A new HBO docuseries, Breath of Fire, explores the complex world of Kundalini yoga and one of its more infamous figures: Guru Jagat. Directed by Smiley Stevens and Hayley Pappas, the docuseries examines how Guru Jagat built a spiritual empire before serious allegations of abuse emerged against her.
Premiering on October 23, 2024, the show delves into the history and influence of Kundalini yoga in the United States. It seeks to answer many lingering questions about the real nature of Guru Jagat's teachings and the allegations against her.
Breath of Fire has four episodes in total, with three episodes released so far. The fourth episode is set to release on November 13, 2024.
Episode breakdown of all episodes in Breath of Fire
Episode 1: The Rise of Guru Jagat
The first episode depicts the story of Guru Jagat and her journey from social media influencer to one of the most famous Kundalini yoga teachers. It unfolds how she created her empire and attracted celebrities and devotees through the teachings of Yogi Bhajan.
Episode 2: When Kundalini Yoga Was at Its Peak
The series continues by looking at the mainstream success of Kundalini yoga and the opening of the RA MA Institute in Los Angeles. Former followers share their experiences, recounting physical hardships, unusual rules, and instances of abuse.
Episode 3: Defending Yogi Bhajan's Legacy
The third episode focuses on Guru Jagat's defense of Yogi Bhajan's legacy while a tell-all memoir about him is being released. The show displays her erratic behavior and increasing controversy surrounding her teachings.
Episode 4: The Fallout
The final episode prompts reflection on the aftermath of the allegations against Guru Jagat and their impact on her followers and the Kundalini yoga community. It provides a comprehensive view of the consequences of her actions and their broader implications for the spiritual movement.
When and where to watch Breath of Fire?
Breath of Fire was released on HBO Max in the United States on October 23, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET. The episodes are available internationally on Max, airing at the same local time of 9:00 PM.
Viewers can catch the series if they have an HBO add-on through Amazon Prime Video or Hulu. Additionally, on-demand viewers can find the series available starting on Spectrum On Demand.
Who is in the cast of Breath of Fire?
The main cast of Breath of Fire includes:
Sundeep Morrison - A religious scholar and yoga historian who discusses the origins and rise of Kundalini yoga.
Amanda Montell - An author and journalist who provides insights into the culture of modern spirituality.
Hayley Phelan - A journalist who explores the life and career of Guru Jagat.
Philip Deslippe - A religious scholar who delves into the history of Yogi Bhajan.
Elizabeth Grignon - The former bookkeeper of the RA MA Institute, sharing her experiences.
Charlotte Medlock - The former director of marketing at RA MA Institute, recounting her time working with Guru Jagat.
Nicole Norton - Guru Jagat's former personal assistant, discussing her experiences and discoveries.
Nancy Koenig - A former student of Guru Jagat, sharing her perspective on Kundalini yoga.
Interested viewers can stream episodes of Breath of Fire on HBO Max.