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 – 2023 Public Statement on ISTA (English) (Hebrew) . Warns of manipulation, group-sex “healing” rituals, animal abuse claims; urges potential attendees to exercise caution (Sept 8 2023).
Israeli Center for Victims of Cults – 2025 Updated Statement about ISTA (English) (Hebrew) . Updated statement addressing ISTA’s request for an “update” and outlining remaining concerns (Nov 27 2025).
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).
Politis (Cyprus) – “ISTA in Cyprus: Sacred Sexuality or a Pattern of Harm?” Cyprus feature/reporting on ISTA events in Paphos, referencing international coverage and survivor accounts (Katerina Nicolaou, Nov 23 2025).
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
IndoctriNation - Cult Hopping Chronicles pt. 2: Unraveling The Threads Of Control with Cara Cordoni
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).
Haaretz (Israel) – “‘He Said That If I Stroke Him, Men Would Want Me’” (English) (Hebrew) In-depth Israeli investigation linking sacred-sexuality therapists (incl. ISTA personnel) to assault allegations (July 2022).
Bali News.co.id – “ISTA’s Secretive Retreats in North Bali: Controversial ‘Sexual Shamanic’ Workshops in Bali Spark Abuse and Cult Allegations” Report on ISTA trainings promoted in North Bali, and the wider international allegations and concerns raised by critics (Jun 18 2025).
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.