00:07:48.899 Hello, we are from Danmarks Radio. 00:07:49.060 --> 00:07:50.579 May we interrupt you for a moment? 00:07:51.040 --> 00:07:51.439 Yes. 00:07:53.180 --> 00:07:56.519 That's because we're investigating a story, 00:07:56.560 --> 00:07:59.480 It's about the yoga school down here at the end of the road. 00:08:00.120 --> 00:08:01.639 That's Paradise Growth Center. 00:08:02.180 --> 00:08:02.620 Oh yes. 00:08:03.019 --> 00:08:03.839 Do you know anything about it? 00:08:04.839 --> 00:08:06.019 I think they are good neighbors. 00:08:06.500 --> 00:08:10.519 It's nice that something is happening and not just lying around and decaying. 00:08:10.959 --> 00:08:13.120 And it is maintained to that extent. 00:08:15.259 --> 00:08:18.920 At the other end of the city we can see that there is light in another house. 00:08:19.860 --> 00:08:20.600 Yes, I think so. 00:08:21.699 --> 00:08:25.240 We jump over a green plastic rocket and a scooter. 00:08:27.540 --> 00:08:31.279 Before we knock and are greeted by a woman who has a full house. 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:34.940 Her two adult daughters and their children are visiting. 00:08:38.039 --> 00:08:38.399 Hello. 00:08:38.580 --> 00:08:38.700 Hello. 00:08:38.799 --> 00:08:39.639 Who should I control? 00:08:39.720 --> 00:08:40.100 It's okay. 00:08:40.460 --> 00:08:41.799 We come from Danish Radio. 00:08:42.100 --> 00:08:43.860 We are two journalists. 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:46.840 That's because we're looking at a story about this yoga school. 00:08:48.519 --> 00:08:49.120 Partisvexes. 00:08:49.480 --> 00:08:50.399 We are in. 00:08:50.580 --> 00:08:51.299 If we have to. 00:08:55.299 --> 00:08:56.960 Well, there are a lot of rumors going around. 00:08:57.379 --> 00:08:59.759 Around the exchangers. 00:09:00.899 --> 00:09:03.740 In the middle of their kitchen stands a long wooden table. 00:09:04.740 --> 00:09:08.159 At the end sits the woman's husband, and we settle down around him. 00:09:08.759 --> 00:09:13.179 They have done a lot of profiling. 00:09:16.600 --> 00:09:21.019 They fish out a small, crumpled pamphlet that was in their mailbox. 00:09:21.960 --> 00:09:25.000 There you can read that Paradis growth center right now, 00:09:28.100 --> 00:09:28.659 quite extraordinary, offers free yoga classes. 00:09:31.139 --> 00:09:35.620 But they sent out a message that now you could come over, and now it was open week, so it's like demystifying, 00:09:36.059 --> 00:09:38.059 what they really were, or what they are. 00:09:39.860 --> 00:09:43.120 It is clear to see that in the home we have entered, 00:09:43.500 --> 00:09:46.600 like in the rest of the city, there are different opinions about, 00:09:47.059 --> 00:09:50.419 what size the yoga school really is. 00:09:50.700 --> 00:09:52.879 Sometimes I get a little irritated when I say that. 00:09:53.159 --> 00:09:56.419 I think I've seen a lot of young people, especially women, 00:09:56.940 --> 00:10:00.779 who have looked really bored when they have gone for walks in the area. 00:10:05.259 --> 00:10:06.399 That's what I have. 00:10:06.399 --> 00:10:08.100 I noticed and thought, 00:10:08.159 --> 00:10:10.240 It looks strange. And when I've tried to win them over, 00:10:10.320 --> 00:10:11.580 then it's not really back. 00:10:12.080 --> 00:10:13.299 They generally don't. 00:10:14.860 --> 00:10:16.399 I get a little angry when they call it that. 00:10:16.399 --> 00:10:17.879 insect in this house, right? 00:10:18.000 --> 00:10:19.639 Because I say, where are you basing that on? 00:10:20.500 --> 00:10:22.639 It's through my development, and I'm not faced with that. 00:10:23.000 --> 00:10:24.240 But that's how I've thought about it. 00:10:24.240 --> 00:10:26.559 It's really mysterious in a way. 00:10:31.799 --> 00:10:34.440 This man has seen many young women, 00:10:34.960 --> 00:10:39.399 who has walked the long roads along the slopes of Store Torøje, 00:10:39.840 --> 00:10:41.259 and has looked sad. 00:10:43.740 --> 00:10:46.539 One of those that he might have noticed, 00:10:47.039 --> 00:10:50.039 and who tells that she has been walking around the village, 00:10:50.720 --> 00:10:52.899 is a woman we have chosen to call Sofie. 00:10:53.679 --> 00:10:55.740 We have done this out of consideration for her privacy. 00:10:56.659 --> 00:10:57.899 Well, you just let me know when you're ready. 00:11:02.740 --> 00:11:08.799 She is one of those who swore on the Bible that she would never tell about what happened at school. 00:11:09.799 --> 00:11:13.679 I am 31 years old, and we are currently sitting at my house. 00:11:15.399 --> 00:11:19.779 Her first meeting with Natha Yoga Center is not in Stortorø. 00:11:20.460 --> 00:11:30.240 Natha teaches in both Aarhus and Copenhagen, and it is the school in the Copenhagen district of Nørrebro that she first visits in 2012. 00:11:31.200 --> 00:11:33.100 At this time she is 19 years old. 00:11:37.419 --> 00:11:41.240 The first thing that meets me when you come to school, 00:11:41.399 --> 00:11:46.480 These are some well-maintained red doors that open into a cozy courtyard. 00:11:48.059 --> 00:11:52.580 Where you would like to be greeted by some very smiling people. 00:11:53.600 --> 00:11:59.000 And then you enter an entrance hall where you are asked to take off your shoes, and you can take a pair of slippers. 00:11:59.000 --> 00:12:06.919 Very well-maintained premises, colorful walls and pictures of Indian gods and goddesses. 00:12:09.919 --> 00:12:16.840 It's usually women with long skirts and colorful dresses and smiling. 00:12:18.600 --> 00:12:22.080 Their body language is almost easier to dance to. 00:12:23.059 --> 00:12:28.000 Very conscious of their way of both dressing and moving. 00:12:30.539 --> 00:12:40.960 It is very appealing to experience these people who are able to have an atmosphere of friendliness and love between them. 00:12:42.340 --> 00:12:49.879 When Sofie enters the doors of this new universe, she is at a place in her life where she yearns for a new direction. 00:12:50.820 --> 00:12:54.759 She has just graduated from high school and is unsure of what to do. 00:12:56.779 --> 00:13:02.279 She thinks that the yoga school might be able to offer her some of what she is looking for and has been missing. 00:13:03.500 --> 00:13:09.120 You immediately sense that some norm is being broken. 00:13:09.779 --> 00:13:13.700 And here is someone who has invented some ways to be together 00:13:13.700 --> 00:13:16.879 and talk to each other as an alternative. 00:13:18.500 --> 00:13:26.059 So yes, I would like to be a part of that. 00:13:28.000 --> 00:13:28.639 Natha often makes promotional videos 00:13:29.840 --> 00:13:30.259 for their education, 00:13:32.299 --> 00:13:32.600 or for some of the events they hold, 00:13:33.679 --> 00:13:34.100 which is about yoga, 00:13:36.100 --> 00:13:37.320 meditation and tantra yoga. 00:13:38.200 --> 00:13:40.279 Many of the videos are about more than just time and place, 00:13:40.899 --> 00:13:42.240 but also provides insight 00:13:42.240 --> 00:13:44.019 throughout the entire idea 00:13:44.019 --> 00:13:59.279 behind the school. 00:14:07.879 --> 00:14:09.240 A video is from 2023, where a female voice tells a story about a monk. 00:14:13.799 --> 00:14:20.519 This monk once went into a cave to meditate and seek spiritual enlightenment. 00:14:24.799 --> 00:14:25.600 After several years, he returned to the city, thirsty for a beer. 00:14:28.600 --> 00:14:29.240 One beer turned into several, and soon he never left the child. 00:14:32.379 --> 00:14:37.139 Transformed from ascetic monk to alcoholic. 00:14:42.820 --> 00:14:43.360 Between these two extremes, complete isolation in the cave and the tempting praise of a child, 00:14:45.639 --> 00:14:46.100 The real message is in the video. 00:14:49.080 --> 00:14:49.779 There is a middle ground, says the female voice. 00:14:51.519 --> 00:15:03.879 That road is called Natha. 00:15:30.159 --> 00:15:31.159 The video now cuts to a picture of a man with white, medium-length hair. And then you will understand that I am not going to go back to what it was. He is originally from Romania, but has lived in Denmark for two decades and was the head of the Danish yoga school. 00:15:36.799 --> 00:15:37.620 In this world he has a spiritual name, Advaita or Advaitananda. 00:15:40.799 --> 00:15:43.379 But his real name is Mihai Stoian. 00:15:46.820 --> 00:15:47.379 Mihaly Stoian is a name you will hear many times. 00:15:51.779 --> 00:15:52.860 Just as you will also hear the name of the guru, which is Gregorian Bivolaru. 00:15:53.539 --> 00:16:02.600 So remember them. 00:16:06.340 --> 00:16:07.279 Mihal Stoian, the right hand man, talks about an old and a new self. 00:16:10.080 --> 00:16:10.720 The new self emerges when one enters Natha. 00:16:13.779 --> 00:16:14.679 And in the spiritual process or transformation, 00:16:18.259 --> 00:16:18.620 find answers to some of life's fundamental questions, 00:16:48.679 --> 00:16:49.559 which we all have. We invite you to come and join us. First you have practice, that is, you practice yoga for an hour. 00:16:52.519 --> 00:16:53.580 She does classic dog stretches and sun salutations. 00:16:56.899 --> 00:16:57.000 It was so professional, and you were given great guidance. 00:16:59.460 --> 00:17:00.399 He went around correcting every single exercise. 00:17:03.399 --> 00:17:09.160 In any case, you get the impression that they are very skilled teachers, and can see the slightest mistake in one or another position, which they can correct. 00:17:17.519 --> 00:17:25.819 Since she has attended her first yoga classes and has begun to read through some of the written material that also comes with the class, 00:17:25.819 --> 00:17:26.460 the teaching. 00:17:28.200 --> 00:17:30.019 Yes, then she decides to throw 00:17:30.019 --> 00:17:32.279 Put your whole heart into the project. 00:17:36.400 --> 00:17:38.380 Often there is also homework 00:17:38.380 --> 00:17:40.460 some small exercises that you can do 00:17:40.460 --> 00:17:41.980 at home. It could be something like this 00:17:41.980 --> 00:17:43.700 meditation exercises or 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:45.859 such recitation exercises or such a recitation exercise, 00:17:45.920 --> 00:17:47.900 or other things that are worth thinking about. 00:17:48.940 --> 00:17:50.019 This applies not only to the 00:17:50.019 --> 00:17:52.119 the yoga course, but also all that, 00:17:52.259 --> 00:17:54.119 that surrounds the teaching itself. 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:56.039 So, 00:17:56.140 --> 00:17:57.680 I'm getting to know someone, 00:17:57.980 --> 00:17:59.079 and there is a restaurant 00:17:59.079 --> 00:18:01.819 at school, and there 00:18:01.819 --> 00:18:03.960 eats someone almost 00:18:03.960 --> 00:18:06.559 sometimes together after yoga classes, 00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:08.220 and later, there is 00:18:08.220 --> 00:18:08.819 some like that 00:18:08.819 --> 00:18:12.079 evening courses and workshops 00:18:12.079 --> 00:18:14.039 with different things that I also 00:18:14.039 --> 00:18:16.359 participate in, so it's not just yoga classes, 00:18:16.420 --> 00:18:17.740 there are so many different ones 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:19.980 types of offers, i.e. 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:21.440 women's groups and 00:18:21.440 --> 00:18:24.079 afrodisiak 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:29.220 course and other small workshops that I participate in. 00:18:33.759 --> 00:18:38.359 There is inspiration to be found in all areas of life. 00:18:38.359 --> 00:18:41.839 I'm quickly becoming a vegetarian. What you eat. 00:18:42.339 --> 00:18:47.140 And music that is recommended, and certain movies. 00:18:47.880 --> 00:18:52.240 It's such a complete lifestyle change that you have the opportunity to make. 00:18:55.619 --> 00:19:00.000 The obviousness of Natha draws inspiration from Eastern philosophy. 00:19:01.119 --> 00:19:04.980 But their entire ideology is based on several different faiths. 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:05.480 Among them are Christianity and Hinduism. But their entire ideology is based on several different faiths, 00:19:07.400 --> 00:19:08.880 including Christianity and Hinduism. 00:19:13.759 --> 00:19:17.279 It gives me a whole new environment and a whole new reality and perspectives and something I've been missing, namely a community. 00:19:18.220 --> 00:19:21.640 And it has a huge significance and takes up a lot of space. 00:19:22.299 --> 00:19:25.480 Like discovering some kind of magical place. 00:19:33.359 --> 00:19:36.400 Natha is an active organization in Denmark today, 00:19:37.019 --> 00:19:39.160 with lots of offers around the country. 00:19:40.180 --> 00:19:42.500 Several of those who go there or have gone there, 00:19:43.039 --> 00:19:46.339 You may not be able to recognize the things that come up here in the podcast. 00:19:47.759 --> 00:19:55.220 According to our information, thousands of people have been in contact with Natha as regular students over four decades. 00:19:58.819 --> 00:20:07.980 But we get hold of about 30 people who have been further towards the core of the organization and have now left the movement. 00:20:09.299 --> 00:20:12.660 Several people will raise sharp criticism. 00:20:14.599 --> 00:20:23.980 Those we speak to have attended yoga school in Denmark, some also in Sweden, at various times between 1998 and 2022. 00:20:25.319 --> 00:20:28.960 They are all different and come with different stories and backgrounds. 00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:34.839 But what they have in common is that they find many of the same things in Natha. 00:20:35.940 --> 00:20:36.460 The kindness. 00:20:38.519 --> 00:20:39.839 Acceptance and embrace. 00:20:40.460 --> 00:20:40.980 The openness. 00:20:41.140 --> 00:20:42.359 I just think it's amazing. 00:20:42.799 --> 00:20:43.319 Love. 00:20:43.720 --> 00:20:44.200 Inclusion. 00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:47.099 The path to becoming a better version of yourself. 00:20:47.099 --> 00:20:52.539 I just remember feeling like it was a pretty good way to do things. 00:20:52.720 --> 00:20:55.400 You have that feeling of an open heart. 00:20:55.579 --> 00:20:59.960 If you have any feelings, both in work and in life, 00:21:00.119 --> 00:21:05.799 or in anything else, they will recognize it and take you aside and say, 00:21:05.799 --> 00:21:07.200 Is everything okay? 00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:10.799 All those feelings when you enter such a loving environment. 00:21:10.799 --> 00:21:13.599 There are a lot of people who just seem like... 00:21:13.599 --> 00:21:19.400 that they are totally sent out and happy and have a good time and love being there. 00:21:19.400 --> 00:21:22.480 People who are prepared to talk about 00:21:22.480 --> 00:21:46.740 spiritual notes and aspects or check in with on a physical, mental and spiritual level. People from Hungary. Several of the voices will be in English. They come from Finland, Argentina. 00:21:47.259 --> 00:21:50.359 Because the yoga school attracts people from all over the world. 00:21:50.599 --> 00:21:56.880 Chile, Czech Republic, Serbia, Bosnia, Norway, Sweden, Israel. 00:21:57.480 --> 00:22:01.839 There are also some Americans and a lot of different Europeans and then a lot of Romanians. 00:22:05.900 --> 00:22:08.160 You can't necessarily scold the votes 00:22:08.160 --> 00:22:09.980 from each other. That's not the most important thing either. 00:22:10.700 --> 00:22:12.519 On the other hand, it is common 00:22:12.519 --> 00:22:13.880 in their experiences 00:22:13.880 --> 00:22:16.339 and sum of them. Because it is with 00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:18.180 to document what has happened. 00:22:19.819 --> 00:22:20.420 The choir will also 00:22:20.420 --> 00:22:22.200 try to answer an important question 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:24.220 questions that many sources have asked 00:22:24.220 --> 00:22:25.880 itself. Questions that many sources have asked themselves. 00:22:32.140 --> 00:22:37.259 The question of why they didn't see what happened to them along the way during their time in Natha. 00:22:41.740 --> 00:22:43.019 I have a feeling that there is something more to life. 00:22:46.859 --> 00:22:47.319 Those we speak to say that they are in a special place in their lives, 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:50.079 as they become part of the yoga school. 00:22:51.880 --> 00:22:52.420 One has just lost his mother. 00:22:54.940 --> 00:22:55.039 Young people can say that it is cause and effect with my mother's death, 00:22:56.819 --> 00:23:01.019 But at least I'm becoming more inquisitive and a little critical of society and things like that. 00:23:03.079 --> 00:23:05.740 Others have lost a lover or a job. 00:23:15.660 --> 00:23:19.200 In the midst of this upheaval in their lives, they find Natha, 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:22.319 which offers them something of what they have been missing. 00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:29.500 There was some kind of longing, which then becomes concrete in the form of, 00:23:29.740 --> 00:23:31.819 that there is some fairy here called Natha. 00:23:32.220 --> 00:23:35.019 That's exactly what I've been looking for. 00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:45.740 Natha is many things. 00:23:46.779 --> 00:23:50.059 They do yoga courses, like the one Sofia started. 00:23:50.660 --> 00:23:52.559 But they also do retreats. 00:23:53.559 --> 00:23:56.500 This means staying for a weekend, a week or longer, 00:23:57.200 --> 00:24:00.079 where students delve into a specific topic. 00:24:01.400 --> 00:24:06.200 Many of the sources we speak to describe these retreats as the next step at the school, 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:08.980 after starting the regular courses. 00:24:10.400 --> 00:24:15.180 The retreats most often take place in South Zealand, in the village of Stortorø, 00:24:15.599 --> 00:24:18.759 surrounded by fields at Paradis Growth Center. 00:24:20.420 --> 00:24:22.099 They are held a few times a year, 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:30.539 and is always a big draw for international students from some of the other schools that are part of the spiritual yoga movement. 00:24:32.859 --> 00:24:39.240 When Sofie is well into her yoga course, one day she is invited to such a retreat. 00:24:40.640 --> 00:24:43.920 It is Mihai Stoian who invites Sofie, she says. 00:24:44.660 --> 00:24:48.019 So he is the one who is called the guru's right hand by several sources. 00:24:51.339 --> 00:24:55.940 It's not every day you get a special invitation from him, says Sofie. 00:24:56.720 --> 00:25:01.799 So she takes it as recognition of her commitment to the yoga community. 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:12.519 This retreat is simply amazing. 00:25:17.839 --> 00:25:18.759 We are many people together who can reflect on each other's visions. 00:25:28.720 --> 00:25:29.579 The food is delicious, and the music and aesthetics, and the whole atmosphere are supported by something very beautiful and dreamy. 00:25:35.420 --> 00:25:37.319 There are presentations and meditations, and I get to know more people. 00:25:45.160 --> 00:25:45.960 What Sofie specifically is invited to, that Mihai Stoian is that she will be part of a ceremony. The purpose of the 00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:47.880 ceremony is that through meditation one 00:25:47.880 --> 00:25:49.859 should awaken different forms of 00:25:49.859 --> 00:25:51.920 love. That's why more 00:25:51.920 --> 00:25:53.839 students from Natha invited to 00:25:53.839 --> 00:25:56.119 to represent various Indian 00:25:56.119 --> 00:25:56.720 goddesses. 00:25:58.660 --> 00:26:00.220 And for me 00:26:00.220 --> 00:26:00.839 is it 00:26:00.839 --> 00:26:04.000 the 16-year-old 00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:11.319 newly in love, pure, almost childlike, sexual, loving character. 00:26:12.319 --> 00:26:14.920 Before the retreat, she prepared thoroughly. 00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:22.119 Practiced meditating, read a lot of material about the Indian goddess and listened to specific music. 00:26:22.720 --> 00:26:25.619 I would like to do that, and I see it as a compliment that I can do it. 00:26:33.880 --> 00:26:40.319 The hours or the day leading up to this event, which is being made up, 00:26:40.579 --> 00:26:45.640 and wears a specific costume, and borrows jewelry. 00:26:47.700 --> 00:26:53.940 When the time is up, about 100 people are ready in the growth center's yoga hall. 00:26:55.279 --> 00:26:59.039 The lights are dimmed and the music starts. 00:27:01.140 --> 00:27:05.920 To this day, Sofie still has the music, so that's what you can hear here. 00:27:10.740 --> 00:27:19.619 And then I come in with a man on each side and sit on a podium in a specific position. 00:27:20.619 --> 00:27:27.480 And the two men stand behind to represent the masculine and highlight my place. 00:27:29.200 --> 00:27:35.140 Then it lasts about half an hour, and there are about 100 people sitting here and getting on a 00:27:35.140 --> 00:27:45.460 and tries to capture the emotions that the goddess should be able to arouse. 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:50.680 It's a strange feeling to sit in front of so many people who are sitting and rising, 00:27:53.380 --> 00:27:54.400 and someone who cries and is so deeply moved. 00:27:58.119 --> 00:27:58.920 On the one hand, there's something nice about all that attention. 00:28:06.759 --> 00:28:07.259 And it feels like something very special that you have been chosen out of many to represent something. 00:28:12.859 --> 00:28:13.579 So maybe it's true that you are in special contact with this goddess. 00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:20.980 So that's what you focus on, and I also get euphoric to some degree from it. 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:26.160 Loud music with a lot of bass and a lot of people together. 00:28:29.079 --> 00:28:29.220 You know, you have your football match, and even if you don't even follow it, 00:28:32.000 --> 00:28:32.839 And when everyone claps, a rush goes through many. 00:28:37.460 --> 00:28:44.319 And with so many united around the same feeling, it can feel quite powerful. 00:28:46.299 --> 00:28:46.940 Sofie is euphoric. 00:28:53.359 --> 00:28:54.160 And not least, she is grateful that Mihai Støjern has given her this opportunity and experience. 00:28:57.799 --> 00:29:03.140 She thinks she is well on her way to becoming a new version of herself. 00:29:09.140 --> 00:29:09.640 To better understand who Sofie is, just before she steps through the door of the yoga school, 00:29:14.039 --> 00:29:15.400 and how she develops, I have reached out to one of her friends from back then. 00:29:18.160 --> 00:29:21.059 Since we were seven years old, we have been the closest of friends. 00:29:27.480 --> 00:29:28.220 The friend says that especially during their high school years, that is, the years before Sofie became part of Natha, 00:29:30.599 --> 00:29:34.359 are together almost all the time. 00:29:40.079 --> 00:29:40.680 She has a car at the time, and we go on many trips and experience everything possible. 00:29:42.500 --> 00:29:42.740 We do a lot of cool spontaneous things. 00:29:44.799 --> 00:29:45.000 Then we go to a karaoke bar on a Sunday. 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:49.000 We listen to a lot of music together too, I remember. 00:29:49.000 --> 00:29:50.000 What do you hear? 00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:53.000 Yes, we hear a lot Nathasha. 00:29:58.000 --> 00:30:19.960 We also have a video where we dance together to when we look at each other and sing to each other. You and me. 00:30:23.240 --> 00:30:25.720 I don't know anyone who is as curious. I've always found that very positive. 00:30:26.579 --> 00:30:30.180 I have been very bothered for many years. 00:30:30.960 --> 00:30:34.059 Because she's not particularly embarrassed around strangers, 00:30:34.220 --> 00:30:37.680 towards those she meets on her way, I am very inspired by that, 00:30:37.680 --> 00:30:42.900 and probably also learn to be less bothered, 00:30:42.920 --> 00:30:45.660 and be more open to the people around me. 00:31:00.839 --> 00:31:03.799 The friend knows that Sofia has started practicing yoga, 00:31:04.440 --> 00:31:07.400 and she also notices that she is very preoccupied with it. 00:31:08.200 --> 00:31:12.900 But it takes a few months before she really sees a change in her friend. 00:31:13.259 --> 00:31:15.920 she otherwise thought she knew it inside and out. 00:31:18.779 --> 00:31:24.259 It's probably only after quite a while that I think I notice a change. 00:31:24.859 --> 00:31:29.259 I get a little scared by some of the things she does. 00:31:31.359 --> 00:31:33.819 For example, this is this form of bowel cleansing, 00:31:33.920 --> 00:31:36.400 where you have to drink some seven liters of salt water. 00:31:36.859 --> 00:31:39.579 I really think that's strange. 00:31:40.799 --> 00:31:42.940 Otherwise, she has a lot of these rituals. 00:31:44.799 --> 00:31:48.259 Every time we have to eat, for example, we don't eat right away. 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:51.019 Because such a ritual needs to be said inside your head. 00:31:51.819 --> 00:31:55.880 I remember it was very lucky because I asked what they were saying. 00:31:55.940 --> 00:31:57.079 But I didn't have to know that. 00:31:58.079 --> 00:32:01.240 Because I wasn't part of it myself. 00:32:02.019 --> 00:32:10.720 I was going to say this ritual, I think. 00:32:11.740 --> 00:32:13.680 At some point, Sofie also begins to change. 00:32:13.680 --> 00:32:15.980 on bigger things than purges 00:32:15.980 --> 00:32:17.279 and sacred rituals. 00:32:19.400 --> 00:32:21.960 When it starts to affect 00:32:21.960 --> 00:32:23.660 my life very much, 00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:27.859 and I get completely rolled into their perception of reality. 00:32:28.000 --> 00:32:31.759 I'm starting to distance myself from most of my friends, 00:32:32.259 --> 00:32:34.140 and breaks many friendships, 00:32:34.720 --> 00:32:37.599 and begins to look at people very critically. 00:32:40.259 --> 00:32:43.579 So what I've been drawn to and become a part of, 00:32:43.579 --> 00:32:49.940 quickly becomes a distance from everything else. 00:32:51.000 --> 00:32:56.220 Because since it's so attractive, everything else, or what I've left behind, suddenly becomes a problem. 00:32:57.299 --> 00:33:03.940 Because they are, after all, part of everything that tries to remove one from the spiritual. 00:33:05.099 --> 00:33:09.599 Because part of what you are taught is also conspiracy theories. 00:33:09.599 --> 00:33:18.599 That reality and the media and journalists and politicians are in reality part of some kind of satanic community, 00:33:19.539 --> 00:33:26.799 who try to make people spiritually decline and not move forward spiritually. 00:33:28.059 --> 00:33:33.519 So it quickly becomes a rare survival struggle driven by fear. 00:33:37.740 --> 00:33:43.200 Sofie says that she is starting to be afraid of everything outside of school. 00:33:43.880 --> 00:33:46.819 And she becomes more and more incomprehensible towards the people, 00:33:46.920 --> 00:33:49.519 who is not on the same spiritual journey as herself, 00:33:50.019 --> 00:33:51.680 and the new self she is shaping. 00:33:52.500 --> 00:33:54.500 Then one day she makes a big decision. 00:33:55.779 --> 00:33:59.220 She finds her friend's number on her phone and calls. 00:34:00.059 --> 00:34:04.380 And that call still haunts the friend to this day. 00:34:05.559 --> 00:34:09.179 And really just saying, it's a very short conversation, I remember, 00:34:09.920 --> 00:34:14.320 that this is the thing about her really wanting to change, 00:34:15.119 --> 00:34:20.139 but that I probably have some different values ​​than she does now. 00:34:20.639 --> 00:34:25.920 And that it's not necessarily very good for her to be with me. 00:34:28.079 --> 00:34:32.719 And then I actually remember her saying something about how I don't think we should see each other anymore. 00:34:35.880 --> 00:34:38.239 Yes, and I'm really shocked by that. 00:34:40.199 --> 00:34:44.300 I think I'll think that too at first, well, but she'll probably call again in a few days, 00:34:44.420 --> 00:34:45.719 or write again in a few days. 00:34:47.320 --> 00:34:49.300 Yes, and then I get really angry. 00:34:50.559 --> 00:35:14.420 After a few days I feel really let down. The further my colleagues and I delve into the story, 00:35:14.820 --> 00:35:17.800 the clearer it becomes to us that there is one person, 00:35:17.800 --> 00:35:22.460 which is particularly important for understanding what has been happening in the yoga movement. 00:35:23.219 --> 00:35:26.780 Namely Mihai Stoian. 00:35:31.119 --> 00:35:31.840 We know that he has been based at Paradis Growth Center in Store Toreø. 00:35:37.000 --> 00:35:37.519 So my colleague Thomas and I also took a few pictures of him and his wife, 00:35:40.719 --> 00:35:45.519 to hear what the residents of the village know about the yoga couple. 00:35:47.900 --> 00:35:48.800 But that's because we had taken some pictures of some of them, 00:35:49.800 --> 00:35:51.059 that we just want to hear, 00:35:51.219 --> 00:35:52.480 If anyone of you had one like that. 00:35:52.639 --> 00:35:53.619 So, it's the same here. 00:35:54.119 --> 00:35:55.059 Come on, you've seen it before. 00:35:56.139 --> 00:35:57.019 Come on, you've seen it before. 00:35:57.019 --> 00:35:58.119 Yes, I have. 00:35:58.659 --> 00:36:01.000 We have some pictures of just some people. 00:36:01.099 --> 00:36:02.539 Do you just want to see if you can recognize them? 00:36:02.960 --> 00:36:04.960 Have you seen anyone running around town? 00:36:05.000 --> 00:36:05.119 Can I recognize them then? Well, see if you can recognize them? 00:36:08.159 --> 00:36:08.280 Do you know them? 00:36:10.239 --> 00:36:10.360 You may recognize him. 00:36:12.639 --> 00:36:12.760 It's probably a young picture. 00:36:17.920 --> 00:36:18.039 Well, it's not exactly like that. I think they have one more. 00:36:21.800 --> 00:36:21.920 I think he has longer hair. 00:36:26.119 --> 00:36:27.139 Is he one of those people you stare at? Yes, he sees culture and stuff like that. 00:36:29.019 --> 00:36:30.940 But at least he lived there. 00:36:33.480 --> 00:36:36.019 I don't know if he does now. It's been a long time since I've seen him. 00:36:40.219 --> 00:36:42.719 There is also another reason why we have included the photos. 00:36:45.880 --> 00:36:47.420 Shortly before we started the car and drove off towards Store Torø, 00:36:47.619 --> 00:36:49.539 We have received news. 00:36:50.380 --> 00:36:51.440 We have found out, 00:36:51.780 --> 00:36:53.940 that Mihai Stoian and his wife Adina, 00:36:54.400 --> 00:36:56.260 far from Denmark, in Georgia, 00:36:56.719 --> 00:36:58.119 right in the middle of the border crossing 00:36:58.119 --> 00:37:00.059 to the Turkiden, has been 00:37:00.059 --> 00:37:00.760 arrested. 00:37:02.420 --> 00:37:03.980 We have also caught up 00:37:03.980 --> 00:37:06.460 in Aristotle, where we can read, 00:37:06.699 --> 00:37:08.199 that the couple is charged with some of 00:37:08.199 --> 00:37:10.300 the same things as Guru Bivolaru, 00:37:10.760 --> 00:37:12.320 who was arrested in France. 00:37:13.099 --> 00:37:14.400 Namely for kidnapping 00:37:14.400 --> 00:37:15.800 and human trafficking. 00:37:16.599 --> 00:37:18.000 And France will have 00:37:18.000 --> 00:37:19.219 The couple was extradited. 00:37:23.800 --> 00:37:26.019 And they have now been arrested in Georgia. 00:37:26.320 --> 00:37:26.599 Okay. 00:37:27.460 --> 00:37:27.840 Where is it though? 00:37:28.300 --> 00:37:29.519 Are you sexually ill, man? 00:37:30.320 --> 00:37:35.420 In Store Torø, the residents are left with wide eyes and shaking heads, 00:37:35.820 --> 00:37:37.699 when we tell them what we have found out. 00:37:37.960 --> 00:37:41.739 But then, we just became interested in looking at the Danish school. 00:37:41.980 --> 00:37:42.099 Yes. 00:37:42.500 --> 00:37:45.019 In terms of just understanding what has happened. 00:37:45.199 --> 00:37:46.960 It's not because someone has been convicted yet, 00:37:47.059 --> 00:37:48.880 but we're just getting more curious about, 00:37:49.019 --> 00:37:50.340 what has happened here. 00:37:50.699 --> 00:37:52.820 That's a role that Denmark plays. 00:37:52.820 --> 00:37:55.579 in that whole yoga movement. 00:37:56.500 --> 00:37:57.539 What do some of them have? 00:37:57.699 --> 00:37:59.840 who have been attending school for many years, 00:37:59.920 --> 00:38:00.920 been part of the inner circle? 00:38:01.039 --> 00:38:03.639 I think there are many people who have taken yoga courses, 00:38:03.659 --> 00:38:04.639 where it has been absolutely fine, 00:38:04.739 --> 00:38:06.059 but someone who has maybe been a little more invested in school. I think there are many who have taken yoga courses where it has been just fine, but someone who 00:38:06.059 --> 00:38:07.820 maybe have been a little more invested in school. 00:38:07.940 --> 00:38:09.719 What do you actually experience in there? 00:38:09.960 --> 00:38:12.199 But there has been a large change of residents. 00:38:12.739 --> 00:38:14.219 So sometimes I think, can I know if they themselves 00:38:14.219 --> 00:38:15.019 Do you know what's going on? 00:38:15.619 --> 00:38:18.079 The one who had that yoga retreat yesterday, 00:38:18.519 --> 00:38:20.139 she didn't seem fragile either 00:38:20.139 --> 00:38:22.139 or nervous or upset 00:38:22.139 --> 00:38:24.360 or something. She just seemed like 00:38:24.360 --> 00:38:26.139 she had thus found a part of her life, 00:38:26.260 --> 00:38:30.139 Just wow, how nice it is to be here and in nature and relax, 00:38:30.219 --> 00:38:32.059 and you really feel good doing yoga. 00:38:33.619 --> 00:38:38.420 The residents of the village, like my colleagues and I, have many questions. 00:38:41.119 --> 00:38:46.960 We are trying to get an interview with the couple who are now arrested in Georgia, Mihai and Adina Støjern, 00:38:47.440 --> 00:38:48.420 through their lawyer. 00:38:49.559 --> 00:38:53.659 We get a written response back stating that they will oppose extradition, 00:38:54.059 --> 00:38:55.400 and that they are innocent. 00:38:57.079 --> 00:39:00.900 We will of course also contact Natha for a comment on the arrest, 00:39:01.480 --> 00:39:04.260 and some of their answers really surprise us. 00:39:05.480 --> 00:39:08.559 They write us an email saying that the arrest is unjust, 00:39:09.119 --> 00:39:11.780 but that they cannot speak on behalf of the couple in the case. 00:39:12.539 --> 00:39:15.219 But they also write that for the sake of clarity, we 00:39:15.219 --> 00:39:19.920 should be aware that Mihai and Adina Støjern are quote 00:39:19.920 --> 00:39:26.960 former teachers employed part-time. 00:39:31.860 --> 00:39:32.559 This is a somewhat different description than what we have heard from sources and read about so far. 00:39:38.760 --> 00:39:40.880 Especially in relation to Mihai Støjern, who sources have described as one of the highest ranking figures in the movement. 00:39:43.780 --> 00:39:44.579 So who is this Mihai Støjern? 00:39:47.940 --> 00:39:48.599 The white-haired man who used to go for walks in Store Torø? 00:39:52.519 --> 00:39:54.880 We'll take a closer look at that in the next episode. 00:40:02.019 --> 00:40:03.239 We have contacted Gregorian Bivolaru's lawyer, who announces that his client is not available to comment. 00:40:06.300 --> 00:40:10.280 The case is still under investigation in France. 00:40:12.840 --> 00:40:13.579 We also get another answer from Natha, 00:40:17.719 --> 00:40:17.960 where they write that they have good relations with their neighbors in Stortorø, 00:40:21.079 --> 00:40:21.719 but that they have occasionally made a little too much noise. 00:40:35.179 --> 00:40:35.840 And that they hold longer retreats where people are in silence and can look introverted, when they are an independent yoga school that operates exclusively in Denmark, 00:40:41.739 --> 00:40:42.159 does not belong to any religious community and follows Danish legislation in all activities. 00:40:46.300 --> 00:40:48.539 They will also not comment on individual people's opinions or claims about Natha. 00:40:49.960 --> 00:40:53.579 Thank you for listening to our series The Road to Paradise. 00:40:54.519 --> 00:40:57.980 The series is made by Thomas Brakash and me, Merle Barre. 00:40:58.639 --> 00:41:02.480 We have researched the story with two colleagues from Sveriges Radio, 00:41:03.099 --> 00:41:05.400 Ida Nordén and Markus Alfredsson. 00:41:06.340 --> 00:41:12.159 Malte Vinterbode was responsible for editing, sound design and music with help from Marie Killebæk. 00:41:13.039 --> 00:41:16.619 Help with research from Mathilde Damkær and Malte Kildberg. 00:41:17.539 --> 00:41:19.940 Development and editor is Anne Skjerning. 00:41:20.760 --> 00:41:22.719 Jens Wittner is the managing editor. 00:41:23.880 --> 00:41:58.719 The documentary director is Michaela Kroh. Danish texts by Jesper Buhl Scandinavian Text Service 2018