Rajneeshpuram

Rajneeshpuram was a controversial intentional community and religious commune established in the early 1980s in Wasco County, Oregon. Founded by followers of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, also known as Osho, the community aimed to create a spiritual and communal living space based on teachings emphasizing meditation, personal growth, and free expression.

The community was officially incorporated in 1981, and its development involved the purchase and development of a large rural ranch spanning over 64,000 acres. The residents, known as Rajneeshis, constructed various facilities including a temple, homes, and amenities to support a self-sufficient lifestyle. The community attracted media attention and legal scrutiny due to allegations of criminal activities, including a notable bioterror attack in 1984, when followers deliberately contaminated salad bars with salmonella bacteria in an effort to influence local elections.

Legal issues escalated, culminating in the arrest and conviction of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho) on charges including immigration fraud and conspiracy. The community disbanded after Rajneesh’s imprisonment and the subsequent departure of many followers. The federal government seized and sold off large portions of the property.

Today, the site is primarily used as a ranch and private property, with some structures remaining. The Rajneesh movement continues in various forms worldwide, but Rajneeshpuram itself remains a notable chapter in the history of new religious movements and communal living experiments in the United States. It is often cited as a case study in the complexities and controversies associated with intentional communities and religious organizations.