In recent years, former students of Vishrant and his organisation, the Vishrant Buddhist Society, have come forward with deeply troubling accounts of manipulation, exploitation, and emotional abuse. While some acknowledge that Vishrant has experienced a profound awakening to fundamental consciousness, the serious harm reported within his community cannot be ignored.
This exposé aims not only to inform potential seekers but also to call for formal investigation and legal accountability.
Emotional Abuse Disguised as “Spiritual Teaching”
Former students consistently report that Vishrant’s so-called "encounter" sessions — positioned as truth-telling opportunities — were often emotionally abusive. Students were humiliated, degraded, and verbally attacked in front of others under the guise of helping them confront their egos.
When students objected to the use of demeaning language, they were told it was their "trip" or a sign of unhealthy beliefs. Public shaming became normalised as an essential aspect of growth, creating an environment of fear, emotional dependency, and control.
This is not authentic spiritual teaching — it is abuse.
Interference in Personal Relationships
Vishrant reportedly exerted inappropriate control over students' personal lives, often directing them in their relationships, including instructing them to cut ties with family or romantic partners. Dissent was met with public humiliation and the threat of emotional exile from the group.
One disturbing example involved a student being pressured to physically harm their pet dog at Vishrant’s command — a gross violation of personal autonomy and a concerning indicator of abusive leadership.
Exploitation of Labour, Time, and Money
Students were expected to dedicate massive amounts of unpaid labour to Vishrant’s projects — under the guise of "service" — while also paying for expensive satsangs and communal meals. Requests for time off were met with guilt-tripping and accusations of spiritual weakness.
Critically, all volunteer work was directed towards expanding Vishrant’s private wealth, including renovating his properties, rather than serving any broader public good. Meanwhile, many students struggled financially, while Vishrant’s personal assets grew.
This was not selfless service — it was systemic exploitation.
Lack of Professional and Ethical Standards
Despite using therapeutic techniques such as deep emotional encounters, Vishrant holds no qualifications as a licensed mental health professional. His practices lacked trauma-informed care, ethical safeguards, or any external accountability.
Former students report significant psychological harm, including lasting trauma, depression, and anxiety. No independent support structures were available to address grievances or protect students' wellbeing.
Cult Dynamics and Psychological Control
Multiple testimonies reveal that the Vishrant Buddhist Society exhibits classic signs of cult dynamics:
Trauma bonding through cycles of shame and reward.
Isolation by encouraging students to sever outside relationships.
Fear and guilt used to maintain control.
Vilification of those who questioned, criticised, or left the group.
Students who left often faced emotional devastation, financial hardship, and years of recovery — all while Vishrant and his society refused any duty of care.
A Registered Charity Making Over $700,000 a Year
Shockingly, the Vishrant Buddhist Society is registered as a charity in Australia and recorded over $700,000 in revenue in recent financial years.
Given the serious allegations of abuse, manipulation, and financial exploitation — and the fact that volunteer work appears to primarily benefit Vishrant’s private assets — this charity status demands immediate, independent investigation.
Charitable organisations are meant to operate for the public benefit, not for personal enrichment or to foster exploitative, harmful environments.
Closing words
Spiritual awakening cannot be used to justify abuse, manipulation, or exploitation. True spiritual teachers act with humility, integrity, and a profound duty of care to their students.
The testimonies against Vishrant are serious, credible, and demand immediate action.
It is time to expose the harm. It is time to hold Vishrant accountable.