Rajneesh

Rajneesh[1†]

Rajneesh, also known as Osho, was an Indian Godman, philosopher, and mystic, born Chandra Mohan Jain on December 11, 1931. He founded the Rajneesh movement and was a controversial religious leader who rejected institutional religions, advocating for dynamic meditation and a life without attachment. Known as "the sex guru" for his progressive views on sexuality, Rajneesh experienced a spiritual awakening at 21 and later resigned from academia to travel India, criticizing mainstream religious orthodoxy. He passed away on January 19, 1990[1†][2†].

Early Years and Education

Rajneesh, born as Chandra Mohan Jain on 11 December 1931 in Kuchwada, Bhopal State, British India[2†][1†], was an intellectually curious child. From a young age, he visited and absorbed insights from teachers of various religious traditions active in India[2†].

He pursued his higher education at the University of Jabalpur, where he studied philosophy[2†]. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955[2†]. After his graduation, he continued his academic journey at the University of Saugar, where he earned a Master of Arts degree[2†]. He began teaching at the University of Jabalpur in 1957[2†].

Rajneesh’s intellectual curiosity and academic pursuits were not limited to the classroom. At the age of 21, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening[2†][1†]. This event significantly influenced his philosophical outlook and later teachings[2†].

Career Development and Achievements

In 1966, Rajneesh resigned from his post at the University of Jabalpur and began traveling throughout India, becoming known as a vocal critic of the orthodoxy of mainstream religions[1†]. He became a guru and a teacher of meditation[1†][2†]. In the early 1970s, he initiated people into the order of sannyasis, who traditionally renounced the world and practiced asceticism[1†][2†]. However, Rajneesh reinterpreted the idea of being a sannyasi in terms of detachment rather than asceticism[1†][2†]. He taught his disciples to live fully in the world without being attached to it[1†][2†].

The first Westerners came to Rajneesh in the early 1970s, and in 1974 the new headquarters of his movement was established in Pune[1†][2†]. The basic practice taught at the center was called dynamic meditation, a process designed to allow people to experience the divine[1†][2†]. The center also developed a diversified program of New Age healing adopted from the West[1†][2†]. Rajneesh became well-known for his progressive approach to sexuality, which contrasted with the renunciation of sex advocated by many other Indian teachers[1†][2†].

In 1981, the Rajneesh movement’s efforts refocused on activities in the United States and Rajneesh relocated to a facility known as Rajneeshpuram in Wasco County, Oregon[1†]. The movement ran into conflict with county residents and the state government, and a succession of legal battles concerning the ashram’s construction and continued development curtailed its success[1†].

In 1985, Rajneesh publicly asked local authorities to investigate his personal secretary Ma Anand Sheela and her close supporters for a number of crimes[1†]. Authorities later convicted several members of the ashram, including Sheela[1†].

First Publication of His Main Works

Osho was only the author of Booklets, all his books are transcriptions or works based on the talks he gave during his lifetime.

Here are some of the books derived from his work:

• “From Sex to Superconsciousness” (1969): A journey from physical desire to spiritual awakening[6†].
• “The Book of Secrets” (1974): 112 meditation techniques based on Tantra[6†].
• “The Mustard Seed” (1975): Gnostic teachings of Jesus the Mystic[6†].
• “The Book of Woman” (1976): A thought-provoking exploration of femininity beyond stereotypes[6†].
• “Courage: The Joy of Living Dangerously” (1977): Encouraging fearlessness and embracing life fully[6†].
• “Tao: The Golden Gate” (1978): Interpreting the ancient Tao Te Ching for modern seekers[6†].
• “The Book of Children” (1996): Supporting the freedom and intelligence of a new generation[6†].
• “Living Dangerously” (1997): Ordinary enlightenment for extraordinary times[6†].
• “Maturity” (1999): Taking responsibility for being oneself and embracing maturity[6†].
• “Book of Man” (1999): Insights into masculinity, self-awareness, and personal growth[6†].
• “The Book of Ego” (2000): Understanding the ego and its impact on our experiences[6†].
• “Intuition” (2001): Cultivating intuitive wisdom and inner knowing[6†].
• “Love, Freedom, and Aloneness” (2001): Insights on love, freedom, and self-awareness in relationships[6†].
• “Body Mind Balancing” (2003): Using the mind to heal the body[6†].
• “Pharmacy For the Soul” (2003): A collection of meditations, relaxation exercises, and practices for well-being[6†].
• “Joy” (2004): Discovering inner happiness and contentment[6†].
• “Meditation” (2004): Practical guide to Osho meditations and inner transformation[6†].
• “Compassion” (2006): Insights into the transformative power of compassion in daily life[6†].
• “Being in Love” (2008): Exploring love beyond attachment, emphasizing self-love and authentic relationships[6†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Rajneesh’s teachings and practices have been the subject of considerable controversy and scrutiny. His philosophy of dynamic meditation, his liberal views on sexuality, and his unconventional approach to spirituality were seen as radical and disruptive by many, particularly in his native India.

One of the most significant events associated with Rajneesh was the biological attack carried out by his followers in Oregon in 1984[3†]. This event, often referred to as the first act of bioterrorism in the United States, involved the contamination of salad bars in The Dalles, Oregon, with Salmonella bacteria, leading to numerous illnesses[3†]. The attack was traced back to the Rajneeshee cult, led by Rajneesh and his secretary Ma Anand Sheela[3†]. This incident significantly tarnished Rajneesh’s reputation and led to his arrest and deportation from the United States[3†].

Despite these controversies, Rajneesh’s teachings continue to have a significant following. His views on spirituality, meditation, and personal growth have influenced countless individuals around the world. His teachings continue to be studied and practiced by his followers, known as “neo-sannyasins,” and his books and discourses continue to be published and distributed globally.

Rajneesh’s legacy is thus a complex one. While his teachings have been influential and continue to attract a significant following, his life and the actions of his followers have also been marked by controversy and legal issues[3†].

Personal Life

Rajneesh, also known as Osho, was a private individual when it came to his personal life. He was born in Kuchwada, Bhopal State, British India, and he passed away in Pune, Maharashtra, India[1†]. He was an Indian national[1†].

Rajneesh never married and did not have children. He lived a life of celibacy, focusing on his spiritual teachings and the development of his movement[1†]. His life was dedicated to his work and his followers, and he spent most of his time in meditation, teaching, and writing[1†].

In 1981, Rajneesh moved to the United States, where he and his followers established a spiritual community known as Rajneeshpuram in Wasco County, Oregon[1†][2†]. This community became the center of several controversies, including legal battles with local residents and the state government[1†].

Despite the controversies, Rajneesh continued his spiritual teachings and practices until his death in 1990[1†]. His teachings continue to influence many people around the world[1†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Rajneesh, also known as Osho, left a significant legacy that continues to influence many people around the world[1†][4†]. His teachings, which rejected institutional religions and advocated for a more progressive attitude to sexuality, were controversial during his lifetime[1†]. However, they have since gained a more positive response, especially in India[1†].

Rajneesh’s movement, known as the Rajneesh movement or the “Orange People”, was inspired by his teachings[1†][4†]. Despite the controversies and legal battles that the movement faced during Rajneesh’s lifetime, it continues to exist today[1†][4†]. The Osho International Foundation, managed by an “Inner Circle” set up by Rajneesh before his death, administers Rajneesh’s estate and operates the Osho International Meditation Resort in Pune[1†][4†].

Rajneesh’s teachings have also inspired a number of publications[1†][5†]. His philosophy and the spiritual practices he advocated, such as dynamic meditation, continue to be studied and practiced by many[1†].

While Rajneesh’s teachings were not welcomed by many in his own home country during his lifetime, there has been a change in Indian public opinion since Rajneesh’s death[1†]. Today, he is remembered as a significant spiritual leader and a controversial figure whose impact continues to be felt[1†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Acharya Rajneesh, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, Osho[1†].
• Born: December 11, 1931, in Kuchwada, Bhopal State, British India[1†].
• Died: January 19, 1990, in Pune, Maharashtra, India[1†].
• Nationality: Indian[1†].
• Education: Dr. Hari Singh Gour University (MA)[1†].
• Occupation: Spiritual leader, mystic, founder of the Rajneesh movement[1†].
• Notable Works: Rajneesh’s teachings were disseminated through discourses and individual books. He commented extensively on the writings of religious traditions, mystics, bhakti poets, and philosophers from around the world[1†].
• Notable Achievements: Rajneesh was a controversial new religious movement leader. He founded the Rajneesh movement, which gained a significant following in India and abroad[1†]. He was known for his progressive attitude towards sexuality and his unique form of dynamic meditation[1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Rajneesh [website] - link
2. Britannica - Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh: Indian spiritual leader [website] - link
3. Springer Link - The Science of Forensic Epidemiology in Detecting a Biological Attack (Bioterrorism) [website] - link
4. Wikipedia (English) - Rajneesh movement [website] - link
5. Academia - Osho International Meditation Resort (Pune, 2000s): Anthropological Analysis of Sannyasin Therapies and the Rajneesh Legacy (Journal of Humanistic Psychology) [website] - link
6. OSHO – Transform Yourself through the Science of Meditation [website] - link