Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (1931 – 1990) , or Osho as he preferred to be called, was one of India’s most popular and flamboyant ‘ export gurus ‘ and without double the most controversial.
He followed no particular religion, tradition or philosophy and his often acerbic criticism and dismissal of various religious and political leaders made him many enemies world over. was his advocacy of sex as a path to enlightenment an approach outraged his Indian critics and earned him epithet ‘sex guru’ from the Indian press.
PhilosophyRajneesh used a curious blend of Californian pop psychology and Indian mysticism to motivate his followers. His last technique , tagged The Mystic Rose, involved following a regime of laughing for three hours a day for one week, crying for three hours a day the next week, followed by becoming a ‘ watcher on the hill ‘ (i.e. sitting ) for three hours a day for another week. He felt that it was’ the most important breakthrough in meditation.
The Story So Far
In 1981, Rajneesh went to USA and set up the agricultural commune and ashram of Rajneesh puram in Oregon. It was here that he drew the attention of international media and ashrams notoriety (along with its highly publicised fleet Rolls Royces) grew and grew. In January 1987, Rajneesh took residence at Pune ashram, and soon thousands of foreigners were flocking to attend his nightly discourses and meditation courses. From early 1989 until his death, Rajneesh reverted to silence as he had done so once in America. These days there seems no discrimination against the followers.
In 1981, Rajneesh went to USA and set up the agricultural commune and ashram of Rajneesh puram in Oregon. It was here that he drew the attention of international media and ashrams notoriety (along with its highly publicised fleet Rolls Royces) grew and grew. In January 1987, Rajneesh took residence at Pune ashram, and soon thousands of foreigners were flocking to attend his nightly discourses and meditation courses. From early 1989 until his death, Rajneesh reverted to silence as he had done so once in America. These days there seems no discrimination against the followers.
The Ashram
The Bhagwan Rajneesh’s famous ashram is in a leafy northern suburb of Pune. Styling itself as a ‘Spiritual Health Club’, it has continued to prosper since the Bhagwan’s death in 1990 and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Facilities include swimming pool, sauna, tennis and basketball court, massage and beauty parlour, bistro, bookshop and a five hector Zen garden known as Osho Teerth, open to public from 6am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm.
The Bhagwan Rajneesh’s famous ashram is in a leafy northern suburb of Pune. Styling itself as a ‘Spiritual Health Club’, it has continued to prosper since the Bhagwan’s death in 1990 and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Facilities include swimming pool, sauna, tennis and basketball court, massage and beauty parlour, bistro, bookshop and a five hector Zen garden known as Osho Teerth, open to public from 6am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm.
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