Making the Move

The cult has existed since 1974, with headquarters in Pune, India. In its infancy, they practiced their beliefs in meditation centers; they would connect over free love, spirituality, and meditation. However, neighboring religious groups and the Indian government were against the Rajneesh. After an assassination attempt against Osho, they fled to America. ​​​​​​​

¨The largest commune in the world is only changing places. Ashramites are being spread throughout the whole world, to Australia and elsewhere. And the feeling is that when the master called, they can regather in 48 hours. Where? Well, I don´t know. We are very relaxed in the here and now.¨

~Jörg Andrees Elten, The Last Days of Poona' news article on the closing of the Rajneesh Ashram in Poona (Pacific University of Oregon, "RAJNEESHPURAM.")

"I was there with the first 20 people before Osho came to the ranch and then I was there until there were only six people left. It was a super positive time of my life. We took a desert and we completely transformed it in only five years and turned it into an oasis. People were working 16-hour days but always singing, dancing, hugging, laughing, and having love affairs. It was a very vibrant and alive place and very joyful. Most of the people who were there had no idea about the crimes that were being committed by Sheela and her close entourage."

~Ma Ananda Sarita. Now a tantra teacher in the U.K., lived on Rajneeshpuram the whole time. (The Cut)

Sheela pushed Osho to turn the cult into a commune. Muddy Ranch, Oregon, was going to be their dream city, with 64,000 acres of land, space was given for their followers to live and spread their beliefs there. In 1981 Sheela purchased the property for $5.75 million, becoming Rajneeshpuram.