The Source Family
Fronted by the charismatic Father Yod (an ex-marine called James Baker), the Source Family was heavily influenced by the teachings of Yogi Bhajan and sprung up as part of the Californian Free Love movement in the 60’s. The ownership of a successful vegetarian restaurant (which grossed an incredible $10,000 a day at its peak) allowed Yod and his mainly young followers to cultivate a psychedelic commune in a mansion in the Hollywood Hills. Their basic principles revolved around “Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll”, with sexual intercourse while on drugs seen as a way to reach a higher (heh) plane. They even formed a band called Ya Ho Wha 13, reportedly popular with the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire.
The family moved to Hawaii in 1974 and just a year later, Father Yod was dead. Despite having no previous hang gliding experience, the patriarch of the group launched himself off the eastern shore of Oahu and crash-landed on the beach. He died nine hours later.
Check out the trailer for the fascinating 2013 documentary The Source Family here
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