Who Were the Rajneeshees
The Rajneeshees were followers of the Indian mystic and philosopher Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, later known as Osho. The movement grew rapidly in the 1970s and 1980s, attracting thousands of Western disciples who adopted his teachings on meditation, free love, and anti-materialism. Members often wore red or maroon clothing and adopted the surname “Rajneesh.”
The Rajneeshpuram Experiment in Oregon
In the early 1980s, the Rajneeshees established an intentional community called Rajneeshpuram in rural Oregon. The commune aimed to create a self-sufficient city governed by Rajneesh’s followers, drawing international attention and controversy. The group became involved in local politics, purchasing large tracts of land and attempting to influence elections in Wasco County.
Legal Issues and Legacy
The Rajneesh movement faced serious legal troubles after a 1984 bioterror attack targeting local residents, orchestrated by followers to sway an election. Investigators later uncovered widespread crimes, including wiretapping, immigration fraud, and attempted murder. After Rajneesh was deported in 1985, the movement fragmented, though Osho centers and followers continue to exist worldwide. For more background, see the overview at Britannica.
