International School of Temple Arts – Critical Commentary & Awareness

Disclaimer: This site is NOT affiliated with the official International School of Temple Arts (ISTA). It is an independent platform for critical commentary, education, and awareness.

Our Mission ↩︎

We are a group of concerned individuals and advocates dedicated to raising awareness about the alleged harms and abuses associated with the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA). Our mission is to ensure that the public and potential ISTA participants have access to information about the controversies surrounding this organization, so they can make informed decisions and stay safe.

We believe in promoting consent, safety, and accountability in all spiritual and sexual wellness practices. By shining a light on the experiences of former ISTA participants and the reports from investigative journalists, we hope to encourage transparency and positive change. This site provides a respectful, fact-based space to discuss and learn about these issues in the public interest.

What is ISTA? ↩︎

The International School of Temple Arts (ISTA) is an organization founded in 2007 that offers workshops on “spiritual sexual shamanic” training around the world. ISTA describes itself as promoting sexual healing and healthy attitudes towards sex through its intensive courses and retreats. Many participants seek empowerment and personal growth through these methods.

However, in recent years ISTA has faced serious allegations and criticism regarding its practices. Numerous former students and even some ex-teachers have spoken out about experiences of manipulation, sexual misconduct, and psychological harm during ISTA courses. Critics have raised concerns that the group’s methods can blur personal boundaries and pressure participants into uncomfortable or unsafe activities.

Statements & Legal Documents ↩︎

Dr. Steven Hassan – Video Statement on ISTA Renowned cult-expert applies the BITE model, labelling ISTA as "problematic" and outlining safety steps (Sept 2023, 14 min).
Israeli Center for Victims of Cults – Public Statement on ISTA Warns of manipulation, group-sex “healing” rituals, animal abuse claims; urges potential attendees to exercise caution (Sept 8 2023).
U.S. Bankruptcy Court (AZ) – Memo Opposing Motion to Quash Subpoena Details allegations that ISTA serves as founder’s alter-ego and diverts workshop income to offshore investments (Jun 11 2024).

Media Coverage & Reports ↩︎

Key Investigative Articles

The Cut / New York Magazine – “The Neo-Tantric Sex Group That Promised to Change” Landmark exposé revealing coercion, group-sex rituals and consent abuses inside ISTA (Feb 28 2025).
Haaretz (Israel) – “‘He Said That If I Stroke Him, Men Would Want Me’” In-depth Israeli investigation linking sacred-sexuality therapists (incl. ISTA personnel) to assault allegations (Sept 10 2022).
OnlySky – “International School for Temple Arts: Sacred-Sexual Community, or Cult?” Examines ISTA’s power structure, finances and claims of “transformational” sexuality through a cult-analysis lens (Nov 2 2022).
OnlySky – “Questioning a Shamanic ‘Love Camp’ at Auschwitz” Critiques a planned ISTA “Wild Love” workshop at Auschwitz and ethics of sexual spirituality at genocide sites (Jan 23 2023).
Becky Garrison (Substack) – “Bringing Sacred Sexual Abuses Within” Investigative essay connecting ISTA allegations to wider patterns of abuse in the sacred-sexuality scene (Mar 15 2025).

Media – Podcasts & Interviews ↩︎

YouTube – Panel on ISTA at Decult Conference 2024 Bronwyn Rideout from the NZ Skeptics and Dave Booda from 3SC (Safer Sex-Positive & Spiritual Communities) gave a presentation about ISTA (International School of Temple Arts) and similar large group awareness trainings (LGATs), with video input from activists Shany Kedar and Mordechai Braunstein. It was recorded at the first Decult conference in Christchurch (New Zealand). May 2024, 32 min.
IndoctriNation - Cult Hopping Chronicles pt. 1: A Journey Through Control and Liberation with Cara Cardoni "In this compelling episode, Rachel engages in a deep and revealing conversation with Cara Cardoni, a certified leadership coach and survivor of multiple cult experiences. This is part one of their two-part discussion, where Cara shares her journey through the labyrinth of cults, from her early encounters with a charismatic individual in San Francisco to her experiences with organized religions and large group awareness trainings. As Cara recounts her story, she reflects on the psychological manipulation and emotional hooks that kept her entangled in these environments for years. She candidly discusses the allure of belonging and the seductive nature of charismatic leadership, revealing how her vulnerabilities were exploited and how her journey led her to form the organization 3SC, advocating for safer spiritual communities. Throughout the episode, Rachel and Cara delve into the complexities of human connection, the desire for validation, and the often unseen dynamics that drive individuals toward controlling relationships. Cara's insights illuminate the importance of self-awareness and the need to reclaim one's power after experiencing manipulation and coercion. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the ongoing journey of healing and self-discovery."
IndoctriNation - Cult Hopping Chronicles pt. 2: Unraveling The Threads Of Control with Cara Cordoni "In this powerful conclusion to Rachel's conversation with Cara Cordoni, the complexities of navigating high-control environments are brought to light. Cara, a seasoned leadership coach and survivor of multiple cult experiences, shares her harrowing journey through the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA) and the manipulative tactics employed within such groups. Picking up from the previous episode, Cara details her experiences with coercive practices that blur the lines of consent and personal agency. Throughout their discussion, Rachel and Cara unpack the psychological impact of being pushed into uncomfortable situations under the guise of personal growth. Cara reflects on her initial excitement about ISTA's promises of sexual and spiritual liberation, only to find herself entangled in a web of emotional manipulation and boundary violations. They delve into the dangerous dynamics of groupthink, the pressure to conform, and the insidious normalization of harmful practices that can lead to profound emotional distress. As they explore the aftermath of these experiences, Cara emphasizes the importance of community support and the need for accountability within such organizations. She shares her work with 3SC, which aims to collect harm reports and advocate for safer practices in spiritual spaces. This episode serves as a crucial reminder of the resilience required to reclaim one's voice and agency after experiencing manipulation and coercion. For anyone seeking to understand the nuances of consent, personal agency, and the potential dangers of high-control groups, this episode offers invaluable insights and a call to action for greater awareness and advocacy."
YouTube – Survivor Testimony on ISTA Retreats First-person account of boundary violations and the aftermath (Jan 2025, 14 min).

International Media Coverage

Radio New Zealand – “Complainants Warn Against ‘Sacred Sexuality’ Courses” Former NZ students and facilitators detail emotional & sexual abuse at ISTA (Oct 27 2022).
DV (Iceland) – “Samtök með skuggalega fortíð auglýsa kynlífs-sjamanisma námskeið á Íslandi…” Icelandic warning about ISTA's workshops amid claims of abuse & animal sacrifice (Nov 23 2024).
DV (Iceland) – “Kynlífs-sjamanisma námskeiðin voru haldin á Sólheimum…” A follow-up. Concerns after ISTA course hosted at a sanctuary for people with special needs (Nov 30 2024).
die tageszeitung (TAZ, DE) – “Missbrauch in der Tantra-Szene” German feature on systemic abuse across neo-tantra groups, spotlighting ISTA’s methods (Apr 3 2024).
20 Minuten (CH) – “Ex-Miss Schweiz spannte für Festival mit Tantra-Sekte zusammen” Reports how a Swiss celebrity unwittingly promoted an ISTA-affiliated festival and later faced backlash (Sept 13 2024).
20 Minuten (CH) – “Mahara McKay distanziert sich von Sex-Tantra-Guru” Follow-up: public distancing and apology from former Miss Switzerland after learning of ISTA allegations (Nov 7 2024).

Terms of Use & Disclaimer ↩︎

This website is a non-commercial, public-interest project. It is intended for educational and informational purposes as a form of criticism and commentary. Use of the name “International School of Temple Arts” (ISTA) is for identification and critique only, under the principles of nominative fair use and free expression. We are not endorsed by or affiliated with ISTA in any way.

All content on this site, including quoted materials and references, is used under the doctrine of fair use for commentary, criticism, and news reporting. This site does not engage in any commercial activity and does not profit from the use of ISTA’s name or any related content. By accessing this site, you acknowledge that the materials provided are opinion and commentary intended to be protected as free speech.

If you are a representative of ISTA or an individual mentioned on this site and have concerns about any material, please contact us to request a correction or clarification. We are committed to accuracy and fairness and will review any concerns brought to our attention.