Acharya Rajneesh: Controversial spiritual leader, philosopher
Acharya Rajneesh, later known as Osho, was a spiritual leader, philosopher and mystic, who influenced millions worldwide with his teachings. Born as Chandra Mohan Jain on December 11, 1931, in Kuchwada, a small village in Madhya Pradesh, he was the eldest of 11 siblings in a Jain family. His early life was marked by a quest for knowledge, questioning societal norms and a deep fascination with philosophy and religion.
Rajneesh displayed a rebellious streak and a sharp intellect from a young age. After completing his schooling in Gadarwara, he studied philosophy at DN Jain College in Jabalpur and later earned his MA in Philosophy from Sagar University in 1957. He became a professor of philosophy, first at Jabalpur University and then at other institutions, where he gained a reputation for his thought-provoking lectures.
In the 1960s, Rajneesh began conducting meditation camps and gained a following for his unorthodox teachings, which emphasised self-awareness, individuality and the rejection of traditional religious dogmas. He criticised established religions and ideologies, advocating for a synthesis of Eastern mysticism and Western scientific thought.
Rajneesh’s teachings often revolved around meditation as a path to self-realisation. He developed a unique set of meditation techniques, including the dynamic meditation method, which involved physical activity, catharsis and silence to help practitioners achieve inner transformation.
He gained widespread attention for his discourses on various spiritual texts, including the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads and the teachings of Buddha, Jesus and other religious figures. His teachings, however, often courted controversy for their candid discussions on topics like sex, relationships and materialism, earning him the nickname ‘Sex Guru’ in the media.
In 1974, Rajneesh established an ashram in Pune, India, which became a hub for spiritual seekers from around the globe. The ashram offered meditation programmes, workshops and therapies that blended ancient spiritual practices with modern psychological techniques.
In 1981, he moved to the US, where his followers established a commune in Wasco County, Oregon, called Rajneeshpuram. The commune flourished but soon became embroiled in legal and social controversies, including allegations of bioterrorism, wiretapping and immigration fraud. Rajneesh faced legal action and in 1985, he was deported from the US after pleading guilty to immigration violations.
Returning to India, Rajneesh resumed his teachings at his Pune ashram, rebranded as the Osho International Meditation Resort. He adopted the name Osho, derived from the term "oceanic," symbolising his belief in the limitless nature of existence.
Osho passed away on January 19, 1990, but his teachings continue to inspire and provoke thought. His works, comprising over 600 books and numerous discourses, cover diverse topics such as love, meditation, philosophy, politics and creativity.
Despite controversies, Osho remains a significant figure in modern spirituality. His ashram in Pune remains a popular destination for seekers and his teachings continue to attract followers worldwide, reflecting his enduring impact on global spirituality.