Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh—later known as Osho—was a figure unlike any other in the 20th-century spiritual world. Hailed by followers as a mystic and condemned by critics as a cult leader, Osho's journey from spiritual teachings in India to a full-blown international scandal in the United States paints a portrait of one of the most polarizing figures in modern history.

Breaking Taboos: Early Teachings and Sexual Liberation

In the late 1960s, Osho began to challenge the foundations of Indian society. Through public talks, he criticized political leaders, religious institutions, and traditional morality. These speeches gained him a loyal following but also stirred national controversy.

Nav Sannyas and the Spiritualization of Sex

Osho founded the Nav Sannyas Movement, promoting radical personal freedom. One of the most provocative elements was his open endorsement of sexual liberation as a spiritual path. His book "Sambhog se Samadhi ki Ore" (From Sex to Superconsciousness) further fueled backlash by linking carnal pleasure with divine enlightenment.

Pune Ashram: A Hub of Freedom or Abuse?

Established in 1974, the Pune ashram became a haven for over 30,000 global devotees. Inside, Osho's therapies included what he described as emotional and physical release sessions.

Allegations from Former Disciples

• Rosalyn Smith, a resident in the 1980s, claimed women were psychologically manipulated into sexual acts.

• David Battel described witnessing sexual assaults under the guise of spiritual practice.

• Former participants reported widespread STDs like gonorrhea and herpes.

These revelations, backed by medical evidence, stained the ashram’s spiritual image and drew scrutiny from Indian authorities.

Clash with the Indian Government

The rise of Prime Minister Morarji Desai, an ideological opponent of Osho, led to intensified governmental crackdowns. Tax raids, property seizures, and mounting legal cases forced Osho into a corner.

In 1981, he left India and embarked on a bold new experiment: building a city of his own in the American wilderness.

Rajneeshpuram: A Utopian Nightmare in Oregon

In the remote deserts of Oregon, Osho’s followers constructed Rajneeshpuram—a self-sufficient commune complete with police, fire stations, and shopping centers. Workers toiled without pay, donating their savings to this spiritual utopia.

Controlling Sexuality and the Shadow of Disease

Osho, burned by Pune’s controversies, reportedly restricted sexual practices in Rajneeshpuram. However, rumors of AIDS transmission within the commune persisted.

The Bioterror Attack: A Dark Turning Point

In 1984, Osho's secretary, Ma Anand Sheela, was accused of orchestrating the worst bioterror attack in U.S. history:

• Salad bars in 10 Oregon restaurants were contaminated with Salmonella.

• 711 people fell ill; 45 were hospitalized.

• The aim? To lower voter turnout and win a local election.

While Sheela was sentenced to 20 years, Osho denied involvement. Nevertheless, the fallout would mark the beginning of the end.

Arrest, Deportation, and Global Exile

In 1985, U.S. authorities arrested Osho for immigration fraud as he attempted to flee. Held in multiple jails over 12 days, his passport was seized, and at America’s request, 21 countries banned his entry. In January 1987, he returned to Pune, now a spiritual exile.

Mystery and Suspicion: The Death of Osho

Osho died on January 19, 1990, at the age of 60. But even in death, controversy lingered:

• No proper postmortem was conducted.

• His personal physician was not present at the time of death.

• Family members—including his mother and brother—were not informed or allowed to see him.

Journalist Abhay Vaidya detailed these inconsistencies in his book "Who Killed Osho?" suggesting the possibility of poisoning and hasty funeral arrangements to cover up the truth.

Adding to the mystery, a female devotee, Prem Nivan, died under questionable circumstances just 40 days prior—allegedly from a drug overdose, followed by equally rushed funeral rites.

Legacy: Philosopher or Fraud?

Despite the turbulence, Osho remains a revered thinker among his followers. His teachings on love, mindfulness, and inner freedom continue to inspire. His discourses on science, religion, and politics remain intellectually stimulating.

Yet, the legacy is double-edged. For some, he was a misunderstood mystic. For others, a manipulative cult figure who pushed the boundaries of decency, legality, and human vulnerability.