Who Was Bhagwan Rajneesh
Bhagwan Rajneesh, later known as Osho, was an Indian philosopher and spiritual teacher born in 1931. He gained a large following by teaching a mix of meditation, mindfulness, and unconventional views on sexuality and religion. His followers often referred to him as the Bhagwan, meaning divine lord.
The Rajneesh Movement and Commune
In the early 1980s, Rajneesh established a large intentional community in Oregon, United States, called Rajneeshpuram. The commune grew rapidly, attracting thousands of international followers and generating significant revenue through donations and businesses. The movement became a major cultural and legal story due to its rapid expansion and internal conflicts.
Legal Issues and Later Life
The Rajneesh commune faced serious legal troubles in 1984 and 1985, including a bio-terror attack and charges of immigration fraud against Rajneesh. After pleading guilty to lesser charges, he was deported from the United States and returned to India. He continued teaching until his death in 1990. More details are available on the Britannica page for Osho Osho biography.
