charges and opened an ASHRAM on the 65,000-
acre Big Muddy Ranch near Antelope, Oregon,
in the United States, which he named Rajneesh-
puram. Trouble dogged the ashram, including
charges of poisoning, arms stockpiling, and
antinomian sexual practices among top aides,
although not by Rajneesh himself. The ashram
was closed and Rajneesh sought sanctuary in
North Carolina but was arrested there for visa
violations. He was given a suspended sentence
and a fine on condition that he leave the United
States. He returned to Poona, where his health
continued to fail. Here he abandoned the name
of Rajneesh and adopted Osho, a name derived
from the expression oceanic experience coined by
William James. He died in Poona on January 19,
1990.
Rajneesh was well versed in the scriptures and
teachings of many world religions. He created a
syncretic spiritual path that combined elements
of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Taoism, Chris-
tianity, Greek philosophy, humanistic psychology,
and modern forms of therapy and meditation.
Basically he taught the non-dualism of ADVAITA
Hinduism, believing that all reality is one in
essence. Consistently with advaita, he taught that
souls experience REINCARNATION until they receive
enlightenment and the realization of the God that
is within each person.
He was known as the “sex guru” because he
espoused open sex and freedom from inhibitions.
He initiated his disciplines into “neo-sannyas”
that did not require the total renunciation of tra-
ditional Hindu sannyas. Men were given the title
Swami and women were called Ma. He favored
dismantling the nuclear family and wanted it
replaced with alternate forms of community and
methods of child care. Prior to 1985, disciples
wore red robes and a mala (necklace) of 108 beads
with a picture of Rajneesh attached.
The movement at its peak claimed about
200,000 members and 600 centers around the
world. It was targeted by anticult groups as an
evil organization bent on mind control. Before his
death, Osho appointed a group of 21 individuals
to administer the meditation resort in Poona and
the organization. They now operate 20 meditation
centers worldwide and publish the On Line Osho
Times newsletter. The current organization, Osho
International, sponsors a number of Web sites and
local communities.Further reading: James S. Gordon, The Golden Guru
(Lexington, Mass.: Stephen Green Press, 1987); Osho,
Autobiography of a Spiritually Incorrect Mystic (New
York: St. Martin’s Press, 2000); ———, Meditation: The
First and Last Freedom (New York: St. Martin’s Press,
1997); Bhagwan Sri Rajneesh, Words Like Fire (San
Francisco: Harper & Row, 1976).Rakshabandhan (Rakhibandhan)
The Raksabandhan festival, which takes place on
the full Moon of the lunar month of Shravana
(July–August), is one of the most popular in India.
On this day sisters tie an amulet of red or yellow
threads on their brother’s wrists to guard them
for the year. If they are more learned, they may
utter a well-known SANSKRIT MANTRA. The brothers
then offer them presents. The observance is said
to have originated after INDRA, king of the gods,
was defeated in battle by the asuras, or antigods.
It is said that he was able to regain his sovereignty
when his wife, Shaci, put an amulet on his hand
after performing some austerities.Further reading: Stanley A. Freed and Ruth S. Freed,
Hindu Festivals in a North Indian Village, (Seattle:
University of Washington Press, 1998); C. J. Fuller,
The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society
in India (Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press,
1992); Anita Ganeri, Hindu Festivals throughout the Year
(Mankato, Minn.: Smart Apple Media, 2003).Rama (Ram)
Rama is a god worshipped over all of India. He
is considered to be an AVATA R or descended formK 346 Rakshabandhan