The Rise of Rajneesh and the Neo-Sannyasins

Bhagwan Rajneesh, also known as Osho, gained a significant following in the 1970s and 1980s. He combined Eastern spirituality with materialism and capitalism, which resonated with disillusioned Western baby boomers. His followers, known as the Neo-Sannyasins, embraced material possessions and sought spiritual enlightenment. The movement attracted celebrities, including Terence Stamp and Prince Ernst of Hanover. Rajneesh established an ashram in Pune, India, which grew to include several facilities. However, due to controversy and tensions with locals, the movement sought to establish their own city in Oregon, Rajneeshpuram. They took over the nearby town of Antelope and faced legal challenges. Rajneeshis engaged in voter manipulation and even orchestrated a bioterror attack using salmonella to suppress voter turnout. The attack affected hundreds of people, but fortunately, no fatalities were reported.