On the website, you see that every time kundalini yoga is mentioned, I specify certified by KRI, that is to say; “Kundalini Research Institute”. The Yoga Barn and I, Yogi Shabad, are the only ones in Quebec accredited to train kundalini yoga and meditation teachers with KRI certification. Any other school training kundalini yoga teachers has usurped and modified the original form. Unfortunately these other certifications do not give access to KRI level 2 training, therefore do not allow teachers of other certifications to progress towards greater spiritual maturity.

Of all the non-profit organizations founded by Yogi Bhajan, KRI is the one responsible for compiling, protecting and disseminating the teachings of kundalini yoga and meditation. KRI was founded in 1972 by Yogi Bhajan and Gurucharan Singh was its first director. The main objective of the KRI is to promote and facilitate access to the teachings of kundalini yoga and meditation to all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, skin color, religion and beliefs. Fundamentally, kundalini yoga is a transformative yogic practice which tends to elevate the consciousness of the practitioner through the healing of the body, mind and soul.

I personally started my kundalini yoga and meditation classes in 1981 and quickly profound changes took place in me. Physically my energy increased and my resistance strengthened. I felt an expansion in my breathing capacity and therefore, greater clarity of mind. This practice has created a profound change of direction in my process of perception and orientation of my life choices.

I started my process of becoming a trainer in 2003. At that time, Nirvair Singh was the Managing Director and Tarn Taran Singh the Operations Manager. These two characters are yogis of great humanity and integrity, for whom I have great respect. It was also in 2003 that KRI published the first edition of its teaching book “The Aquarian Teacher” as a didactic manual for training new kundalini yoga teachers. You must understand that previously, we did not have access to teaching in a structured way in a faculty training program. We had kriya books transcribed by students of Yogi Bhajan and readings recorded on cassettes or VHS distributed by Siri Ved Singh. That same year, the trainer academy took shape to become what it is now. Through its mission, the academy of trainers ensures that all kundalini yoga teachers respect a rigorous professional code of ethics and a yogic lifestyle in accordance with the original teachings. To be integrated into the academy, all teachers must have completed the 5 level 2 training modules and have, at least, accumulated 500 hours of teaching. Once their application is approved, they enter the academy as an intern under the supervision of a main trainer. The more credits they accumulate relating to the Teaching of the Age of Aquarius curriculum, the more they progress and move to the associate level, then professional and finally master trainer.

This process ensures that the transmission of the teachings retains the integrity of their original essence while allowing sufficient latitude for each teacher to color the teachings with their distinct style and personality.

In 2021 a major event shook the foundation of the organization. The allegations of power and sexual abuse against several women around him by Yogi Bhajan were made public. Some did not believe it and others, like me, believed it. As Yogi Bhajan had been deceased since 2004 KRI then took the decision to get to the bottom of the matter by giving a mandate to investigate these allegations to an independent and neutral group, “The Olive Branch”. After conducting numerous interviews with the accusers and defendants they came to the conclusion that:

“Most likely then not, Yogi Bhajan engaged in sexual misconduct”.

Even before knowing the outcome of the investigation into the allegations, KRI had already established a compensation system for the victims of these abuses. Dozens of people were able to access therapy and financial support with the aim of relieving them of their trauma and encouraging them on their path to recovery. 

Following this event, KRI carried out a complete revision of its manuals to reduce the imprint of Yogi Bhajan while recognizing him as its founder.

Although I was deeply shaken by a sense of betrayal by these public revelations of Yogi Bhajan's abusive actions, after careful reflection I also realized that I could not reject the teachings since they had proven effective. However, I have no difficulty in separating the master's teachings.

I am proud to be an active member and to represent KRI in Quebec and to continue to teach the practice of kundalini yoga which has helped several thousand practitioners heal the body, mind and spirit on the path to full awareness.

Sat Nam

Yogi Shabad