The Rise and Fall of OSHO: How It All Went Wrong

From enlightenment to weapons stockpiling… for peace.

Introduction

The name “Osho” conjures images of serene meditation, free love, and a colorful commune nestled in the Oregon wilderness. But behind the saffron robes and flowing beards, a darker story unfolded — one involving bioterrorism, weapons stockpiling, and political subversion that ultimately led to the dramatic disintegration of his “spiritual utopia.”

What went so wrong with Osho? This story is a whirlwind of clashing ideals, manipulation, power struggles, and profound disillusionment. This article breaks down the rise and fall of Osho, exploring how a meditation master transformed into a controversial figure, revealing the insights and pitfalls of spiritual cults that seek to challenge the status quo.

1. The Visionary Beginnings

Osho, born Chandra Mohan Jain in 1931, was already a maverick in spiritual circles by the 1960s. His teachings emphasized liberation from societal norms, individual enlightenment, and a rejection of traditional values. By the early 1970s, he adopted the title “Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh” and gained a following in India, where his ideas of meditation, “dynamic meditation,” and self-realization resonated with free-spirited intellectuals. This base grew rapidly…