Isha Foundation

File:Bse class.jpg, Mumbai]]

The Yoga Centre at the Isha Foundation was founded in 1994,{{harvnb|Gobalakrishnan|2019|p=38}} and offers yoga programmes under the name Isha Yoga. This customised system of yoga combines postural yoga with chanting, breathing (prāṇāyāma) and meditation.{{harvnb|Waghorne|2013|p=285}} It does not belong to a lineage (paramparā), and its practitioners believe it to be based on the founding guru's unique insight.

Yoga classes for business leaders are intended to "introduce a sense of compassion and inclusiveness" to economics.{{cite web |url=http://businesstoday.intoday.in/bt/story/3428/1/the-route-to-dharmacracy.html |title=The route to 'dharmacracy' |date=27 November 2008 |access-date=25 January 2011 |publisher=Business Today}}{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sadhguru/inclusive-economics-enabl_b_577667.html |title=Inclusive Economics: Enabling the World' |date=17 May 2010 |access-date=25 January 2011 |publisher=Huffington Post |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100622043223/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sadhguru/inclusive-economics-enabl_b_577667.html |archive-date=22 June 2010 }}

A yoga course for the Indian national hockey team was conducted in 1996.{{cite web |url=https://www.ishafoundation.org/component/option,com_newscomponent/Itemid,885/act,view/id,687/ |title=Morale-Booster says Bhaskaran |date=26 November 1996 |publisher=Indian Express}} Isha Foundation began conducting yoga programs in the United States in 1997{{cite news |url=https://www.ishafoundation.org/news/newsclips/nashville1.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303195500/https://www.ishafoundation.org/news/newsclips/nashville1.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 March 2020 |title=Yoga guru touts peace, not religion |date=15 October 1997 |work=The Tennessean| first=Jay|last=Hamburg| pages=1B–2B}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ishafoundation.org/component/option,com_newscomponent/Itemid,885/act,view/id,897/lang,ta/ |title=It doesn't take a guru to know which way the stress flows |date=17 March 1998 |publisher=Dayton Daily News}} and, in 1998, yoga classes for life-term prisoners in Tamil Nadu prisons.{{cite news |url= https://www.ishafoundation.org/component/option,com_newscomponent/Itemid,93/act,view/id,883/lang,en/|title=Yoga Brings 'Freedom' to Prisoners |date=16 February 1999 |work=The Hindu}}

The foundation organises gatherings (sathsangs) with Vasudev in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, where he delivers discourses, leads meditations, and conducts question-answer sessions.{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/14/stories/2010121450650300.htm |title=Isha's Green Salem goes on stream |date=14 December 2010 |work=The Hindu |access-date=25 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130211627/http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/14/stories/2010121450650300.htm |archive-date=30 November 2011}} It organises annual pilgrimages (yatras) to Mount Kailash and the Himalayas under Isha Sacred Walks.{{Cite news |date=2019-09-25 |title=Seekers from around the world meet Sadhguru in Kashi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/seekers-from-around-the-world-meet-sadhguru-in-kashi/articleshow/71309452.cms |access-date=2024-06-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} The Kailash-Manasarovar pilgrimage led by Vasudev is among the largest groups to visit Kailash, with 514 pilgrims making the journey in 2010.{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2009/jun/29/isha-shows-the-way-62983.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904204120/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2009/jun/29/isha-shows-the-way-62983.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 September 2017|title=Isha shows the way |date=29 June 2009 |work=Indian Express |access-date=25 February 2020}}{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_mansarovar-is-beyond-words_1431882 |title=Mansarovar is beyond words|date=1 September 2010 |work=Daily News and Analysis |access-date=25 January 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330221929/http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_mansarovar-is-beyond-words_1431882|archive-date=30 March 2012}} The trip cost up to Rs {{INRConvert|5|m}} per person in 2021, with cheaper options available in which devotees receive limited interaction with Vasudev.{{cite web|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/05/19/trick-of-the-trade-how-sadhgurus-isha-foundation-evades-paying-taxes|title=Trick of the trade: How Sadhguru's Isha Foundation evades paying taxes|date=19 May 2021|last=Goyal|first=Prateek|work=Newslaundry}}

The centre hosts an annual seven-day-long music and dance festival culminating in the all-night celebration of Maha Shivaratri, a major Hindu festival honouring Shiva.{{harvnb|Hudson|Hudson|2017|p=2}}

The foundation sells various products such as yoga mats, personal care products and accessories. Its US chapter reported revenues of $40m in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/621794866|title=Isha Foundation Inc|website=ProPublica|date=9 May 2013 |publisher=Pro Publica, Inc.|access-date=February 26, 2024|quote=Revenue $40,666,829 }} The “business leadership” insights program, in particular, was priced at $6500 per person.{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgy8bw/climate-yoga-celebrity-sadhguru-india-will-smith-trevor-noah|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623093339/https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgy8bw/climate-yoga-celebrity-sadhguru-india-will-smith-trevor-noah|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 June 2022|title=This Climate Guru Is a Celebrity in the US. In India, He's Accused of Destroying a Forest |last=Pundir|first=Pallavi|date=23 June 2022|work=VICE}}

File:PGH nurseries.jpg

Project GreenHands (PGH) was established in 2004 as an environmental organisation. Its activity is largely focused on Tamil Nadu. It received the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar, the Government of India's environmental award, in 2010. Its activities include agroforestry, plant nurseries in schools,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/feb/07/ishas-green-school-movement-kicks-off-in-kanchi-dist-1769618.html |title=Isha's Green School Movement kicks-off in Kanchi district |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=2018-08-15}} and tree-planting in urban centres such as Tiruchirappalli{{Cite news |author=Staff Reporter |date=4 October 2010 |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/Green-Tiruchi-Movement-seeks-to-rectify-ailing-environment/article15768688.ece |title=Green Tiruchi Movement seeks to rectify ailing environment |access-date=15 August 2018 |language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} and Tiruppur.{{Cite news| url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Stalin-inaugurates-Green-Tirupur-Movement/article16539707.ece|title=Stalin inaugurates Green Tirupur Movement |date=25 August 2009 |work=The Hindu |access-date=2018-08-15|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}

Action for Rural Rejuvenation is a health and community-oriented program focusing on rural Tamil Nadu. It was established in 2003, and as of 2010, operated in 4,200 villages with a population of seven million.{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/10/13/stories/2010101352050300.htm |title=Isha Foundation launches Centre-funded project |date=13 October 2010 |access-date=30 October 2010 |work=The Hindu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101016205818/http://www.hindu.com/2010/10/13/stories/2010101352050300.htm |archive-date=16 October 2010 }}{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Jaggi-Vasudev-in-city-on-May-7/articleshow/4431480.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104003158/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-04-21/mysore/28055775_1_isha-foundation-programme-sadguru-jaggi-vasudev |url-status=live |archive-date=4 November 2012 |title=Jaggi Vasudev in city on May 7 |date=21 April 2010 |access-date=30 October 2010 |work=The Times of India}}

Action for Rural Rejuvenation hosts the annual Gramotsavam sports festival in Tamil Nadu, promoting sports as a part of daily life in rural communities to improve mental and physical well-being.{{Cite web| title=Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar for Isha Outreach| work = The New Indian Express| date = 26 September 2018| accessdate=7 August 2021 | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/sep/26/rashtriya-khel-protsahan-puraskar-for-isha-outreach-1877222.html}} In recognition of this effort, Isha received India's National Sports Promotion Award in the Sport for Development category in 2018.{{Cite news| title = Sadhguru's Isha Outreach gets Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar| work = Star of Mysore| accessdate = 2021-08-07| date = 2018-09-26| url = https://starofmysore.com/sadhgurus-isha-outreach-gets-rashtriya-khel-protsahan-puraskar/}}

File:Isha Home School.jpg

Isha Vidhya, an education initiative, aims to raise education and literacy in rural India by providing quality English-language-based, computer-aided education for children. There are seven Isha Vidhya Schools, with around 3000 students.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}} In 2010, the Life Insurance Corporation of India Golden Jubilee Foundation provided a grant for construction at an Isha Vidhya School in Coimbatore.{{cite web |url=http://hindu.com/2010/04/07/stories/2010040751230200.htm |title=LIC gives grant to Isha |date=7 April 2010 |access-date=2 February 2010 |work=The Hindu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410101532/http://www.hindu.com/2010/04/07/stories/2010040751230200.htm |archive-date=10 April 2010 |url-status=dead}} In March 2022, the initiative onboarded Byju's to provide digital learning tools to underprivileged children in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.{{Cite web |title=Edtech firm BYJU's partners with NGO Isha Vidhya to educate children in rural areas |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/edugraph/news/edtech-firm-byjus-partners-with-ngo-isha-vidhya-to-educate-children-in-rural-areas/cid/1856909 |access-date=2022-03-24 |website=www.telegraphindia.com}}

Rally for Rivers was a month-long, nationwide campaign launched by Isha Foundation in 2017 to address the scarcity of water across rivers in India and instill awareness about protecting rivers.{{Cite news |url=https://addieu.com/events/rally-for-rivers-our-major-rivers-are-dying-help-save-our-rivers/255/ |title=Rally for Rivers|date=2017-09-08|work=Addieu|access-date=2017-09-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005001858/https://addieu.com/events/rally-for-rivers-our-major-rivers-are-dying-help-save-our-rivers/255/|archive-date=5 October 2017}} Vasudev launched the campaign on 3 September from Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore.{{cite web|title=Isha Foundation launches 'Rally for Rivers' campaign in city|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/isha-yoga-launches-rally-for-rivers-campaign-in-city/articleshow/59519542.cms |author=Times of India |website=The Times of India |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908222537/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/isha-yoga-launches-rally-for-rivers-campaign-in-city/articleshow/59519542.cms |archive-date=2017-09-08}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/140917/go-green-for-rivers-sadhguru-jaggi-vasudev.html |title=Go green for rivers: Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev |publisher=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=4 January 2018 |date=2017-09-13 }} On 3 October, a river revitalisation draft proposal was presented by Vasudev to Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.{{Cite web |url=http://www.livemint.com/Companies/QtPj7Z5lXVopc9qAKeZQ2K/Indian-economy-not-ready-for-a-startup-epidemic-Sadhguru-Ja.html |title=Indian economy not ready for a startup epidemic: Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev |publisher=Live Mint |access-date=4 January 2018 |date=2017-11-28 }} The states of Karnataka, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Maharashtra and Gujarat signed memorandums of understanding with Isha Foundation to plant trees along river banks.{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/karnataka-isha-foundation-join-hands-to-plant-25-crore-saplings-along-riverbeds/articleshow/60446479.cms |title=Karnataka, Isha Foundation join hands to plant 25 crore saplings along riverbeds |newspaper=Times of India |date=10 September 2017 |access-date=4 January 2018}}{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/developmental-issues/maharashtra-to-organize-tree-plantation-conclave-to-conserve-and-protect-rivers/articleshow/60708752.cms |title=River conservation: Maharashtra to organize tree plantation conclave for awareness |newspaper=Times of India |date=16 September 2017 |access-date=4 January 2018}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/people-govt-should-join-hands-to-save-dying-rivers-says-sadhguru/474807.html |title=People, govt should join hands to save dying rivers, says Sadhguru |publisher=Tribune India |access-date=4 January 2018 |date=2017-09-29 |archive-date=29 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929135610/http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/people-govt-should-join-hands-to-save-dying-rivers-says-sadhguru/474807.html |url-status=dead }}{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/assam-government-inks-mou-with-isha-foundation/articleshow/62123016.cms |title=Assam government inks MOU with Isha Foundation |newspaper=Economic Times |access-date=4 January 2018|date=2017-12-18 |last1=Singh |first1=Bikash }}{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/niti-aayog-ceo-led-group-to-study-isha-foundations-proposals/articleshow/62045210.cms |title=Niti Aayog CEO-led group to study Isha Foundation's proposals |newspaper=Times of India |date=13 December 2017 |access-date=4 January 2018}}{{Cite web |url=http://thehitavada.com/Encyc/2017/11/29/It-is-our-responsibility-to-hold-rainfall-and-allow-it-to-flow-365-days--Sadhguru.aspx |title=It is our responsibility to hold rainfall and allow it to flow 365 days: Sadhguru |publisher=The Hitavada |access-date=4 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051906/http://thehitavada.com/Encyc/2017/11/29/It-is-our-responsibility-to-hold-rainfall-and-allow-it-to-flow-365-days--Sadhguru.aspx |archive-date=22 December 2017 |url-status=dead}} The Niti Aayog and the Ministry of Water Resources constituted committees to study the draft policy proposal.{{Cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-pmo-asks-niti-aayog-to-examine-isha-foundation-s-river-revival-plan-2567199 |title=PMO asks NITI Aayog to examine Isha Foundation's river revival plan |publisher=DNA India |access-date=4 January 2018|date=2017-12-12 }} Under the name Rally for Rivers, a Cauvery calling campaign was organised which would last over a decade. The project mainly focuses on river Kaveri. In November, at a conference in Germany, the executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, Erik Solheim, discussed Rally for Rivers with Vasudev, and how environmental programs around the world could emulate its success.{{Cite web |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/rally-for-rivers-discussed-at-global-landscapes-forum/1216049 |title=Rally for Rivers discussed at Global Landscapes Forum |publisher=Outlook India |access-date=4 January 2018}}

Rally for Rivers has been criticised by environmentalists who allege that it was trying to solve a complex problem with a "shallow solution".{{cite news |title=Indians are incapable of being fanatics |url=https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/indians-are-incapable-of-being-fanatics-1.2162297 |access-date=26 July 2019 |work=gulfnews.com}}

The Cauvery Calling project aims to support farmers in planting an estimated 2.4 billion trees through agroforestry, thereby covering one third of Cauvery basin with trees as a means of conserving it.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}} The project has received acclaim from politicians and members of the movie industry, yet environmentalists and public intellectuals have alleged that it presents a simplistic view of river conservation, sidestepping social issues and ignoring the potential harm to tributaries and wildlife habitats.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/cauvery-calling-ngos-urge-leonardo-dicaprio-to-withdraw-support/article29511545.ece|title=Cauvery Calling: NGOs urge Leonardo DiCaprio to withdraw support|date=2019-09-25|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-10-07|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/environment/leonardo-dicaprio-cauvery-calling-civil-society-groups|title=Civil Society Groups Ask Leonardo DiCaprio to Revoke Support for 'Cauvery Calling'|website=The Wire|access-date=2019-10-14}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/n-ram-questions-jaggi-vasudevs-cauvery-calling-asks-why-it-shifts-goal-posts-112838|work=The News Minute | title=N Ram questions Jaggi Vasudev's Cauvery Calling, asks why it shifts goal posts|access-date=2020-01-02}}

A public interest litigation has also been filed in the Karnataka High Court questioning the legality of the fundraising practices for the initiative, and the usage of government owned land for a private purpose without supporting study.{{Cite web|url=https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/-karnataka-high-court-issues-notice-on-pil-challenging-fund-collection-for-cauvery-calling-project-148186|title=Karnataka High Court Issues Notice On PIL Challenging Fund Collection For 'Cauvery Calling' Project|last=Plumber|first=Mustafa|date=2019-09-18|website=www.livelaw.in|language=en|access-date=2019-10-07}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/140919/pil-filed-against-cauvery-calling-campaign.html|title=PIL filed against Cauvery Calling campaign|date=2019-09-14|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=2019-10-07}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2019/sep/18/pil-to-cap-cash-collection-for-cauvery-calling-project-2035326.html|title=PIL to cap cash collection for 'Cauvery Calling' project|website=The New Indian Express|date=18 September 2019 |access-date=2019-10-07}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/hc-notice-to-state-on-plea-to-examine-isha-foundations-cauvery-calling-project/article29443669.ece|title=HC notice to State on plea to examine Isha Foundation's 'Cauvery Calling' project|date=2019-09-18|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-10-07|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} In January 2020, the High Court ruled that the foundation needed to disclose details of its fundraising practices relating to the initiative.{{Cite news| title = Disclose details of money collected under 'Cauvery Calling': HC to Isha Foundation| work = The New Indian Express| access-date = 2020-02-25| date = 2020-01-08| url = https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2020/jan/08/disclose-details-of-money-collected-under-cauvery-calling-hc-2086658.html}}

The Save Soil movement is an international effort to raise awareness about soil health.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-19 |title=Indian mystic Sadhguru on 100-day motorbike mission to save soil |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/mar/19/indian-mystic-sadhgurus-19000-mile-trip-to-save-soil-aoe |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-05-05 |title='Save Soil' campaign: Sadhguru to address leaders from 195 nations at UNCCD |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sadhguru-speech-global-leaders-unccd-save-soil-7902821/ |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Save Soil |url=https://ishaoutreach.org/en/save-soil |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=ishaoutreach.org |language=en-US}} As part of the campaign, Vasudev completed a 100-day, 30,000 km journey from London to southern India to meet with government officials, international organizations, and interested members of the public.{{Cite news |last= |first= |last2= |last3= |first3= |title=Save Soil Movement Touched 3.2 Billion People: Sadhguru {{!}} Mysuru News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/save-soil-movement-touched-3-2-billion-people-sadhguru/articleshow/92326289.cms |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=The Times of India |date= 20 June 2022|language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-03-22 |title=Indian guru is on a mission to save the Earth's soil |url=https://www.reuters.com/video/watch/idOV638822032022RP1 |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=Reuters Video |language=en}} The United Nations’ Convention to Combat Desertification and the World Food Programme have partnered with the organization to address soil degradation and the associated impacts.{{Cite web |title=Save Soil campaign comes to Bonn |url=https://www.unccd.int/news-stories/multimedia/save-soil-campaign-comes-bonn |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=UNCCD |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=World Food Programme and Isha outreach to partner on food and nutritional security {{!}} World Food Programme |url=https://www.wfp.org/news/world-food-programme-and-isha-outreach-partner-food-and-nutritional-security |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=www.wfp.org |date=23 February 2022 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Growing Support for the #SaveSoil Movement |url=https://consciousplanet.org/our-supporters |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=consciousplanet.org |language=en}} Countries, such as Barbados, and states in India, such as Rajasthan and Gujarat, have signed a memorandum of understanding with Save Soil.{{Cite web |last=Carrington |first=Julie |date=2022-03-15 |title=Government Signs MOU With Save Soil Movement |url=https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/government-signs-mou-with-save-soil-movement/ |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=Barbados Government Information Service |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2022-06-04 |title=After Gujarat, Rajasthan govt inks MoU with Sadhguru's Isha Outreach to 'save soil' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sadhguru-save-soil-mou-rajasthan-isha-outreach-7952635/ |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} In conjunction with these efforts, the foundation has hosted walkathons for Save Soil in cities across North America.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-29 |title=Save Soil Walkathon |url=https://www.tampa.gov/events/save-soil-walkathon/99061 |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=City of Tampa |language=en}}{{Cite web |title='Save Soil' Walkathon pushes for soil conservation |url=https://www.nbc12.com/2022/06/18/save-soil-walkathon-pushes-soil-conservation/?outputType=amp |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=www.nbc12.com| date=18 June 2022 }}{{Cite web |title=Save Soil - Walkathon - Walk For Our Children - The Legacy We Leave Behind |url=https://consciousplanet.org/walkathon |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=consciousplanet.org |language=en}}

Critics have noted that the initiative lacks sufficient engagement with public and private institutions.{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=India: Doubts emerge over spiritual Yogi's environmental mission {{!}} DW {{!}} 29.03.2022 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/india-doubts-emerge-over-spiritual-yogis-environmental-mission/a-61290189 |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=Deutsche Welle (DW) |language=en-GB}}

File:Adiyogi Shiva steel burst 2018.jpg at Isha Foundation's ashram near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.]]

Isha Foundation's headquarters are located in an ashram on the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, adjacent to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, some forty kilometres from the city of Coimbatore in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.{{cite book |last=Berghella |first=Vincenzo |title=Chennai and Coimbatore, India | publisher=Berghella |year=2018 |isbn=978-0-578-20085-9 |oclc=1032025559 |page=69}} The foundation's construction activities at Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore are alleged to have violated rules and regulations on several occasions.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ahead-isha-foundation-s-maha-shivaratri-event-tn-forest-dept-issues-precaution-list-97734?amp|title=Forest department issues notice to Isha foundation |website=thenewsminute.com |date=4 March 2019 |access-date=2019-12-31}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/RY0zSYSF8H7qe2qrtr2QfM/Chorus-grows-louder-against-Modis-visit-to-Isha-Foundation.html|title=Chorus grows louder against Modi's visit to Isha Foundation event in Coimbatore |last=Thangavelu |first=Dharani |date=2017-02-23 |work=Livemint |language=en |access-date=2019-12-31}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/120718/cag-slams-forest-dept-for-isha-foundation-encroachments.html|title=CAG slams forest dept for Isha Foundation 'encroachments'|last=Antony|first=Kathelene|date=2018-07-12|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=2019-12-31}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/isha-foundation-violation-forest-land|title=CAG Slams TN Govt On ISHA Foundations Unregulated Buildings|date=2018-07-11|website=The Quint|language=en|access-date=2019-12-31}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150419/nation-current-affairs/article/row-over-land-given-isha-foundation|title=Row over land given to Isha foundation|date=2015-04-19|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=2020-01-01}}{{Cite web|last=Goyal|first=Prateek|title=How Sadhguru built his Isha empire. Illegally|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/05/17/how-sadhguru-built-his-isha-empire-illegally|access-date=2021-05-17|website=Newslaundry|date=17 May 2021 }} Environmental activists and the local indigenous community have fought against the expansion of the ashram.{{cite web |last1=Pundir |first1=Pallavi |title=This Climate Guru Is a Celebrity in the US. In India, He's Accused of Destroying a Forest. |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgy8bw/climate-yoga-celebrity-sadhguru-india-will-smith-trevor-noah |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623093339/https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgy8bw/climate-yoga-celebrity-sadhguru-india-will-smith-trevor-noah |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 June 2022 |website=vice.com |date=23 June 2022 |access-date=3 July 2022}}

{{further|Adiyogi Shiva statue}}

Vasudev designed the 112-foot Adiyogi Shiva statue at the Isha Yoga Centre. It was inaugurated on Mahashivaratri, 24 February 2017, by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.{{cite news|title=PM Narendra Modi unveils first 112-foot tall Shiva statue in Coimbatore|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-unveil-first-112-foot-tall-shiva-statue-in-coimbatore-on-mahashivratri-5-interesting-facts-to-know/563295/|access-date=1 March 2017|publisher=The Financial Express|date=24 February 2017}}

The statue depicts Shiva as the first yogi or Adiyogi, and first Guru or Adi Guru, who offered yoga to humanity. It was built by the Isha Foundation using 20,000 individual iron plates supplied by the Steel Authority of India{{cite news|url=http://www.covaipost.com/coimbatore/gigantic-statue-of-first-yoga-guru-adiyogi-to-be-unveiled-by-pm/|title=Gigantic statue of first yoga guru Adiyogi to be unveiled by PM|newspaper=The Covai Post|date=8 February 2017}} and weighs around 500 tonnes (490 long tons; 550 short tons). It has been recognised as the "Largest Bust Sculpture" by Guinness World Records.{{cite web|title=Largest bust (sculpture)|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/458751-largest-bust-sculpture|website=Guinness World Records}} A consecrated Shivalinga, Yogeshwar Linga, is at its base.{{cite web|url=http://isha.sadhguru.org/blog/sadhguru/spot/yogeshwar-a-heartless-yogi/|title=Yogeshwar: A Heartless Yogi|access-date=1 March 2017|publisher=Isha Foundation}}

In 2016, a couple claimed that their two adult daughters were held captive at the centre.{{Cite news| title = Jaggi Vasudev's Isha Yoga Centre accused by retired professor of holding his daughter captive| work = Firstpost| access-date = 2020-03-14| date = 2016-08-02| url = https://www.firstpost.com/india/jaggi-vasudevs-isha-yoga-centre-accused-by-retired-professor-of-holding-his-daughter-captive-2929778.html}}{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/My-son-is-being-held-captive-in-Isha-Yoga-Centre-woman-says/articleshow/53603325.cms|title=My son is being held captive in Isha Yoga Centre, woman says|date=August 8, 2016|first=Pratiksha|last=Ramkumar|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-10-05}} The foundation denied the allegation and released a statement by the women asserting they were staying there voluntarily.{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/isha-foundation-denies-allegations-that-yoga-center-is-holding-two-women-captive-2933280.html|title=Isha Foundation denies allegations that yoga centre is holding two women captive|website=Firstpost| date=3 August 2016 |access-date=2019-10-05}} The case was dismissed in court.{{Cite web| title = Isha Foundation gets reprieve as Madras HC dismisses plea centre is holding two women captive| work = Firstpost| access-date = 2020-03-10| date = 2016-08-12| url = https://www.firstpost.com/india/isha-foundation-gets-reprieve-as-madras-hc-dismisses-plea-centre-is-holding-two-women-captive-2952656.html}} Another woman alleged that her adult son was being held captive.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/jaggi-vasudevs-isha-yoga-centre-has-brainwashed-my-son/17509171|title='Jaggi Vasudev's Isha Yoga centre has brainwashed my son'|date=2016-08-09|website=mid-day|language=en|access-date=2019-10-05}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/isha-foundation-holding-my-32-year-old-son-hostage-claims-another-parent-47842|access-date=2019-10-05|title=Isha Foundation is holding my 32-year-old son hostage, claims another parent| work=The News Minute |date=2016-08-08}}

A report by Newslaundry alleges Isha Foundation's structures in Ikkarai Boluvampatti, Coimbatore, are built without proper permission from the Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA), meaning the structures are illegally built.{{cite news |last1=Goyal |first1=Prateek |title=How Sadhguru built his Isha empire. Illegally |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/05/17/how-sadhguru-built-his-isha-empire-illegally |access-date=2022-09-04 |work=Newslaundry |date=2022-05-17}}

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{{Commons category|Isha Foundation}}

• {{official|url=http://www.ishafoundation.org/}}

{{Coimbatore district}}

Category:Yoga organizations

Category:Spiritual retreats

Category:Non-profit organisations based in India

Category:Community-building organizations

Category:Recipients of the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar