130. Andrew Cohen

Andrew Cohen (1955–2025) was a spiritual teacher and the founder of EnlightenNext, an organization associated with his teaching of “Evolutionary Enlightenment.” He was a student of H. W. L. Poonja and wrote several books, including My Master Is My Self and Evolutionary Enlightenment. I interviewed Andrew in July 2012. Soon afterward, serious accounts emerged from former students describing a harmful and coercive culture within EnlightenNext. In light of those accounts, I removed this interview from the BatGap site. I have decided to restore it following Andrew’s death, not as an endorsement or a minimization of the harm experienced by former members, but because he appeared to make sincere efforts in later years to confront his behavior and change. These included therapy, ayahuasca work, a willingness to take ordinary jobs when necessary, and participation in the candid documentary How I Created a Cult, which includes difficult testimony from former members and is far from flattering to him. This interview is being made available as a historical record. As always, viewers are encouraged to exercise discernment and form their own conclusions. Books by Andrew Cohen: My Master Is My Self Enlightenment Is a Secret An Unconditional Relationship to Life Freedom Has No History Embracing Heaven & Earth Living Enlightenment Evolutionary Enlightenment: A New Path for Spiritual Awakening Interview conducted 7/14/2012