Re: https://www.docdroid.net/so0ppvk/syda-pdf

To the survivors of Muktananda’s sexual abuse.

We believe you. We stand with you - today and always.

We bear witness to the burden of pain you have carried over decades since you suffered unforgivable abuse by someone who was regarded as a revered spiritual leader. Our hearts mourn the loss of the gifts that were taken from you: your youthful innocence, your sense of agency, your trust in someone who proved unworthy of that trust, your dedication to a path that you were told was true.

We acknowledge how difficult it is for anyone to stand up and speak of these things, to give voice to such betrayal. We acknowledge the multitude of reasons for staying quiet:

The shame of believing that the fault somehow lay with you.

The relief of saying to yourself, to others, that it never happened.

The yearning for a settled, stable life.

The desire to not rock the boat - within yourself, or among family and friends.

The risk of losing important relationships with those who could not recognize that you matter more than loyalty to an abusive leader.

The need to insulate a career from this dark secret.

The fear of backlash from those who deny your truth.

We believe that many people knew of this abuse and were unable or unwilling to speak up, both then and now. There were adults who could have helped protect you, a child, from a serial pedophile. There were adults who could have helped protect you, another adult, from rape.

We are outraged that there are teachers and leaders who apparently continue to say that this did not happen. We understand that the denial of abuse can cause fresh wounding. It saddens and angers us when we hear about people denying what happened.

Additionally, we acknowledge that there has long been a fear of consequences for speaking out. Truth carries weight; it has momentum. Darkness need not stand forever unchallenged. Now is the time to shine the light of truth. You do not stand alone.

We add our name to this letter in solidarity with you.