Narcis Tarcau
‘Under Swami’s spell’: 14 tourists claim sexual assault by guru at Thai yoga retreat
In the beginning, Agama Yoga was paradise for most who walked through its gates; a haven on the Thai island of Koh Phangan that embraced ancient tantric teachings under the watchful eye of its charismatic leader, the guru Swami Vivekananda Saraswati.
But beneath the surface, it seems this was no ordinary yoga school. Sixteen former pupils and staff who have spoken to the Guardian have said they felt a “sex cult” was operating inside Agama.
The 14 women and two men claim that for 15 years the retreat facilitated sexual assault, rape and misogynistic teachings, allegedly “brainwashing” hundreds of women into having sex with the Swami – whose real name is Narcis Tarcau – in the name of helping them achieve enlightenment.
After 31 women submitted testimonials alleging abuse to Agama, the school first tried to deal with it internally, but have now launched an independent inquiry .
Tarcau is understood to have left Koh Phangan in July, when several women went public with the allegations of abuse at Agama, and is no longer in Thailand. He could not be reached directly for comment.
TANIKO Madagascar 