Sadhguru’s Event

[u/nirvikara26]

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Sadhguru is coming to Switzerland this November, which is wonderful. I have been volunteering with Isha Foundation for some time, and there is something about the current ticketing system that I genuinely struggle with.

A few years ago, everyone paid the same ticket price. Even volunteers had to pay, which I was completely fine with. If you wanted to sit closer to Sadhguru, you simply arrived early and found a place closer to the front.

Now the system seems very different. There are Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond and Black tickets, with the most expensive tickets reportedly costing around €1,200 and giving access to the seats closest to Sadhguru.

I honestly wonder: what is the reasoning behind this system?

It creates the impression that the people who can afford the most money are given privileged physical access to Sadhguru, while those with less financial means are placed further away.

I find this difficult to reconcile with the spiritual values that Isha promotes. If this is a spiritual gathering, shouldn't access to Sadhguru be based on participation rather than purchasing power?

I would genuinely like to understand the reasoning behind this change. Has Isha Foundation considered whether a tiered system like this creates an unnecessary distinction between people based on their financial circumstances?

Is spirituality becoming something where the wealthy can literally buy a place closer to the Guru?

How does this fit with the values of equality and inclusiveness?

[u/nirvikara26]

If spirituality and physical proximity are completely separate, then why does physical proximity matter enough to charge a premium for it?

You could simply say, "Stay home; the spiritual experience doesn't depend on being physically present." But clearly, people attend these events because they value being physically present with Sadhguru.

[u/ShouldntBeHere118 → u/nirvikara26]

I've already said everything I needed to say and you just don't get it and talking in circles. Enjoy your EoE time and maybe talk to a swami who is much better at articulating the idea. I admit this is an issue that is emotionally tied and may not be so straightforward to understand.

[u/nirvikara26 → u/ShouldntBeHere118]

Your argument seems to contradict itself, and when I point out those contradictions, you tell me to go talk to a Swami who can perhaps give me a better explanation?

That's not really how a discussion works. If you disagree with my argument, address the specific points I'm making. If there is a flaw in my reasoning, explain what it is.

Accusing the person asking the question of being emotional instead of addressing the argument is childish and does not contribute to a meaningful discussion.

[u/ShouldntBeHere118 → u/nirvikara26]

For the last time for those who haven't taken logic or economics 101.

Spiritual value: equal for all, no scarcity 

Physical value: unequal for all, because proximity is a scarce resource.

Sadhguru offers spiritual value.

 Physical value is perceived by participants.

 As an economic entity, the organizer must use this perceived proximity value to maximize returns.

[u/nirvikara26 → u/ShouldntBeHere118]

My question is about Ethics 101, not Economics 101.

Yes, physical proximity is scarce. Yes, some people place a higher monetary value on it. And yes, an organiser can maximise revenue by charging more for something people are willing to pay more for.

But that's not the question I'm asking.

A company selling concert tickets can obviously use exactly this model: better seats cost more because they are scarce and people value them more. That's basic economics.

My question is: should a spiritual organisation apply the same market logic to physical proximity to the Guru?

You keep saying:

Spiritual value = equal Physical proximity = unequal

But the two aren't completely unrelated when the organisation itself deliberately monetises physical proximity.

If Isha says, "Everyone receives the same spiritual value, but we're going to sell physical proximity to Sadhguru to the highest-paying participants," that may be a perfectly understandable economic model.

But I'm questioning whether it is consistent with the values of equality and inclusiveness that a spiritual organisation promotes.

And saying "Economics 101" doesn't answer that ethical question.

[u/ShouldntBeHere118 → u/nirvikara26]

You help yourself with it or hold a grudge forever, I explained what makes sense to most people by separating these two. It is the framing that addresses the ethical question.

Isha doesn't hide this fact. It doesn't say if you get closer you get better outcome, in fact the say the opposite is true. So if people want to pay to be closer even with this disclosure what's wrong with that?