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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Spiritual Leader

Yogi Bhajan

Yogi Bhajan was the spiritual name of Harbhajan Singh Puri (1929–2004), an Indian-born Sikh teacher and entrepreneur who introduced his version of Kundalini Yoga to the United States.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Yogi Bhajan was the spiritual name of Harbhajan Singh Puri, an Indian-born Sikh teacher who introduced a distinct form of Kundalini Yoga to the United States in 1969. His legacy is marked by both a large international following and credible allegations of sexual abuse.

What it is

Yogi Bhajan (born Harbhajan Singh Puri, 1929–2004) was an Indian-born American spiritual teacher and entrepreneur. He is best known for teaching a version of Kundalini Yoga that combined meditation, mantra, physical postures, and breathing exercises. In 1969, he founded the 3HO Foundation (Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization) to support his teachings and community.

Key details

He became a prominent Sikh spiritual leader for many followers and popularized Kundalini Yoga in North America. His reputation is also seriously controversial: multiple former followers accused him of sexual abuse, and later investigations and reporting judged those allegations likely true.

Why it matters

Yogi Bhajan's teachings influenced yoga and Sikh diaspora communities in Canada, where Kundalini Yoga and 3HO-affiliated groups have had a presence. The controversy surrounding him has prompted broader discussions about accountability in spiritual organizations.

In short

  • Introduced a distinct form of Kundalini Yoga to the U.S. in 1969.
  • Founded the 3HO Foundation (Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization).
  • Credible sexual abuse allegations have marred his legacy.
  • His teachings influenced Canadian yoga and Sikh communities.
Canadian angle

Yogi Bhajan’s teachings influenced yoga and Sikh diaspora communities in Canada, where Kundalini Yoga and 3HO-affiliated groups have had a presence.

Quick questions

Who was Yogi Bhajan?
Yogi Bhajan was the spiritual name of Harbhajan Singh Puri, an Indian-born Sikh teacher and entrepreneur who introduced his version of Kundalini Yoga to the United States.
What is the 3HO Foundation?
3HO stands for Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization. It was founded by Yogi Bhajan in 1969 to support his teachings and related community and spiritual activities.
Is Yogi Bhajan controversial?
Yes. Multiple former followers accused him of sexual abuse, and later investigations and reporting found the allegations credible.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yogi_Bhajan
    Supports: Birth name, dates, introduction of Kundalini Yoga to the United States, 3HO founding, and controversy summary.
  2. Los Angeles Times — https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-oct-10-me-bhajan10-story.html
    Supports: Death at age 75, role as a Sikh leader, teaching of Kundalini Yoga, and founding of the 3HO Foundation in 1969.
  3. 3HO — https://www.3ho.org/yogi-bhajan-our-founder/
    Supports: 3HO as Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization and description of his teachings emphasizing meditation, philosophy, and yoga.
  4. Kundalini Yoga — https://www.kundaliniyoga.org.uk/yogi-bhajan/
    Supports: Death date and 3HO Foundation description.
  5. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/a62841171/kundalini-yoga-experience-guru-jagat-yogi-bhajan
    Supports: Description of Yogi Bhajan as a controversial figure who introduced Kundalini Yoga to Americans.
  6. Yoga West Eugene — https://www.yogawesteugene.com/about-yogi-bhajan
    Supports: Death cause and biographical details.