Life of Rajneesh

Maggie Billingsley

I personally had a lot of fun learning about the Rajneesh. It was very interesting to see this way of life. I think what was most intriguing was the recruiting process and how they got people to join their commune. Usually when people see big groups like this they imagine a whole process and certain things to be done, and usually think negatively, I know I did anyways. The Rajneesh was not negative at all. They were known for their welcoming ways and lived by the idea that people could do whatever they wanted. Of course they had their suggestions, and recommendations, but they made sure that each member had the right to live freely. An example of this was that Osho loved orange. He recommended that everyone wore orange, but let them know that it was okay if they wanted to wear anything else instead. People were able to leave the commune whenever they desired, which is also something I would not have expected. The only reason why people did leave was because of spouses or family, but it was usually very rare. Members of the Rajneesh felt very at home and safe where they were. They paid their fees beforehand and after that everything was paid for and they had everything they needed when they needed it. It was a happy, loving, satisfying way of living for them that they never wanted to end.

            I did not really realize any of this while learning about the commune because it was not until I learned about the collapse, how much it really meant to people. Once Sheela left, everything went downhill. She was the Rajneesh backbone and what really kept them together. The members loved Osho, but Sheela was just as much of a leader and idol for all of the members. When she left, several others did as well. They were so invested into Sheela and Osho that they thought if they weren’t there, there would not even be a point to live the life they have been living. Their whole world changed and they had to pick up, and start a new life from scratch where they had nothing. It was a huge eye opener for them and they realized they knew nothing about the real world.

            This was one of the most fascinating parts of the commune because it was crazy to me to think that the members did not even realize how much control the Rajneesh lifestyle had on them because they were so invested. I could not imagine relying in something so solely to where I wouldn’t have a plan B or C. They knew for a fact that that was where they were supposed to be and it ended up ending for everyone. Overall, I think it was a life lesson for members of the commune, and is something that they learned from. After doing research It seemed as if people were still heartbroken about it, but they knew it was something they learned from and can still talk about today.