Osho: From Millionaire Mystic to Sex Prophet ؛ Cults Of Terror Episode 7
In contemporary history, few figures have managed to attract both die-hard followers and fierce enemies as much as Osho. A man with a long beard and a piercing gaze, he appeared like a destitute Indian ascetic, yet in reality, he was a super-millionaire with a passion for luxury. He transformed ancient Indian Tantric techniques into a multi-million dollar international business and became known in the West as the “Sex Prophet.” Discover the full details in Cults Of Terror Episode 7 on the Alara Entertainment website.
The Onset of Chaos: The Dallas Bioterror Attack
In the fall of 1984, the quiet town of The Dalles in Oregon, USA, witnessed a horrific event. Suddenly, hundreds of people were hospitalized with severe food poisoning symptoms. Universal stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting sent shivers down the spines of health officials. Investigations revealed the cause to be Salmonella bacteria. This was no accident; evidence pointed to a deliberate attack. The prime suspect? The Rajneesh cult, led by Osho. But why would a spiritual movement commit such a crime?
From Rebellious Child to University Professor
Osho was born in the village of Kuchwada, India. From his school days, he was a brilliant but highly rebellious student. He never succumbed to authority and challenged his teachers with profound philosophical questions. An avid reader, he studied not only religions but also yoga, meditation, occult sciences, and even hypnotism.
After earning a Master’s degree in Philosophy, he began teaching at a college while simultaneously delivering controversial speeches across India. He fiercely criticized Socialism, Gandhi, and traditional Indian religions. Osho believed traditional religions were “dead” and accused clergy of suppressing people by using the fear of death.
From Sex to Superconsciousness: Birth of a Spiritual Brand
In 1962, he launched his first meditation camps. The distinguishing feature of his work was the use of Tantric Sex techniques methods where mental focus and deep breathing transform sexual energy into a spiritual flow. His 1968 lectures, later published as “From Sex to Superconsciousness,” shocked traditional Indian society. His call for sexual freedom earned him the media nickname “The Sex Guru.”
His followers, who wore orange robes and adopted new names, were encouraged to dance, celebrate, and enjoy life rather than practice traditional asceticism. This hedonistic lifestyle rapidly attracted wealthy youth, especially from the West.
The Pune Ashram and the Western Influx
In 1974, Osho moved his center to Pune. This 6-acre facility, known as the “Ashram,” became a paradise for hippies and American/European youth. The “Encounter Groups” at the center were highly controversial, where individuals were encouraged to scream and even use physical violence to empty their minds. However, rumors of drug use and illegal activities by Western followers to fund their stay raised red flags for the Indian government and locals.
Migration to America and the “Rajneeshpuram” Dream
Tax pressures and physical attacks by Hindu radicals led Osho to migrate to the United States in 1981. It was here that his powerful assistant, Ma Anand Sheela, took a pivotal role. They purchased a massive ranch in Oregon and built a city named “Rajneeshpuram.” The city had everything: police, fire departments, an airport, and a sewage treatment plant.
During this period, Osho took a “vow of silence” and handed all executive power to Sheela. While he lived behind the scenes with a fleet of 93 Rolls-Royces, his empire generated over $120 million in revenue.
Conflict with the Law and Sheela’s Plot
Illegal construction and changes to the local demographics sparked intense conflict between the cult and local residents. To maintain power, Sheela established an armed security guard. When she failed to win local elections, she executed her backup plan: poisoning the townspeople with Salmonella at salad bars to prevent them from voting. This was the same “Dallas incident” mentioned earlier.
The Fall of the Empire
In 1984, Osho broke his silence and accused Sheela of betrayal and fascism. Sheela fled to Europe, but the FBI raided the town, discovering secret labs and evidence of assassination plots. Osho was arrested for immigration fraud and subsequently deported from the United States.
The End of a Guru’s Journey
After being expelled from the U.S., Osho was rejected by most countries and eventually returned to India. He died in 1990 at the age of 58. The official cause of death was heart failure, although his followers claimed he was poisoned in U.S. jails, and rumors of AIDS also circulated.
Conclusion
Osho’s story is one of paradoxes. A man who spoke of freedom yet confined his followers within a cultish and police-like structure. Osho demonstrated how spirituality can become entangled with commerce and politics, leading to horrific consequences.
Was he a genius philosopher or a clever con man? The judgment is yours. For more videos on mysterious cults and controversial historical figures, stay tuned to Alara Entertainment.
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