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]
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 educational 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 schools 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]
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]
^ abRichter, Anka (23 April 2017). "'Sensual bodyworkers' are sexual practitioners helping Kiwis have better love lives". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
^ ab"About ISTA". ISTA. 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
^Dez, Baba (2014). "About Me". Babadez. Archived from the original on 12 March 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
^"Baba Dez Nichols". ISTA. 2015. Archived from the original on 11 March 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
^"Vom Frauenarzt zum Gigolo: Wenn der erste Orgasmus erst mit 40 kommt". Brigitte (in German). 7 April 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
^"Denmark ISTA Spiritual Sexual Shamanic Experience Level 1 -". ISTA. 25 May 2017. Archived from the original on 12 April 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
^"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.
^ abWhitehurst, Patrick (15 July 2011). "Sedona Temple granted permit". Sedona Red Rock News. Archived from the original on 22 June 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
^ abcEcho, The (4 August 2023). "The accidental cult tourist". Byron Shire Echo. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
^ ab"Complainants warn against 'sacred sexuality' courses at International School of Temple Arts". NZ Herald. 22 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
^"'He Said That if I Stroke Him Men Would Want Me': The Dark Truth Behind the 'Sacred Sexuality' Community". Haaretz. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
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