THE CONTROVERSIAL LIFE OF OSHO

Summary

The script discusses the life and controversies of spiritual leader Osho, exploring his rise to fame in the 1970s, his influence on Bollywood actor Vinod Khanna, and the establishment of his spiritual community in Oregon, Rajneeshpuram. It also delves into allegations of bioterrorism, Osho's controversial teachings on sexuality, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Amitabh Bachchan was the most popular superstar in Bollywood by 1970, with no other actor close to his level of success or popularity.
• 🔥 A new Bollywood actor arrived who quickly gained success, leading people to see him as a major competition to Amitabh Bachchan.
• 🌱 Vinod Khanna was presented with the opportunity to become a superstar in Bollywood, but he did not seize it and eventually left the film industry to become a follower of spiritual leader Osho.
• 🌐 Osho, a spiritual leader, had a significant influence on millions, including Vinod Khanna, leading many to abandon their worldly lives to follow his teachings.
• 🏙️ Osho's influence was global, with events like Osho Releve continuing even 35 years after his death, and a city in America named Rajneeshpuram in his honor.
• 💥 Controversies surrounding Osho's teachings and lifestyle led to his departure from India to America, where he faced further controversies and legal issues.
• 🏛️ Osho's ashram in Pune was a large community with thousands of followers, practicing various therapies and methods, including controversial sexual practices.
• 🚨 Allegations of forced sexual activities and psychological pressure at Osho's ashram led to investigations and negative publicity.
• 🌳 Osho's teachings and practices were controversial, including his views on religion, politics, and ecology, which were often in direct conflict with mainstream beliefs.
• 🌍 Osho's influence and legacy continue, despite the controversies, with his teachings still attracting followers and his ashrams remaining operational.

Q & A

Who was Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s Bollywood context mentioned in the script?

Amitabh Bachchan was Bollywood's most popular superstar in the 1970s, with no other actor coming close to his level of success and popularity.

What significant change occurred in Bollywood when a new actor arrived after Amitabh Bachchan's success?

A new Bollywood actor arrived who quickly achieved success, and people began to see this actor as the biggest competition to Amitabh Bachchan, even expecting him to surpass Amitabh in terms of success and popularity.

Who is Vinod Khanna mentioned in the script, and what was his fate in relation to Bollywood superstardom?

Vinod Khanna was an actor who had the potential to become a Bollywood superstar but did not. Instead of pursuing superstardom, he left the film industry and became a gardener at Osho's ashram in California.

What influence did spiritual leader Osho have on Vinod Khanna and others?

Osho had a profound influence on Vinod Khanna and millions of others, leading them to leave everything behind, including India, and follow his teachings, which had spread across various countries worldwide.

What is the significance of Osho's influence even 35 years after his death?

Osho's influence is significant as evidenced by the continued existence of Osho revival events even 35 years after his death, indicating the lasting impact of his teachings.

What was the name of the city in America named after Osho's followers?

The city in America named after Osho's followers was called Rajneeshpuram.

What controversies were associated with Osho's life that led to his departure from India?

Controversies surrounding Osho's life, including threats to kill him and being labeled as a 'sex guru,' forced him to leave India for America.

What was the reason behind Osho's ashram in Pune being a subject of allegations in the 1980s?

The ashram in Pune faced allegations of forcing women into sexual activities under the guise of psychological pressure and group-like activities, leading to trauma and, in some cases, the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

What was the controversial book by Osho that was published in the late 1980s?

The controversial book by Osho published in the late 1980s was 'From Sex to Superconsciousness,' which openly discussed sexuality and spirituality, influencing thousands of people.

What were the allegations against Osho's ashram in terms of political ideology and religion?

Allegations against Osho's ashram included controversial comments on political ideology and religion, which were problematic for many, especially politicians, and led to increased scrutiny and legal cases against Osho.

What was the role of Sheela Ambalal Patel, also known as Ma Anand Sheela, in Osho's movement?

Sheela Ambalal Patel, known as Ma Anand Sheela, was a close assistant to Osho and played a significant role in managing camps for Osho's followers in the foreign country, contributing to the growth of his movement.

What were the circumstances that led to Osho leaving India for America?

Increasing controversies, government involvement, and legal cases against Osho in India made it difficult for him to stay, leading to his decision to move to America.

What was the significance of the establishment of Rajneeshpuram in Oregon, USA?

Rajneeshpuram was a city established by Osho's followers in Oregon, showcasing the growth and influence of his movement, as it was a self-sufficient community with its facilities and services, independent of the American government.

What controversies did Osho's ashram in Rajneeshpuram face in the USA?

The ashram in Rajneeshpuram faced controversies including allegations of bioterrorism, specifically an incident where salad bars in 10 restaurants were contaminated with salmonella, leading to food poisoning and hospitalization of many people.

What were the allegations against Ma Anand Sheela that led to her imprisonment?

Ma Anand Sheela was accused of being involved in the bioterrorism incident in Rajneeshpuram, allegedly to influence the local election results in favor of her candidate, which led to her imprisonment.

What were the circumstances of Osho's arrest and deportation from the USA?

Osho was arrested at an airport with a large sum of cash, some pistols, and jewelry. He was detained on immigration fraud allegations, had his passport confiscated, and was deported, with entry bans imposed by 21 countries.

What were the controversies surrounding Osho's death in 1990?

Osho's death was controversial, with theories suggesting that he was poisoned by his close associates to take control of his property and ashram. There were also questions about the irregularities in his post-mortem report and the quick disposal of his body.

How is Osho remembered and perceived by his followers and critics today?

Osho is remembered by his followers as a significant philosopher of the 20th century, with some even worshipping him as God Rajneesh Osho. However, critics and the public largely remember him as a 'sex guru' due to his controversial teachings and practices.