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The Serpent Rising: A Journey Of Spiritual Seduction
In 1973, Mary Garden abandoned a promising academic career to spend seven years in India at the feet of such gurus as Rajneesh, Sathya Sai Baba and an enigmatic yogi in the Himalayan jungle - Swami Balyogi Premvarni. The Serpent Rising is her own story of the heaven and hell she experienced as she fell under the spell of self-appointed 'god-men'. What was thought to be a passing fad of the 1960s and 1970s has not disappeared. People still search for something better, and still surrender their minds and bodies to gurus and yoga teachers. The #MeToo movement has exposed countless men guilty of sexual harassment and assault. Now #MeToo is shaking the yoga world and gurus who claim to be enlightened, but who are in fact sexual predators. Most of their groups are sex cults. Recent documentaries such as Wild Wild Country (Rajneesh/Osho), Yogi, Guru, Predator (on Bikram Choudhury) and The Vow (Keith Ranierre, Nxivm) shine a light on how easy it is to fall under the spell of these charlatans.
254 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 11, 2020
The Serpent Rising: A Journey of Spiritual Seduction (Sid Harta Publishers 2003) is a memoir by Mary Garden about her time as a young woman in the 1970’s when she spent years living in India searching for her personal guru and looking for spiritual enlightenment. Leaving her family in New Zealand and a promising academic career, Garden travelled the Indian continent practising yoga and meditation, and (literally) sitting at the feet of infamous gurus such as Sathya Sai Baba, Rajneesh and Swami Balyogi Premvarni. She eschewed all personal possessions, was given a new name and continually sought true enlightenment as she followed the teachings of these ‘god-men’, like thousands of other Westerners alongside her. But what she discovered – eventually – was very far from the bright light of truth and wholesomeness. Rather she became ensnared in a web of psychological mind control, physical and sexual abuse (even resulting in an abortion) and mind-altering emotional pain and scarring. This is her story of those years – her searching and yearning self, her indecision and self-doubt, her eternal optimism for the truth, and her clear-eyed knowledge – in hindsight – that the majority of ashrams, yogis and gurus were nothing but charlatans and narcissistic, power-hungry and dangerous self-appointed leaders who preached one thing and practised something else entirely. This book is an interesting account of what really goes on behind the scenes and raises the pure and chaste veil to reveal the true nature of these cult-like communities and the damage they inflicted on already traumatised and vulnerable followers.
January 10, 2021
Like a purple storm rolling in from the ocean, this book began as a mild breeze, but ended somewhere close to cataclysmic. From the outset, the narrator’s dilemma is an honest one: she is young and confused and searching for spiritual meaning to her life. Following a recommendation from her homeland contacts in New Zealand, she takes off to India to find her higher spiritual purpose. After months of waiting to attract the attention of Sai Baba, she catches the gossip from an American ex pat living in Bangalore, warning her of the Baba’s peculiar and sexually menacing ways. Alerted to the truth, she hightails it out of Bangalore. But in a train journey north to Delhi, she suffers the ignominy of losing her passport and cash and brings her wounded pride to bear on the New Zealand High Commission. They take pity on her and offer relief. Perhaps they wish to warn her that her journey should end there, but soon she is back on her spiritual quest again, this time north to the Himalayas.
Once we are introduced to her Himalayan guru’s ways, the pace quickens, his menace increases and now the narrator fights for her life, both on a spiritual and physical level. The manipulation is laid bare and now we see the guru’s truly callous nature, the duplicity of his ‘service’ to Western women.
In a prose style that is simple yet compelling, Mary Garden holds her private life up for public scrutiny and does so in a fresh, brave and achingly honest way.
Highly recommended.
Once we are introduced to her Himalayan guru’s ways, the pace quickens, his menace increases and now the narrator fights for her life, both on a spiritual and physical level. The manipulation is laid bare and now we see the guru’s truly callous nature, the duplicity of his ‘service’ to Western women.
In a prose style that is simple yet compelling, Mary Garden holds her private life up for public scrutiny and does so in a fresh, brave and achingly honest way.
Highly recommended.
October 13, 2019
This book is absolutely riveting. I can relate to so much of the story, although I went in search of love and spiritual growth in South America rather than India. This is a fast-paced and fascinating look at the allure of gurus and spiritual cults and how easily a vulnerable person can find themselves caught up in abusive and even life-threatening situations. It also provides a visceral portrayal of Indian life and is a very entertaining - and at times shocking - read. Highly recommended!
October 11, 2019
If you have ever been or are currently on a spiritual journey, looking for life's answers READ THIS BOOK.
Mary survived years of spiritual, phychological and physical abuse by so called 'gurus'.
Mary's story is unbelievably shocking, yet totally relatable and urgently insightful with a beautiful ending that needs to be shared.
This book could save your life.
Mary survived years of spiritual, phychological and physical abuse by so called 'gurus'.
Mary's story is unbelievably shocking, yet totally relatable and urgently insightful with a beautiful ending that needs to be shared.
This book could save your life.
May 5, 2024
I decided to read The Serpent Rising after reading My Father’s Suitcase in which Mary Garden talks about the violent physical abuse inflicted on her by her younger sister, Anna.
Mary was a brilliant student but having been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder she was finding it hard to cope with life. She stumbled on Eastern mysticism at an Ashram in New Zealand, after which she decided to travel to India in a search of enlightenment.
The Serpent Rising is an absolutely fascinating story about a vulnerable young woman who needed help in recovering from a childhood of not being heard while an enormous, far reaching problem was unfolding within her own family. Unfortunately, Mary’s vulnerability was soon seized upon by an unscrupulous guru (and there were plenty of those around) and she relates her extraordinary tale with stunning clarity. I could see India in technicolor as I read, with the mighty Ganges flowing down from the mountains and the profusion of flowers and shrubs all around, as well as the dirt and the dust of the crowded cities.
This is a memoir like no other I’ve read. It is sad, moving, powerful and, ultimately, hopeful.
Published by Justitia Books
Mary was a brilliant student but having been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder she was finding it hard to cope with life. She stumbled on Eastern mysticism at an Ashram in New Zealand, after which she decided to travel to India in a search of enlightenment.
The Serpent Rising is an absolutely fascinating story about a vulnerable young woman who needed help in recovering from a childhood of not being heard while an enormous, far reaching problem was unfolding within her own family. Unfortunately, Mary’s vulnerability was soon seized upon by an unscrupulous guru (and there were plenty of those around) and she relates her extraordinary tale with stunning clarity. I could see India in technicolor as I read, with the mighty Ganges flowing down from the mountains and the profusion of flowers and shrubs all around, as well as the dirt and the dust of the crowded cities.
This is a memoir like no other I’ve read. It is sad, moving, powerful and, ultimately, hopeful.
Published by Justitia Books
December 5, 2020
This is an excellent book that tells a story that needs to be told. I would recommend it to anyone interested in cults or anyone looking for a guru. Easy to read and well written, it seemed a little slow at first but well worth the read.
February 26, 2015
Powerful
December 30, 2020
A knockout read about how one woman found her voice in the face of gurus, nations, religion and her own fears.
February 5, 2025
The Serpent Rising: A Journey of Spiritual Seduction by Mary Garden is a gripping and thought-provoking memoir that takes readers through the complex, dangerous journey of spiritual seeking and manipulation. Garden’s candid and powerful writing sheds light on the vulnerability she faced, her search for healing, and the manipulative hold that a self-proclaimed guru had over her.
The memoir begins with Garden’s troubled past, marked by post-traumatic stress and childhood experiences that left her emotionally scarred. Seeking solace and enlightenment, she is drawn to Eastern mysticism and eventually makes the life-altering decision to travel to India in search of spiritual awakening. What initially appears to be a path to healing quickly becomes a descent into psychological manipulation under the influence of Swami Balyogi Premvarni, a guru who, instead of helping her find peace, exploits her vulnerability for his own gain. Garden’s portrayal of her time under the control of Premvarni is both heartbreaking and chilling. As she narrates her emotional and physical entrapment, readers can feel the depth of her distress, confusion, and the overwhelming sense of powerlessness that comes from being deceived by someone she trusted. It’s clear that the guru’s charm and authority masked a darker, more sinister side, and it’s a testament to Garden’s strength that she was able to break free from his grasp.
What sets The Serpent Rising apart is not just the emotional and physical abuse Garden endured but the deeper exploration of the psychological tactics employed by these figures of authority. Premvarni’s manipulation, combined with Garden’s deep-seated need for healing, makes for a toxic mixture that is heartbreaking to witness. The author doesn’t shy away from the painful reality of what it feels like to be under such a person’s control. She gives readers an inside look at how these gurus can draw in vulnerable seekers with promises of enlightenment, only to twist their trust for personal gain.
The author’s journey toward breaking free from Premvarni’s influence is a testament to her strength and resilience. The process of self-discovery and healing that Garden goes through is both harrowing and empowering. Her ability to confront her trauma and reflect on it with clarity is what makes The Serpent Rising such an impactful read. Garden doesn’t just tell a story of victimhood but also offers hope and redemption by sharing how she reclaimed her life after escaping the cycle of manipulation. What I appreciated most about this memoir is how it goes beyond just recounting a story of abuse in a spiritual setting. It’s an exploration of human vulnerability, the search for meaning, and the dangers of unchecked authority. Mary Garden’s writing is raw, reflective, and incredibly brave. The way she describes her journey to escape from this toxic environment is filled with pain but also courage, making the memoir resonate deeply with anyone who has ever experienced emotional or psychological manipulation.
Overall, The Serpent Rising is an eye-opening, emotionally charged account of the dark side of spiritual seeking. It’s a powerful reminder that not all gurus or spiritual guides have good intentions, and that it’s important to stay aware of the dangers of placing blind trust in figures of authority. Garden’s writing is captivating and will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of spiritual journeys and the importance of self-awareness.
The memoir begins with Garden’s troubled past, marked by post-traumatic stress and childhood experiences that left her emotionally scarred. Seeking solace and enlightenment, she is drawn to Eastern mysticism and eventually makes the life-altering decision to travel to India in search of spiritual awakening. What initially appears to be a path to healing quickly becomes a descent into psychological manipulation under the influence of Swami Balyogi Premvarni, a guru who, instead of helping her find peace, exploits her vulnerability for his own gain. Garden’s portrayal of her time under the control of Premvarni is both heartbreaking and chilling. As she narrates her emotional and physical entrapment, readers can feel the depth of her distress, confusion, and the overwhelming sense of powerlessness that comes from being deceived by someone she trusted. It’s clear that the guru’s charm and authority masked a darker, more sinister side, and it’s a testament to Garden’s strength that she was able to break free from his grasp.
What sets The Serpent Rising apart is not just the emotional and physical abuse Garden endured but the deeper exploration of the psychological tactics employed by these figures of authority. Premvarni’s manipulation, combined with Garden’s deep-seated need for healing, makes for a toxic mixture that is heartbreaking to witness. The author doesn’t shy away from the painful reality of what it feels like to be under such a person’s control. She gives readers an inside look at how these gurus can draw in vulnerable seekers with promises of enlightenment, only to twist their trust for personal gain.
The author’s journey toward breaking free from Premvarni’s influence is a testament to her strength and resilience. The process of self-discovery and healing that Garden goes through is both harrowing and empowering. Her ability to confront her trauma and reflect on it with clarity is what makes The Serpent Rising such an impactful read. Garden doesn’t just tell a story of victimhood but also offers hope and redemption by sharing how she reclaimed her life after escaping the cycle of manipulation. What I appreciated most about this memoir is how it goes beyond just recounting a story of abuse in a spiritual setting. It’s an exploration of human vulnerability, the search for meaning, and the dangers of unchecked authority. Mary Garden’s writing is raw, reflective, and incredibly brave. The way she describes her journey to escape from this toxic environment is filled with pain but also courage, making the memoir resonate deeply with anyone who has ever experienced emotional or psychological manipulation.
Overall, The Serpent Rising is an eye-opening, emotionally charged account of the dark side of spiritual seeking. It’s a powerful reminder that not all gurus or spiritual guides have good intentions, and that it’s important to stay aware of the dangers of placing blind trust in figures of authority. Garden’s writing is captivating and will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of spiritual journeys and the importance of self-awareness.
March 23, 2025
Book Review: The Serpent Rising: A Journey of Spiritual Seduction by Mary Garden
Uncensored, readable portrayal of a spiritual quest, disenchanted and self-discovery is Mary Garden's The Serpent Rising. The personal record depicts years in the 1970s in India-the time place where she went for divine enlightenment under various gurus and spiritual traditions but end up with manipulations, exploitation, and some darker areas of really blind faith.
Writing thus creates imagery. It immerses readers into her journey with the very vivid use of words on ashrams, mystical experiences, and the intoxicating lure of spiritual devotion. It captures the vulnerability seekers who are drawn to charismatic figures like Sai Baba and other self-proclaimed enlightened masters where fairness becomes psychological and emotional complexity in surrendering one to the spiritual path.
The interiority of the book is yet another compelling one. Just that she does not simply narrate events, she reflects about her own motives, desires, and those societal forces that pushed many young Westerners toward Eastern mysticism in search of meaning. The narrative resonates with contemporary debates on cult dynamics and power imbalances and the exploitation often hidden behind spiritual facades.
It is such a fascinating, unsettling as well as thought-provoking book that anyone who would like to see the spirituality in power and transformation should read it. The frank way in which Garden narrates means even today, this memoir would be relevant.
Uncensored, readable portrayal of a spiritual quest, disenchanted and self-discovery is Mary Garden's The Serpent Rising. The personal record depicts years in the 1970s in India-the time place where she went for divine enlightenment under various gurus and spiritual traditions but end up with manipulations, exploitation, and some darker areas of really blind faith.
Writing thus creates imagery. It immerses readers into her journey with the very vivid use of words on ashrams, mystical experiences, and the intoxicating lure of spiritual devotion. It captures the vulnerability seekers who are drawn to charismatic figures like Sai Baba and other self-proclaimed enlightened masters where fairness becomes psychological and emotional complexity in surrendering one to the spiritual path.
The interiority of the book is yet another compelling one. Just that she does not simply narrate events, she reflects about her own motives, desires, and those societal forces that pushed many young Westerners toward Eastern mysticism in search of meaning. The narrative resonates with contemporary debates on cult dynamics and power imbalances and the exploitation often hidden behind spiritual facades.
It is such a fascinating, unsettling as well as thought-provoking book that anyone who would like to see the spirituality in power and transformation should read it. The frank way in which Garden narrates means even today, this memoir would be relevant.
August 19, 2025
This intimate memoir reveals both the cultural alienation and seductive appeal of Indian spirituality. A valuable, cautionary tale for seekers.
Having experienced something similar (also in Rishikesh) and read memoirs about Rajneesh and Yogi Bhajan, I’m still amazed how the pattern of malignant narcissistic spiritual abuse repeats itself in a similar form across dynamics of coercive control.
Having experienced something similar (also in Rishikesh) and read memoirs about Rajneesh and Yogi Bhajan, I’m still amazed how the pattern of malignant narcissistic spiritual abuse repeats itself in a similar form across dynamics of coercive control.
December 22, 2022
Great book, very well written by conveying delicate feelings in various situations and timelines. Astonishing insight of what has happened to the writer, a young individual back then ... A powerful story of truth and bravery. Bravo Mary!
July 15, 2023
This gripping memoir kept me up late turning the pages! It is unflinchingly honest - about spiritual and sexual abuse and the extraordinary mystical highs that can keep one entranced. I highly recommend it.
April 16, 2021
A cautionary tale.
June 6, 2024
A bit slow to get into, but an interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews