Chasing Nirvana: A Conversation with Author Priya Hutner

The Mindful Readers Book Club returns on October 21 at 6 p.m. with a special guest, local author Priya Hutner. She is the author of Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss and Liberation, a firsthand account of her journey seeking spiritual awakening and her entanglement with a female guru-led cult. The book follows her experience from becoming involved with the group to eventually escaping its oppressive control and reclaiming her personal power.

This is a deeply personal account of Priya’s life, and it is a riveting story. Once I started reading, I was captivated. I couldn’t put it down. The book offers a glimpse into the appeal and magnetism of a cult leader and the culture created through manipulation and control.

It was especially touching to me because Priya is my friend. To hear her recount how the guru used spiritual teachings, many of which I know from my own yoga and Vedic training, to manipulate and control others was appalling. It goes against everything these teachings are meant to represent, turning spiritual wisdom into a means of serving the guru’s own ego.

Our upcoming Mindful Readers Book Club gathering will be an opportunity to explore Priya’s story more deeply. She will join us to discuss the book, its themes and featured practices, and answer questions from the group.

There is still time to read Chasing Nirvana or listen to the audiobook before our October 21 gathering. I'm looking forward to hosting Priya and sharing what I think will be an engaging, thought-provoking, and inspiring conversation.