Rajiv Malhotra’s U‑Turn Theory explains a recurring pattern in how Indian knowledge systems are studied, stripped of their roots, and rebranded in Western contexts. The process unfolds in three stages:
Immersion in Indian Thought — Scholars first study Indian traditions deeply, often living among practitioners and absorbing the philosophy.
De‑contextualization — The knowledge is then detached from its Hindu/Indic framework, presented as “universal spirituality” or “scientific technique.”
Re‑contextualization — Finally, it is rebranded within a Western religious or secular mold, such as “Christian Yoga” or “Mindfulness Meditation.”
This cycle not only erases the civilizational context but also sidelines the original custodians of the knowledge.
Spiritualism: Confessions of Appropriation
Several prominent figures in the West have privately acknowledged drawing directly from Indian traditions:
Stephen LaBerge — Marketed Nidrā Yoga practices under the label “Lucid Dreaming.”
Herbert Benson — Repackaged Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Transcendental Meditation as the “Relaxation Response.”
Jon Kabat‑Zinn — Presented Vipassanā techniques as “Mindfulness Meditation,” now a billion‑dollar wellness industry.
Organic Farming: Learning from India
The appropriation is not limited to spiritual traditions. In agriculture, too, Indian knowledge was absorbed and rebranded:
Sir Albert Howard — Often hailed as the “father of organic farming,” Howard came to India a century ago intending to teach farming. Instead, he admitted he was learning from Indian farmers. His writings, including An Agricultural Testament, acknowledge this debt (source).
Why the U‑Turn Matters
The U‑Turn Theory highlights how intellectual property and cultural heritage can be appropriated when context is stripped away. Practices like Yoga, Meditation, and Organic Farming are not merely techniques but expressions of a civilizational worldview. Recognizing their origins ensures respect for the traditions and communities that nurtured them.
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