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International School of Temple Arts

The International School of Temple Arts (ISTA) is an organization which describes itself as promoting sexual healing and healthy attitudes towards sex.[1] ISTA claims its workshops participants in the spiritual aspects of sex.[2]

International School of Temple Arts
AbbreviationISTA Edit this on Wikidata
Established2007 Edit this on Wikidata (17 years ago)
Typesnonprofit organization Edit this on Wikidata
HeadquartersSedona Edit this on Wikidata
CountryUnited States Edit this on Wikidata
Websiteista.life Edit this on Wikidata
Baba Dez Nichols, the founder of ISTA, in 2019

ISTA was founded in 2007 by Baba Dez Nichols in Arizona, as an international non-profit organization.[2][3][4]

ISTA teachings are influenced by Neotantra and western interpretations of shamanism.[5][6][7]

Nudity and other practices believed to occur at ISTA have caused controversy and opposition to establishment of ISTA seminars at some locations.[8] The week-long workshops held by ISTA are not welcomed by many of those who are uncomfortable with counterculture and New Age practices.[8][1]

Controversy

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Journalist Anke Richter stated to the Byron Shire Echo that "There was a covert harem culture at ISTA. Male pioneers surrounded themselves with young female lovers, often from their trainings, who were then accelerated to apprentices and facilitators".[9] Some senior members of the organisation have been accused of performing sex acts on meeting participants without consent or pressuring them to consent to sex acts.[9][10][11] One woman said that she had been raped by a teacher after he drugged her with MDMA.[9] In 2021 the organisation said that they had implemented a policy of not allowing Temple Training teachers to have sex with participants.[10]

ISTA's Response to Controversy

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In November 2024, ISTA issued a public response addressing several controversies related to its activities. These included claims and reports featured in European and New Zealand media outlets, allegations that ISTA operates as a cult, and a declaration made by the Israeli Center for Cult Victims regarding the organization. The response also addressed public support for this declaration by Steven Hassan, a recognized expert on cult dynamics. Additionally, ISTA responded to allegations of harassment by critics targeting its venues, staff, and participants, as well as accusations concerning ceremonial animal sacrifice rituals and Satanism at its trainings. Finally, the organization clarified its involvement in the planned "Shamanic Love Camp", an event proposed to take place at Auschwitz concentration camp, which ultimately did not come to fruition.[12]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Richter, Anka (23 April 2017). "'Sensual bodyworkers' are sexual practitioners helping Kiwis have better love lives". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  2. ^ a b "About ISTA". ISTA. 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2018.[permanent dead link‍]
  3. ^ Dez, Baba (2014). "About Me". Babadez. Archived from the original on 12 March 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  4. ^ "Baba Dez Nichols". ISTA. 2015. Archived from the original on 11 March 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  5. ^ "Vom Frauenarzt zum Gigolo: Wenn der erste Orgasmus erst mit 40 kommt". Brigitte (in German). 7 April 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  6. ^ "Denmark ISTA Spiritual Sexual Shamanic Experience Level 1 -". ISTA. 25 May 2017. Archived from the original on 12 April 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  7. ^ "Wer bin ich ohne meine Ängste?" [Who am I without my fears?]. SZ Magazin (in German). 25 November 2017. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
  8. ^ a b Whitehurst, Patrick (15 July 2011). "Sedona Temple granted permit". Sedona Red Rock News. Archived from the original on 22 June 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  9. ^ a b c Echo, The (4 August 2023). "The accidental cult tourist". Byron Shire Echo. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  10. ^ a b "Complainants warn against 'sacred sexuality' courses at International School of Temple Arts". NZ Herald. 22 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  11. ^ "'He Said That if I Stroke Him Men Would Want Me': The Dark Truth Behind the 'Sacred Sexuality' Community". Haaretz. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  12. ^ https://ista.life/ista-responds. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
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