The leftist cabal in India have been sharing a propaganda story on Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and his Isha Foundation written by a self-proclaimed journalist called Be Scofield. On closer look, one can see that in recent years, a series of articles published by GuruMag, a website run by Be Scofield, have aggressively targeted prominent Indian spiritual leaders, including Sadhguru and Mata Amritanandamayi. These articles often rely on anonymous sources and unverified claims, presenting a skewed and sensationalist narrative. A closer examination reveals a pattern of deceptive practices aimed at maligning the image of these leaders without credible evidence. This article seeks to expose the agenda behind these attacks and clarify the facts.
Be Scofield’s Business, History Of Targeting Indian Gurus
Be Scofield, the individual behind the The Guru Magazine (www.gurumag.com) website has a history of publishing sensationalist articles targeting Indian spiritual leaders. Her Instagram profile (@bescofield123) openly promotes these controversial stories, often lacking credible sources or legal validation.
Scofield, heavily supported by vested interests, is dubbed the “anti-cult hero of the digital age” and has been involved in media projects like HBO’s Love Has Won and Netflix’s Unwell. Her work has been cited by outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN. However, without any real understanding of spirituality, she continues to abuse and malign the belief systems and sentiments of millions of Indians under the guise of investigative journalism.
Modus Operandi Of Be Scofield
Be Scofield employs deceptive tactics by using multiple names and email addresses while publishing her articles across several self-owned websites to fabricate an illusion of credibility. She frequently writes about herself in the third person, creating the impression that independent sources are endorsing her work. Additionally, Scofield has been known to violate copyright laws, intimidate her critics, and spread unverified, harmful rumors rather than conducting genuine investigative journalism.
Towards the end of 2018, Scofield set out to accuse a man she had never met of serious crimes allegedly committed in 2005 and 2006. Before even initiating her investigation, she had already communicated her intention to the local prosecutor. In early 2019, she proceeded to publish the inflammatory piece, “Aaravindha Himadra and the Mysterious Orcas Island Death of Carla Jean Shaffer,” on her personal website. She then amplified its reach through other platforms she controlled and social media.
Following six months of extensive research and analysis, Sirius Investigations arrived at the same conclusion reached earlier by law enforcement agencies, the coroner, and the prosecuting attorney—there was absolutely no evidence that a crime had been committed.
Through a thorough review of police records, medical reports, and interviews with residents familiar with the incident, investigators found no link between Himadra and Shaffer’s death. Scofield’s claims were not only baseless but also deliberately defamatory.
Her attempt to connect Himadra to Shaffer’s passing was a deliberate effort to manufacture a sensationalized narrative. In reality, there was no motive, opportunity, or evidence tying him to the event. The incidents she referenced occurred when Himadra and his wife were away on a two-month teaching tour in Europe.
Scofield used the tragic passing of a vulnerable woman to concoct a defamatory story designed to boost her own notoriety. By falsely accusing Himadra, she fueled misdirected anger and unrest within the otherwise peaceful community of Orcas Island.
Her unfounded attack on Himadra follows a pattern of similar accusations against other spiritual leaders. Her approach involves targeting a figure, collecting any gossip—no matter how unreliable—that supports her premeditated narrative, dismissing facts that contradict her claims, and then fabricating sensationalist allegations that she spreads widely online.
Himadra’s Story Replicated In Jaggi Vasudev’s Story
Among the most disturbing claims made by GuruMag is the allegation surrounding the demise of Sadhguru’s wife, Vijji, in 1997. The article insinuates foul play even though the matter was thoroughly investigated by the Indian Judiciary, which found no evidence of wrongdoing.
The courts stated there was nothing suspicious or criminal about Vijji’s demise, closing the case without any charges against Sadhguru. These judicial findings make it clear that the conspiracy theories propagated by Scofield are baseless and defamatory. Continuously reviving this closed case not only disrespects the Indian judiciary but also attempts to mislead the public. The investigation into Viji Maa’s Mahasamadhi revealed nothing suspicious and the case was finally thrown out of court in 1999.
Even accomplished yogis who spend their lives in spiritual sadhana struggle to attain this Mahasamadhi. To leave one’s life out of the body without injuring the body takes something else. This is the ultimate goal of every spiritual seeker and those who achieve it are held in reverence because it takes an extraordinary level of discipline and devotion.
Furthermore, repeatedly bringing up an unproven and legally settled matter is deeply disrespectful to Vijji Maa’s legacy, reducing her life and spiritual contributions to mere speculation and gossip.
Contrary to the allegations of financial misconduct mentioned in Gurumag, the Isha Foundation has consistently maintained a record of financial transparency. Its finances are regularly audited and made available for public review. The foundation’s large-scale initiatives, such as Cauvery Calling and Rally for Rivers, have been widely recognized for their positive impact.
Unverified Allegations Against Mata Amritanandamayi
Mata Amritanandamayi, a respected spiritual leader, has also been a target of GuruMag’s hit pieces. Similar to the articles on Sadhguru, the accusations against her rely on anonymous sources and lack verifiable evidence. The recurring theme of slandering Indian spiritual leaders based on hearsay suggests a deliberate agenda rather than a quest for truth.
Be Scofield has gone so far as to twist Mata Amritanandamayi’s compassionate gestures—her famous hugs and blessings—into false narratives, portraying them as sexual. Such blatant misrepresentation attempts to tarnish a well-respected spiritual tradition that has brought comfort and healing to millions worldwide. These fabrications not only undermine her mission but also insult the sentiments of her devotees who have experienced genuine solace and transformation through her guidance.
A hallmark of GuruMag’s articles is the extensive use of anonymous sources. Journalism demands verifiable facts, not unsubstantiated claims from unnamed individuals. The absence of concrete evidence in these articles raises legitimate questions about the integrity of the reporting.
Sensationalist headlines and cherry-picked stories are used to attract attention, often without providing the full context or allowing the accused a fair opportunity to respond. This strategy not only undermines the credibility of the publication but also poses a serious threat to honest journalism.
Why Target Indian Spirituality?
The consistent focus on Indian spiritual leaders by Be Scofield, without applying the same scrutiny to other religious figures globally, suggests a targeted agenda. Such selective reporting raises concerns about cultural bias and a potential agenda to undermine the credibility of Indian spirituality.
The articles published by GuruMag represent a textbook example of smear campaigns—heavy on accusations but light on evidence. In the absence of credible proof, these stories should be seen for what they are: an attempt to undermine the credibility of globally respected spiritual leaders based on innuendo and conjecture.
As responsible readers, we must rely on verified facts and respect the conclusions of the judicial system. Sadhguru and Mata Amritanandamayi’s contributions to society are substantial and well-documented, and they should not be overshadowed by baseless allegations.
In an era of misinformation, let us uphold the values of truth and fairness, ensuring that unfounded accusations do not cloud the contributions of those who work for the greater good.
(Meena Vishwanath is an Assistant Director at SMaRT media coalition)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
