Isha questioned by commission

Representatives from the Isha Institute of Inner-sciences appeared before the Warren County Commission Monday night, responding to a wide range of questions from local leaders during a public question-and-answer session.

The discussion, which touched on property taxes, religious inclusivity, past allegations and the group’s local impact, marked Isha’s most visible public engagement with county government since its establishment on Harrison Ferry Mountain nearly 20 years ago.

Speaking on behalf of Isha were President Usha Doshi, board member Senthil Kumar, and community representative Tim Ross. Doshi opened the meeting with an overview of Isha’s mission and growth in Warren County since 2005, while Ross outlined future plans for expansion. The conversation then shifted to a series of questions from commissioners.

Commissioner Chris Rippy asked about local engagement, to which Ross estimated that approximately 5–10% of attendees at monthly programs are Warren County residents, though the recent Yoga Fest had a much larger local turnout. Commissioner Tommy Savage inquired about community health fairs, and Ross confirmed plans are underway to host another, noting they are currently seeking local partners.

When asked by Commissioner Carlene Brown how much Isha has paid in taxes locally, Ross stated the organization has paid over $15 million since 2005, largely through property and state sales tax as well as the recently adopted occupancy tax which has added nearly $14,000 to county coffers since March – including over $10,000 in May. This sparked a follow-up from Commissioner Kenny Moffitt, who questioned a discrepancy between the $450,000 figure listed in a recent press release and the county’s reported $221,000 in property taxes. Ross clarified that the press release referenced taxes paid across four counties and also included contributions by individual homeowners on the mountain.

Commissioner Charles Dotson asked why Isha had taken two decades to present before the commission. Ross acknowledged the delay and attributed it to the organization’s focus on physically building the center, starting from modest beginnings.

“We listened to you,” Ross said. “It’s high time we came out and started to talk and let you know what we’re doing.”

The most pointed question came from Rippy, who asked directly whether there was any truth to allegations of abuse involving Sadhguru or Isha leadership. Ross denied the allegations outright, calling them “totally false,” and added that the organization is currently engaged in civil litigation against former residents for defamation.

Commissioner Scott Kelly asked whether residents were required to sign non-disclosure agreements. Kumar responded that NDAs are limited to management roles and are intended to protect the intellectual and structural investment made over decades by volunteers. He emphasized that residents are not required to relinquish possessions and that many live independently while participating in the center’s activities.

When asked by Commissioner Brad Hillis about residency requirements, Kumar debunked local rumors that residents must surrender their assets to join the community, saying most residents maintain their personal property and work outside the center.

On the topic of local investment, Moffitt asked for specific examples of Isha’s involvement in Warren County beyond the mountain. Kumar acknowledged limited engagement in the early years but said efforts like river clean-ups have increased in recent years as the center has grown. “We’re looking to do our part in the community,” he said.

Commissioner Blaine Wilcher raised concerns about Isha’s religious inclusivity, particularly from the perspective of a predominantly Christian community. Ross, who identified as a lifelong churchgoer, responded that Isha is not in conflict with any religion, including Christianity. He stated the center would be open to Bible studies or Christian prayer services if there is interest.

When asked by Kelly whether Isha would allow an outside church to offer a Bible study on site, Kumar confirmed they would welcome that kind of engagement.

The evening concluded with Commissioner Christy Ross asking about past allegations involving Isha’s operations in India. Kumar replied by emphasizing the local center’s integrity and commitment to transparency, detailing a suicide which had occurred on the property in the past which did not involve a community member.

Following the discussion, several commissioners and Isha representatives seemed to agree the meeting served its intended purpose, allowing the opportunity for the Isha Institute to clarify its practices and engage directly with the Warren County government. Isha invited the commission, as well as any other Warren County residents curious about their community, to visit at any time, including their next scheduled free yoga day, which is set for Aug. 30. The institute is open 365 days a year from 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.

(The Main Street Journal's Jeff Simmons contributed to this article.)