By the late 1970s, Osho's popularity had grown immensely, drawing thousands of seekers from around the world to his ashram in Pune, India. However, as his teachings became more provocative, challenging societal norms, and organized religion, he faced increasing resistance from Indian authorities. The government was wary of his growing influence, and the media portrayed him as a controversial figure whose teachings threatened traditional values.
In 1981, amidst growing tensions in India and health concerns requiring advanced medical care, Osho and his close associates made the bold decision to relocate to the United States. This move marked the beginning of one of the most controversial chapters in Osho’s life.
The Creation of Rajneeshpuram in the US
Osho’s secretary and confidante, Ma Anand Sheela (Sheela Ambalal Patel), spearheaded the search for a suitable location in the U.S. for establishing a new commune. After extensive exploration, they purchased the Big Muddy Ranch, a 64,000-acre property in Wasco County, Oregon, for $5.75 million. The commune, named Rajneeshpuram, was envisioned as a utopian city that would embody Osho’s teachings.
The vast, arid land was transformed into a thriving community through immense effort and investment. Rajneeshpuram featured:
- A modern meditation hall.
- A reservoir for water supply.
- Homes, dormitories, and restaurants.
- A state-of-the-art airport.
- Agricultural lands for self-sufficiency.
Rajneeshpuram was intended to be self-sustaining, fostering a harmonious blend of spirituality, communal living, and material success. Thousands of disciples, or "sannyasins," relocated to the commune, leaving behind their previous lives to follow Osho's teachings. The commune’s members dressed in maroon and orange robes, symbolizing their devotion to their guru and their shared purpose.
Osho’s Lifestyle in the United States
While Rajneeshpuram developed into a bustling community, Osho lived in relative seclusion during the early years of his stay in the U.S. He stopped giving public discourses, opting instead to focus on his health and personal meditative practices.
Osho’s lifestyle attracted considerable attention. Known for his love of luxury, he lived in a sprawling mansion within the commune and amassed a collection of nearly 100 Rolls-Royces, earning him the nickname "Rolls-Royce Guru." This extravagant display of wealth contrasted sharply with traditional notions of spiritual asceticism and became a focal point for criticism from the media and outsiders.
Conflicts with the Local Community
From the outset, the establishment of Rajneeshpuram faced resistance from the local population. The commune’s rapid growth, unusual practices, and the influx of thousands of sannyasins created unease among the predominantly conservative residents of Wasco County.
Key concerns included:
1. Land Use and Zoning Laws: Critics argued that the ranch, zoned for agricultural use, was being illegally converted into a city. Rajneeshpuram’s leaders countered these claims, insisting that their activities complied with legal requirements.
2. Cultural Differences: The stark contrast between the lifestyles and beliefs of the Rajneeshees and the local residents led to suspicion and hostility.
3. Political Power Struggles: The commune’s leaders encouraged sannyasins to register as voters in Wasco County, aiming to influence local elections. This move heightened tensions, as residents feared losing political control.
The Role of Ma Anand Sheela
Ma Anand Sheela, Osho’s fiercely loyal secretary, played a central role in the administration of Rajneeshpuram. Sheela’s combative and often aggressive approach to dealing with opposition earned her both admiration from fellow sannyasins and infamy among outsiders.
Sheela’s leadership was characterized by bold, controversial actions aimed at protecting the commune’s interests. She regularly engaged in public confrontations with local officials and residents, accusing them of bigotry and discrimination against the Rajneeshees.
Controversies and Scandals
The tensions between Rajneeshpuram and the outside world culminated in a series of scandals that would ultimately lead to the commune’s downfall.
The “Share-a-Home” Program
Facing resistance from local authorities, the commune initiated the “Share-a-Home” program, inviting homeless individuals from across the U.S. to join Rajneeshpuram. The goal was twofold: to provide humanitarian aid and to bolster the commune’s voting base in Wasco County.
While the program initially appeared altruistic, critics accused the Rajneeshees of exploiting vulnerable individuals for political gain. The program also strained the commune’s resources, leading to internal unrest and heightened scrutiny from authorities.
Bioterrorism Attack
In 1984, tensions reached a breaking point when members of the commune were implicated in a bioterrorism attack. Rajneeshee leaders orchestrated a deliberate contamination of salad bars in The Dalles, Oregon, with salmonella bacteria, sickening over 750 people. This attack, aimed at incapacitating voters and influencing local elections, was the largest bioterrorism incident in U.S. history.
The attack shocked the nation and drew intense scrutiny to Rajneeshpuram. While Osho later denied any involvement, the incident severely damaged the commune’s reputation.
Internal Power Struggles
By 1985, tensions within the commune’s leadership began to surface. Sheela and her close associates were accused of mismanagement, corruption, and criminal activities. Sheela abruptly left Rajneeshpuram and fled to Europe, leaving behind a trail of allegations.
Following Sheela’s departure, Osho broke his silence and publicly condemned her actions. He accused her of betrayal, power-hungry behavior, and orchestrating illegal activities without his knowledge. These revelations further destabilized the commune.
Osho’s Arrest and Deportation
In October 1985, Osho was arrested in Charlotte, North Carolina, on charges of immigration fraud. The U.S. government alleged that Osho and his associates had orchestrated sham marriages to circumvent immigration laws.
Faced with the prospect of a lengthy trial, Osho entered a plea bargain, admitting to two counts of immigration fraud. He paid a substantial fine and agreed to leave the United States. His deportation marked the end of Rajneeshpuram, which was soon dismantled.
The Aftermath of Rajneeshpuram
The collapse of Rajneeshpuram left a lasting impact on both Osho’s followers and the local community. For many sannyasins, the experience was both transformative and disillusioning. While some continued to follow Osho, others distanced themselves from the movement.
The legal battles and scandals surrounding Rajneeshpuram tarnished Osho’s reputation, casting him as a controversial and divisive figure. However, his teachings continued to attract followers worldwide, and his works gained renewed interest in the years following his death.
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