Dec 11, 2020, 07:30AM ISTSource: TOI.in

Rajneesh was born as Chandra Mohan Jain in Bhopal on December 11, 1931. He is also known as Acharya Rajneesh, Bhagwan Shri Rajneesh and Osho. Godman Osho was viewed as a controversial new religious movement leader and mystic. In 1960s, he travelled across India as a public speaker and he was a vocal critic of socialism. Rajneesh also criticised Mahatma Gandhi and orthodoxy of mainstream religions. Rajneesh main focus was on: importance of meditation, mindfulness and love, celebration and courage, creativity and humour-qualities. Rajneesh advocated a more open attitude towards sexuality. Osho became popular as 'the sex guru'. In 1970, Rajneesh spent time in Mumbai initiating followers known as 'neo-sannyasins'. Rajneesh expanded his spiritual teachings and commented extensively on religious traditions. In 1974, Rajneesh relocated to Pune, where an ashram was established. Various therapies developed by Human Potential Movement were offered at his Pune ashram. By late 1970s, a back tax claim estimated at $5 million was served on him. In 1981, Rajneesh movement's efforts refocused on activities in the US. Thereafter, Osho relocated to a facility known as Rajneeshpuram in Oregon's Wasco County. Almost immediately, the movement ran into conflict with county residents and Oregon administration. This was followed by a series of serious crimes allegedly by Oshos followers. Osho was deported from the US in accordance with an Alford plea bargain. Alford plea is a guilty plea under US law, whereby a defendant does not admit to criminal act and asserts innocence. After his deportation, 21 countries had denied him entry. Then Osho returned to India and revived the Pune ashram. Osho passed away at the Pune ashram on January 19, 1990. His ashram is now known as OSHO International Meditation Resort. The ashram and related intellectual property is managed by Osho International Foundation.

Read more here:

Osho and his controversial life: All you need to know about Acharya Rajneesh - Times of India