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Rajneeshpuram: Inside the Cult of Bhagwan and Its Failed American Utopia
A tale of breathtaking ambition, flamboyant personalities, palace intrigue, and the casualties strewn along the path to enlightenment.
In 1981, ambitious young Ma Anand Sheela transported the Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh to the United States to fulfill his dream of creating a utopia for his thousands of disciples. Four years later, the incendiary Rajneeshpuram commune in Oregon collapsed under the weight of the audacious criminal conspiracies hatched in the inner sanctum, including the largest bioterrorism attack in U.S. history, an unprecedented election fraud scheme, and multiple attempted murders.
Rajneeshpuram explores how this extraordinary spiritual community, featured in the Netflix docuseries Wild Wild Country, went so wrong. Drawing from extensive interviews with former disciples and an unprecedented review of commune records, government and police files, and archival materials, author Russell King probes the charismatic power that Bhagwan (later known as Osho) and Sheela exercised over the community and the turbulent political and legal environment that left commune leaders ready to deceive, poison, and even murder to preserve their home and their master.
Rajneeshpuram is a fresh examination of the Rajneesh story, using newly available information and interviews with high-ranking disciples who have never before shared their stories.
Russell King is a writer, investigator, and attorney. In 2018 he created the podcast Building Utopia: Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, which explores the history of Bhagwan and his disciples using an immersive, narrative nonfiction approach. A former partner at an international law firm who specialized in complex litigation, King draws on his experience piecing together factual narratives based on contradictory evidence to tackle this rich and complicated history.
In 1981, ambitious young Ma Anand Sheela transported the Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh to the United States to fulfill his dream of creating a utopia for his thousands of disciples. Four years later, the incendiary Rajneeshpuram commune in Oregon collapsed under the weight of the audacious criminal conspiracies hatched in the inner sanctum, including the largest bioterrorism attack in U.S. history, an unprecedented election fraud scheme, and multiple attempted murders.
Rajneeshpuram explores how this extraordinary spiritual community, featured in the Netflix docuseries Wild Wild Country, went so wrong. Drawing from extensive interviews with former disciples and an unprecedented review of commune records, government and police files, and archival materials, author Russell King probes the charismatic power that Bhagwan (later known as Osho) and Sheela exercised over the community and the turbulent political and legal environment that left commune leaders ready to deceive, poison, and even murder to preserve their home and their master.
Rajneeshpuram is a fresh examination of the Rajneesh story, using newly available information and interviews with high-ranking disciples who have never before shared their stories.
Russell King is a writer, investigator, and attorney. In 2018 he created the podcast Building Utopia: Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, which explores the history of Bhagwan and his disciples using an immersive, narrative nonfiction approach. A former partner at an international law firm who specialized in complex litigation, King draws on his experience piecing together factual narratives based on contradictory evidence to tackle this rich and complicated history.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 28, 2022
In the 1980s, a man who calls himself God and his disciples attempt to set up a utopia in the countryside of Oregon, and they are not afraid to bend laws and hurt people to get what they want.
As a Hindu myself, I have a quite skeptical view of all the Western-catering groups that sprung up out of India in the 70s and 80s, the gurus promising to teach people to lead fulfilling lives based on a lot of Orientalist stereotypes and mysticism. And the cult of Bhagwan, also known as Osho, is a prime example of how it can go maniacally wrong.
I’ve seen the Netflix documentary Wild Wild Country, which was what got me interested in picking up this book in the first place. Rajneeshpuram does an excellent job of filling in those gaps present in the documentary, talking more about the origins of the cult and the people associated with it. We get more of a sense of how the commune came to be, and what life was like on it.
It’s also just an entertaining book, because of how odd the characters are. Megalomaniac Sheela, the fanatically loyal Puja, the wishy-washy KD and the cadre of foot soldiers they commanded – each person is sketched out with vivid precision, and I followed along with their exploits as avidly as though it had been a soap opera, albeit a morally corrupt one (but then again one could argue that soap operas have pretty morally corrupt plots anyway? I digress). The lengths that they go to and how their plans work out have a rather black comedy-esque nature to them.
Unfortunately, this book does not have the charm of Wild Wild Country. It is quite readable, but the narrative felt flat at times which is astonishing considering the vivacity of the story. All the plots hatched by Sheela and company are presented to us as a great bundle without much organization or connection, I felt, which made the overall impression somewhat unsatisfying. This may be an issue only for me, though – other readers may not feel this at all.
In conclusion, read this for the nutty story.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
As a Hindu myself, I have a quite skeptical view of all the Western-catering groups that sprung up out of India in the 70s and 80s, the gurus promising to teach people to lead fulfilling lives based on a lot of Orientalist stereotypes and mysticism. And the cult of Bhagwan, also known as Osho, is a prime example of how it can go maniacally wrong.
I’ve seen the Netflix documentary Wild Wild Country, which was what got me interested in picking up this book in the first place. Rajneeshpuram does an excellent job of filling in those gaps present in the documentary, talking more about the origins of the cult and the people associated with it. We get more of a sense of how the commune came to be, and what life was like on it.
It’s also just an entertaining book, because of how odd the characters are. Megalomaniac Sheela, the fanatically loyal Puja, the wishy-washy KD and the cadre of foot soldiers they commanded – each person is sketched out with vivid precision, and I followed along with their exploits as avidly as though it had been a soap opera, albeit a morally corrupt one (but then again one could argue that soap operas have pretty morally corrupt plots anyway? I digress). The lengths that they go to and how their plans work out have a rather black comedy-esque nature to them.
Unfortunately, this book does not have the charm of Wild Wild Country. It is quite readable, but the narrative felt flat at times which is astonishing considering the vivacity of the story. All the plots hatched by Sheela and company are presented to us as a great bundle without much organization or connection, I felt, which made the overall impression somewhat unsatisfying. This may be an issue only for me, though – other readers may not feel this at all.
In conclusion, read this for the nutty story.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
March 15, 2022
A comprehensive, engaging and thrilling portrait of a fascinating moment in history. I really loved this. It was so thoroughly researched, so well-written and so easy to get completely lost in. Warning: About halfway through it gets next to impossible to put down.
Full of characters that you couldn't make up if you tried (SHEELA) and so so many revelations I haven't seen anywhere else that I won't reveal so as not to spoil.
Highly, highly recommend.
Full of characters that you couldn't make up if you tried (SHEELA) and so so many revelations I haven't seen anywhere else that I won't reveal so as not to spoil.
Highly, highly recommend.
February 23, 2022
As a huge fan of the Wild, Wild Country series, I had to read this. The whole saga of Rajneeshpuram is fascinating to me, and there’s only so much a documentary can cover. This filled in a lot of the cracks for me, and I highly recommend it for those who were equally enthralled with the story.
March 14, 2023
This was a well-researched book. I knew most of the story from the Netflix documentary, but this was a bit more detailed. It's pretty mind-blowing what happened there.
King did a good job of melding the testimony and interviews with facts and made the story very immersive.
If you are interested in cults and things like that, this book is for you.
8.5/10.
King did a good job of melding the testimony and interviews with facts and made the story very immersive.
If you are interested in cults and things like that, this book is for you.
8.5/10.
March 24, 2022
Very well told, very well researched. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and felt like I learned a lot.
May 9, 2022
America is the land of opportunity and religious freedom – the Pilgrims onboard the Mayflower came over the Atlantic to practise their beliefs without persecution; the LDS went west to the Great Salt Lake to escape angry mobs and religious intolerance; only in America could Heaven’s Gate await the UFO flying in the tail of comet Hale-Bopp to deliver them from this earthly prison. Rajneesh and his followers also sought to enjoy this same freedom in the backwoods of Oregon, founding their own city to shine the light of Rajneeshism for all to see.
This was not to be. From their immediate arrival in America, Rajneesh (also known as Osho) and his followers experienced prejudice and hostility from the conservative inhabitants of Antelope and the surrounding areas. Despite gaining permission to incorporate their city of Rajneeshpuram from the county officials, they were later told that retroactive planning laws applied to them regardless of any officials’ prior decisions. Voter registration was weaponised against the group and the cries of religious freedom Republicans love to shout were instead used to suppress and hinder the Bhagwan and his followers at every opportunity.
Russell King makes sure however that we do not forget that the Bhagwan and his group share the consequences of their actions too because they were responsible for the largest biological terrorist attack on American soil in poisoning half a town with salmonella, their continued flagrant violation of immigration laws, their stockpiling of weaponry, and their arson and attempted assassination plots towards their enemies.
King’s detailed and methodical history of Rajneeshpuram and its inhabitants start in Pune, India, and follow them across oceans and continents only to return to India as Osho was eventually forced to leave the USA on account of the vast crimes he and his organisation committed. Reading much like the Netflix documentary, Wild, Wild Country, King’s history fills in more of the gaps and reveals much of the unsavoury and illegal activities Rajneeshpuram was host to during its short history, including child abuse.
Osho himself figures strongly as a larger-than-life character, whose hold over the city was total. As a result of this, every other character feels almost two-dimensional, vainly trying to ape Osho’s outlandish attitudes and remarks. All except Ma Aanad Sheela – Osho’s right-hand woman and Queen of Rajneeshpuram, Pope of Rajneeshism. She was perhaps the leading figure in nearly all of the illegality in Rajneeshpuram. She alone rises above the somewhat staid narrative King tells as the towering authority, beyond even the Bhagwan himself.
Along with Wild, Wild Country, this provides a fascinating expose of a religious movement, the quest and desire to hold onto power, earthly or otherwise, and how valuable religious freedom is. Would the inhabitants of Rajneeshpuram have turned to such violent measures if their neighbours had welcomed them? It’s hard to tell. Was the Bhagwan a demon or a saint? Was his organisation wholly corrupt or grievously corrupted? “Why can’t we hold both of those things and say they’re both true?”
This was not to be. From their immediate arrival in America, Rajneesh (also known as Osho) and his followers experienced prejudice and hostility from the conservative inhabitants of Antelope and the surrounding areas. Despite gaining permission to incorporate their city of Rajneeshpuram from the county officials, they were later told that retroactive planning laws applied to them regardless of any officials’ prior decisions. Voter registration was weaponised against the group and the cries of religious freedom Republicans love to shout were instead used to suppress and hinder the Bhagwan and his followers at every opportunity.
Russell King makes sure however that we do not forget that the Bhagwan and his group share the consequences of their actions too because they were responsible for the largest biological terrorist attack on American soil in poisoning half a town with salmonella, their continued flagrant violation of immigration laws, their stockpiling of weaponry, and their arson and attempted assassination plots towards their enemies.
King’s detailed and methodical history of Rajneeshpuram and its inhabitants start in Pune, India, and follow them across oceans and continents only to return to India as Osho was eventually forced to leave the USA on account of the vast crimes he and his organisation committed. Reading much like the Netflix documentary, Wild, Wild Country, King’s history fills in more of the gaps and reveals much of the unsavoury and illegal activities Rajneeshpuram was host to during its short history, including child abuse.
Osho himself figures strongly as a larger-than-life character, whose hold over the city was total. As a result of this, every other character feels almost two-dimensional, vainly trying to ape Osho’s outlandish attitudes and remarks. All except Ma Aanad Sheela – Osho’s right-hand woman and Queen of Rajneeshpuram, Pope of Rajneeshism. She was perhaps the leading figure in nearly all of the illegality in Rajneeshpuram. She alone rises above the somewhat staid narrative King tells as the towering authority, beyond even the Bhagwan himself.
Along with Wild, Wild Country, this provides a fascinating expose of a religious movement, the quest and desire to hold onto power, earthly or otherwise, and how valuable religious freedom is. Would the inhabitants of Rajneeshpuram have turned to such violent measures if their neighbours had welcomed them? It’s hard to tell. Was the Bhagwan a demon or a saint? Was his organisation wholly corrupt or grievously corrupted? “Why can’t we hold both of those things and say they’re both true?”
December 22, 2023
As a millennial, I often heard the name Osho without knowing the history behind it. This book provided much-needed context and education although the Netflix series "Wild Wild Country" can also do the trick. Osho is an alias of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, an Indian guru who managed to blend Eastern mysticism with Western philosophy and psychology in a palatable way to lure thousands of wealthy Westerners to join his cult. Focusing on meditation, and mindfulness he established a commune in Pune, India, which became a destination for thousands of Westerners seeking spiritual enlightenment. In 1981 his commune relocated to Oregon US, which started a bitter saga of lawlessness and corruption that ended in deportation proceedings, Osho returned to India and revived his Pune ashram, which continues to attract followers globally.
Although this book is a little bit dry, it provides a great insight into Osho's commune and its mentality. The greed, power grab, and corruption displayed by his followers are something to behold thus a must if you are interested in cult psychology and high-control group. Their disdain for the law and cynical use of American principles of freedom is also fascinating and disturbing, to say the least.
Although this book is a little bit dry, it provides a great insight into Osho's commune and its mentality. The greed, power grab, and corruption displayed by his followers are something to behold thus a must if you are interested in cult psychology and high-control group. Their disdain for the law and cynical use of American principles of freedom is also fascinating and disturbing, to say the least.
March 30, 2022
On top of the Netflix docuseries Wild Wild Country this was a really good read. I stumbled upon the author after finding his podcast (Which I also very highly recommend for anyone interested in further knowledge about what happened at Rajeeshpuram) where he dives further in to what went on at the Ranch. How anything was able to go as far as it did here in the US fascinated me to another level and I dont think we will see something of that scale happen ever again. This book answered several questions I was left with after watching the Docuseries when it first came out several years ago.
To the people rating the book low because of the subject matter that is not what these reviews are for. Yes a lot of the things that happened where bad but Rusell did a really good job of researching and retelling things that happened in the past in a very organized way. So dont judge the book based off of its subject matter but by how the information was organized and retold (Which again was fantastic)
To the people rating the book low because of the subject matter that is not what these reviews are for. Yes a lot of the things that happened where bad but Rusell did a really good job of researching and retelling things that happened in the past in a very organized way. So dont judge the book based off of its subject matter but by how the information was organized and retold (Which again was fantastic)
December 21, 2022
Russell King's long-awaited book on the commune that Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh's followers built for his sake is one of the most fascinating, objective, and expertly researched volumes on the subject. King incorporates not only sources that were contemporary to the events in question, but also a wealth of information that has trickled out in the four intervening decades since the guru and his followers abandoned their original ashram in India in favor of the swath of Oregon desert where they attempted to establish a de facto independent enclave. King's objectivity also stands in sharp contrast with the 2018 Netflix documentary series, Wild Wild Country, which was excoriated for giving notorious figures like Ma Anand Sheela and Philip Niren Tolkes carte blanche without presenting the incontrovertible evidence that debunks their ongoing defense of Rajneesh. Without question, Rajneeshpuram is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand what happened between 1981 and 1985, particularly when combined with King's podcast series, Building Utopia.
September 18, 2025
3,5 stars // well researched and detailed book.
still, it seemingly took me forever to get through.
I especially appreciated the narrative surrounding the development of the commune and the individuals who shaped it. the story kind of lost me, particularly during the segments focused on local elections and American political processes. these chapters, while no doubt important to the overall context, felt overly drawn out and caused the book to lose some of its narrative momentum. the writing shifts between an emotionally engaging storytelling style and a much drier, documentary-like tone. while I understand the author aimed for factual accuracy and journalistic integrity, I found myself wishing for a more consistent and dynamic voice throughout.
I also would have loved to see more exploration of the social structures and sociological dynamics within the commune itself, though I recognize that wasn’t the author’s primary focus.
all in all, this is a solid and informative book — just one that required a bit of perseverance to get through.
still, it seemingly took me forever to get through.
I especially appreciated the narrative surrounding the development of the commune and the individuals who shaped it. the story kind of lost me, particularly during the segments focused on local elections and American political processes. these chapters, while no doubt important to the overall context, felt overly drawn out and caused the book to lose some of its narrative momentum. the writing shifts between an emotionally engaging storytelling style and a much drier, documentary-like tone. while I understand the author aimed for factual accuracy and journalistic integrity, I found myself wishing for a more consistent and dynamic voice throughout.
I also would have loved to see more exploration of the social structures and sociological dynamics within the commune itself, though I recognize that wasn’t the author’s primary focus.
all in all, this is a solid and informative book — just one that required a bit of perseverance to get through.
July 26, 2025
I only read about a quarter of this book, but discussed it in book group, watched the Netflix documentary, Wild, Wild Country, and now am listening to a podcast about the topic entitled Building Utopia: Bhagwan Shree Ragneesh. It's good to get all 3 perspectives about this odd time in American history - the early 80's in the most obscure part ot the U.S. - Central Oregon. A town called Antelope was taken over by the Rajneeshees (followers of the Rajneesh), later renamed Rajneeshpuram (town of Rajneesh). So much illegality occurred between 1981 and 1984 - corruption, bombs, guns, poisoning of residents in The Dalles, etc. A compelling,but disturbing story of a little known era in American History, with roots in India.
April 14, 2022
This book is so incredibly well-researched and comprehensive - it is an alarming and fascinating look at how cults gain power and how ordinary people get seduced into believing and following orders by unsavory individuals. What is particularly outstanding about this story is how this cult was able to embed themselves in a community in Oregon including in influencing (and/or threatening) government officials and bussing in "voters" from homeless populations in other cities. The massive scale and scope of this fraud is incredible and serves as a cautionary tale not only to individuals but also to communities. This book was a highly entertaining read and I found it difficult to put down.
January 14, 2023
Thoroughly researched and an even handed telling of extraordinary events of a cult spiraling out of control. This book talks directly to the dangers of theocracies and dictatorships in a spiritual community. It also vividly explores the heart breaking consequences of people who due to their unbridled compulsion to belong and unquestioned need to bury their troubled past, make themselves totally susceptible to mad power hungry infantile leaders who then exploit their vulnerabilities with utopian promises.
June 6, 2022
A very solid piece of investigative literature. Each chapter disgusted me more than the last; and the disgust was strangely not always targeted towards the absolute madness of the Baghwan. A great follow up for those who have watched *Wild Wild Country* and wanted to know more about the story of Rajneeshpuram.
An incredible and weird story about an incredible and weird piece of American History.
An incredible and weird story about an incredible and weird piece of American History.
September 25, 2022
Rajneeshpuram is an under the radar gem if you like reading about cults or true crime. It adds balance to the Netflix documentary, Wild Wild Country, and provides a lot of additional details about their time in India and New Jersey as well as details on their takeover of the town of Antelope, Oregon, the extent of the crimes, and ultimate downfall. It's a well-researched retelling of actual events that reads smoothly and quickly.
March 19, 2024
As a huge fan of the 2018 Netflix documentary mini-series Wild Wild Country, I was excited to pick up this recent retelling of this fascinating story.
I was delighted to find that King’s book was well researched, thoroughly explained for those without any context, and included details glossed over by the documentary.
Even though I knew the major events, I found this book exciting, intricate, and fast-paced. 5/5
I was delighted to find that King’s book was well researched, thoroughly explained for those without any context, and included details glossed over by the documentary.
Even though I knew the major events, I found this book exciting, intricate, and fast-paced. 5/5
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January 29, 2023Well theoretically a fascinating story for me: intentional community, goes very wrong, takes over small town in rural U.S., intentional food poisoning and other big drama, Young Life ministry is even involved. But the writing was a bit hard for me to follow personally. Still think much can be learned from stories like these.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2023
Bhagwan/Osho was just any other cult/commune leader— he was mad, manipulative, demonic and both sexually and physically abusive to his followers. He once said that Hitler was a “misunderstood genius” if that tells you anything. The Sannyasins and Rajneeshpurum are extremely fascinating and if you haven’t seen the Netflix documentary “Wild Wild Country” it’s worth the viewing.
November 20, 2023
An excellent book to read alongside watching Wild, Wild Country since the two explore the same topic but in different ways. Although much of the content was familiar, there was a surprising amount of information I'd never encountered, adding even more depth to the drama of Rajneeshpuram. At times the writing felt a little dry, but overall quite good!
April 29, 2022
Rajneeshpuram is riveting, informative, and shocking. The history of this cult is of course nonfiction, but thanks to King’s style it reads like fiction, with unbelievable twists and turns in the story. You won’t be able to put it down!
May 22, 2022
I think what happened with Rajneeshpuram is largely a matter of public record so what you'll get out of this depends on how familiar you are with it.
It's well written though and King makes use of some sources I haven't heard from before.
It's well written though and King makes use of some sources I haven't heard from before.
August 22, 2023
Interesting and detailed account about a cult that was started in 1980s and held a controversial community in Oregon. I saw a documentary on this cult already, but this book provided even more detail, including the stories of abuse by and of members.
December 4, 2023
Seen the Netflix documentary. Now read this. Gurus are like serialkillers, cults like the worst date ever? These comparisons of course suck I know. Blaah. These books like soap operas in the 90s. Except that they’re not. This review is totally useless.
February 26, 2024
At the time I had been aware of Rajneesh and his cult but didn't follow it too carefully. This book blew my mind, it's hard to fathom that this was real life, it read like a novel! Well researched and detailed, I couldn't put it down!
July 23, 2024
Honestly this was boring compared to the show, jumps over points too much and is so basic and boring like where is any link to theology or thoughts or anything. I was so stoned but pretty sure this was snoozing snooze so zero sozjeeedzs
December 9, 2024
All about Bhagwan Rajneesh (later known as Osho) and his commune in the US state of Oregon. It's quite a story of lies, conspiracies, crime, bioterrorism attack, etc. This shows how the cult began as well about the commune in Oregon--it's rise and fall.
Quite a shocking story.
Quite a shocking story.
March 14, 2025
I loved the documentary but they really should have talked more about the atrocities those adults did with those kids and teens. Great book if you want a little more info than the Netflix show offers .
March 3, 2022
I received an ARC of, Rajneeshpuram, Russell King. This is a well written book, I just did not like the subject. He was creepy and weird, he got away with too much.
April 18, 2022
A very interesting part in history and a well written book.
November 6, 2022
3.5; Reviewed for Booklist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews