This submission is from a woman who states that she is a friend of some of the victims of Muktananda’s abuse.

Imagine

Imagine being a girl of 13 or 15 or 9 years old.

Imagine a family, a mother and father, who love you, and who take you on summer vacations to the Catskill Mountains.

Imagine being told you are a blessed child, a golden child, a child saved for a great destiny.

Imagine soon being sent alone to a sanctuary in the Maharashtran desert to join other girls your age.

Imagine working in the kitchen at 3 in the morning, chopping vegetables for the day’s meals, standing on a milk crate as you chop.

Imagine learning the words seva and guru, and the pride you feel at being called a devotee.

Imagine your mother and father praising your devotion, the new friends you’ve found.

Imagine being noticed by an older man with a twinkle in his eye, who caresses your head and sends a gift of chocolate.

Imagine friends around you envying and praising your good fortune.

Imagine being called to meet an older man with a twinkle in his eye as a beautiful young woman sits by, smiling and attending.

Imagine returning home with a new name and a shiny bracelet around your wrist.

Imagine another trip to the Catskills and another meeting.

Imagine your mother and father walking you down stairs to a heavy wooden door, then walking away.

Imagine an older man in silken robes worshipped by everyone you know.

Imagine an older man lifting your blouse, undressing you, touching you, piercing your body in new and strange ways.

Imagine your shock and confusion, unsure of who you are.

Imagine returning home with more bracelets, a necklace.

Imagine all those around you envying you, praising your good fortune.

Imagine your mother or father walking with you to the same door, and again and again walking away.

Imagine your own voice smaller, your dependence on what those around you say greater.

Imagine being told this is for your own good, your own liberation, your good fortune.

Imagine being told to never say a word to anyone.