Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, Indian guru and mystic (b. 1931)

Osho: An Enriched Biography of a Controversial Mystic

Originally known as Chandra Mohan Jain, born on December 11, 1931, and passing on January 19, 1990, Rajneesh transitioned through various appellations including Acharya Rajneesh and Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, before ultimately embracing the name Osho. The moniker "Osho" is derived from William James's term "oceanic," signifying dissolving into the ocean, or it can also be interpreted as "the blessed one." He emerged as a prominent Indian spiritual teacher, mystic, and the visionary founder of what became known as the Rajneesh movement, a new religious movement that gained global recognition.

A Life of Controversy and Transformative Teachings

Throughout his active years, Rajneesh was frequently perceived as a highly controversial leader within new religious movements and a mystic Guru. His philosophy fundamentally rejected the rigid structures and dogmas of institutional religions, advocating instead for an individualistic spiritual path. Rajneesh passionately championed several core human qualities, which he believed were often stifled by conventional belief systems, religious traditions, and societal conditioning. These included:

• Freethought: Encouraging individuals to question, explore, and form their own beliefs rather than blindly accepting inherited doctrines.
• Meditation: Promoting diverse meditation techniques, including unique "Dynamic Meditations," designed to release accumulated tensions and bring about heightened awareness.
• Mindfulness: Emphasizing living consciously in the present moment.
• Love and Celebration: Advocating for an uninhibited experience of life, marked by joy and acceptance.
• Courage: The bravery to live authentically and challenge societal norms.
• Creativity: Fostering an environment where individual expression could flourish.
• Humour: Viewing laughter and lightheartedness as essential components of spiritual growth.

A significant source of controversy, particularly in India during the late 1960s, stemmed from his remarkably open and progressive stance on human sexuality. Challenging conservative social norms, he advocated for a more natural and accepting attitude towards sexuality, which earned him the controversial epithet "the sex guru" in the public eye.

Early Engagements and the Emergence of Neo-Sannyasins

During the 1960s, Rajneesh extensively toured India as a dynamic public speaker. He became widely recognized for his outspoken criticisms, not only of mainstream political ideologies but also specifically of Mahatma Gandhi's principles, particularly Gandhi's emphasis on austerity and non-violence, which Rajneesh perceived as potentially leading to weakness. He was equally critical of the prevailing orthodoxy within established religions.

In 1970, a pivotal shift occurred as Rajneesh began initiating followers, whom he termed "neo-sannyasins," in Mumbai. Unlike traditional sannyasins who renounce the world, Rajneesh's "new sannyasins" were encouraged to embrace life fully while cultivating inner awareness. During this period, he significantly expanded his spiritual teachings, delivering countless discourses that delved deeply into the wisdom of various global religious traditions, ancient mystics, fervent Bhakti poets, and renowned philosophers, drawing insights from Zen Buddhism to Tantra, and from Sufism to Yoga.

The Pune Ashram Era: A Global Hub of Transformation

By 1974, Rajneesh established a permanent base in Pune, India, founding an ashram that quickly evolved into a vibrant international spiritual center. This ashram became renowned for offering a wide array of innovative therapies, many of which incorporated methodologies from the Human Potential Movement – a therapeutic framework that emphasizes the exploration of human potential and personal growth through experiential processes like encounter groups and Gestalt therapy. These offerings attracted a rapidly growing following, predominantly from Western countries, eager to engage in deeper self-exploration.

However, by the late 1970s, the ashram's rapid expansion and unconventional lifestyle led to mounting tensions with the then-ruling Janata Party government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai. This governmental friction resulted in the curtailment of the ashram's development plans and a substantial back tax claim, estimated at $5 million, signaling a period of significant conflict for the movement in India.

The Rajneeshpuram Experiment in the United States

Facing escalating pressure in India, the Rajneesh movement strategically shifted its focus to the United States in 1981. Rajneesh himself relocated to a vast, ambitious facility named Rajneeshpuram, situated in Wasco County, Oregon. This commune was envisioned as a self-sufficient utopian city.

Almost immediately upon its establishment, Rajneeshpuram became embroiled in intense conflicts with local county residents and the Oregon state government. These disputes centered on issues such as land use regulations, political control, and the perceived paramilitary nature of the commune's security force. A succession of complex legal battles regarding the ashram's construction and continued expansion severely hampered its intended success and public image.

The situation escalated dramatically in 1985 with the revelation of a series of severe crimes orchestrated by key figures within his inner circle. These incidents included a deliberate mass food poisoning attack using salmonella bacteria, targeting local residents to influence an election – an event recognized as the first and largest bioterror attack in U.S. history. There was also an aborted assassination plot against U.S. Attorney Charles H. Turner. In the wake of these revelations, Rajneesh publicly accused his personal secretary, Ma Anand Sheela, and her close associates, of being responsible for these illicit activities. Subsequently, he was deported from the United States in accordance with an Alford plea bargain, where he maintained his innocence but acknowledged that the prosecution possessed sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.

Post-Deportation Journey and Final Return to Pune

Following his deportation from the United States, Rajneesh embarked on a challenging global journey, being denied entry by a remarkable 21 different countries. This extensive period of travel and rejection underscored the international repercussions of the Rajneeshpuram controversies.

He ultimately returned to India in 1986, initially residing in a disciple's home in Mumbai for six months, where he resumed his insightful discourses. In January 1987, he made his final return to the ashram in Pune, which he revived and where he continued his work until his death in 1990.

Enduring Legacy and the OSHO International Meditation Resort

Today, Rajneesh's original ashram in Pune thrives as the OSHO International Meditation Resort, a global destination for meditation and personal growth. All associated intellectual property, including his vast body of teachings, is meticulously managed by the registered Osho International Foundation (formerly known as the Rajneesh International Foundation). Rajneesh's profound teachings have left an undeniable and lasting impact on Western New Age thought, influencing approaches to spirituality, self-help, and personal liberation. Reports indicate that the popularity of his teachings continued to grow significantly between the time of his death and 2005, reflecting a sustained global interest in his unique spiritual philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Osho and the Rajneesh Movement

Who was Osho, and what were his original names?

Osho, born Chandra Mohan Jain on December 11, 1931, was an Indian spiritual teacher, mystic, and the founder of the Rajneesh movement. He was also known as Acharya Rajneesh and Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh before adopting the name Osho, which means "oceanic" or "the blessed one."

What was Osho's core philosophy?

Osho advocated for freethought, individual spiritual exploration, and a rejection of institutionalized religion. His core philosophy emphasized meditation (including dynamic techniques), mindfulness, love, celebration, courage, creativity, and humour, believing these qualities were suppressed by static belief systems and societal conditioning.

Why was Osho considered controversial?

Osho was controversial due to his outspoken criticism of traditional religions and political ideologies, his unconventional lifestyle, and particularly his open views on human sexuality, which earned him the nickname "the sex guru" in conservative India. Later controversies in the US, including criminal activities by his followers, also contributed to his controversial public image.

What was Rajneeshpuram, and what happened there?

Rajneeshpuram was a large, self-sufficient commune established by the Rajneesh movement in Wasco County, Oregon, USA, in 1981. It became a site of significant conflict with local residents and state authorities over land use and political power. The commune gained notoriety for serious crimes committed by Osho's inner circle, including the first large-scale bioterror attack in US history (salmonella poisoning) and an assassination plot. These events led to Osho's deportation from the US.

What is the OSHO International Meditation Resort?

The OSHO International Meditation Resort is the current name for Rajneesh's original ashram in Pune, India. It serves as a global center for meditation, personal growth, and spiritual exploration, continuing to offer various workshops and therapies based on Osho's teachings. It is managed by the Osho International Foundation.