Bhagwan Shri Rajneesh (born Mohan Chandra Rajneesh, 1931–
1990) Hindu guru who straddled the line between traditional Hindu teachings and
contemporary psychological notions.
He is well known for his liberal attitude toward sexuality, which
drew a large number of followers, both Western and Indian, albeit the former
tended to outnumber the latter.
This was part of a broader indulgent mindset in which
individuals were urged to act on their wants as a means of removing roadblocks
to ultimate realization.
His ashram was originally situated in Pune, Maharashtra, but
due to local resistance and a probe by Indian tax authorities, he moved to
southern Oregon in 1981.
For many years, the new location was a huge success, but
local hostility to his teachings and uneasiness about his lifestyle—he
reputedly possessed ninety-three Rolls-Royces and was surrounded by
Uzi-wielding bodyguards— resulted in the community's stunning collapse in 1985.
Rajneesh returned to India and finally settled in Pune.
He changed his name multiple times in his last years, once
stating that the spirit of Gautama Buddha had entered him, and at the time of
his death, he was known as Osho.
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