When Osho established his own city, know how a spiritual leader became a ‘threat’ to the American government

Very few people know about the mysterious world of spiritual guru Osho. It is said that Osho had made people crazy both in the country and abroad with his amazing knowledge and charming talks. Osho’s real name was Chandra Mohan Jain. He was born on December 11, 1931 in Kuchwada, Madhya Pradesh. His followers still celebrate this date as his Mukti Diwas or Moksha Diwas. There was a lot of controversy because of Osho’s outspoken views on every subject. Some people considered him a sex guru, while others considered him a true spiritual guru. Osho’s popularity increased so much that he established his own city in America. This city was named ‘Rajneeshpuram’. Osho’s ‘Rajneeshpuram’ was discussed a lot. This was the same place where Osho’s followers called him Bhagwan Rajneesh or simply Bhagwan. He had a large number of followers in foreign countries also.

In 1974, Osho moved to Pune with his followers and established Shri Rajneesh Ashram. This was the same place where his popularity skyrocketed. From this centre, Osho’s teachings reached the common people, including many well-known celebrities and film stars. Then, in the 1980s, the Indian media and government began to criticize Osho’s ideas. As a result, Osho had to close his Pune ashram.

After this, Osho went to America and founded the city of Rajneeshpuram. For this, Osho chose about 65,000 acres of land in the heart of Oregon. This remote and isolated place became Osho’s stronghold. This place was formerly known as Big Muddy Ranch. Within just three years of Osho’s arrival, this deserted area turned into a developed city. This was also the main residence of Osho.

“Osho’s city was a city of dreams
“This place was like a dream,” says Garrett, a British psychologist and disciple of Osho. “There was laughter, sexual freedom, freedom of any kind, love, and so much more.” Osho’s city had all modern facilities, including a fire brigade, restaurants, police station, shopping mall, greenhouse and community hall. Osho’s followers lived here using modern methods of farming and gardening. Apart from this, Osho’s city also had its own airport. Osho’s followers wanted to register that place as a city, but this could not happen due to opposition from the local people.

Difficulties for the American government
The number of Osho’s followers on American soil gradually increased. This posed a challenge and growing threat to the Oregon government. Subsequently, Osho and the people living in his city were accused of immigration fraud, wiretapping, manipulation of local elections and terrorism.

Subsequently, in October 1985, the US government accused Osho of 35 violations of immigration rules. He was taken into custody. He was fined US$400,000. The court sentenced Osho to leave the country immediately and not to return for five years. Osho’s town Rajneeshpuram was later given to a Christian youth camp organization. Currently, this place is known as Washington Family Ranch.