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Osho
Osho or Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh was born in 1931 in Central India. He was a charismatic and gifted speaker who
became the leader of a worldwide new spiritual movement. It is said that at the age of 21 he attained enlightenment or
Samadhi. At the time he was studying philosophy at the University of Saugar. On receiving a masters degree he taught
philosophy at the University of Jabalpur for nine years.
As well as teaching philosophy he also began to attract disciples to follow his own eclectic mix of philosophy and
religion. In 1966 he decided to leave his teaching post and give full attention to his role as spiritual Master. In 1974 he
moved with his disciples to Pune, India. Here he established a new ashram in a comfortable setting of 6 acres. In 1980 he
was attacked by a Hindu fundamentalist who disagreed with Osho’s unconventional stance on religion and spirituality.
It is said that due to police incompetence the assailant was never convicted.
Due to failing health Osho decided to leave India for America where he would be able to receive better medical
treatment. His disciples bought a large plot of land near Antelope, Oregon. Here they wished to build a large ashram
and other buildings. There was often friction between the local townspeople and the ashramites. There was a clash of
cultures and the local townspeople felt threatened by the influx of devotees. Because of this many building permits
were denied. This led to ashramites trying to get elected directly to the town council. There were also allegations made
that followers of Osho were involved in illegal activities such as spreading salmonella in a local restaurant. More
seriously there were allegations of Murder made against some followers of Osho. Two were eventually convicted of the
murder of Charles Turner who had tried to close the ranch.
Be realistic: Plan for a miracle.
In 1987 Osho became fearful of investigation by the authorities so he decided to leave the compound in Oregon and went
to South Carolina. Here he fell foul of US immigration law. He had arranged false marriages and other violations of
immigration laws. He was given a suspended sentence on the condition that he leave the country. Therefore he
reluctantly decided to leave for Puna in India. It was at this time that he decided to change his name from Rajneesh to
Osho. This is said to be a Japanese word for “Master”, although others say Osho comes from the term “oceanic experience”
Osho died in 1990, his birth certificate gave a reason of heart failure. Although some followers alleged poisoning by the
U.S, but these allegations had little evidence to support them.
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Zen is an effort to become alert and awake.
Abhi Sharma