Some of the most brilliant people from all over the world

‘[Osho] has attracted to his teachings some of the best educated minds of Western Europe and the US.’ Ted Shay, Professor of Political Science at Willamette University, Oregon, who conducted extensive university research on Osho and his people,1983.

‘The sannyasins were some of the most brilliant people from all over the world. There were members from the Royal Dramatic Academy, leading figures from the world of art, cinema and music, and even some technologists from the highly sophisticated West. The [Osho] group had class, whatever people from Poona may say. They brought glitter, glamour and grace to this town in their own kinky way. The [Osho] Ashram had some of the best talent under one roof any institution could boast of. The [Osho] Theater groups brought some of the best dramatic arts to the Bombay stage. Their musical members had a better grasp of modern Western music, especially jazz and blues. Among some of the more creative arts, the [Osho] Ashram had some of the best horticulturists and hydroponic experts. Soaps and other toiletry articles were being made too, at the ashram workshops.’ The Indian Daily, June 6, 1981

‘An abnormally high percentage of sannyasins were success­ful people before they had ever heard of [Osho]. They were successful professionally, artistically and academically. They already had made it.’ John Fry, Frying Pan Magazine, June, 1983

‘If it is true, and I cannot see how it could not be, that a tree must be known by its fruit, the followers – he calls them neo-sannyasins – of [Osho] are in general an exceptionally fine crop bearing witness to a tree of a choice rare nature. The first quality a visitor to [Osho]’s ashram notices – and he never ceases to notice it – is the ease and comfort with which they wear their faith. Though they are unshakably convinced (I met only one with any residual doubts) that [Osho] has enabled them to find a meaning to their lives and for their place in the universe, there was no trace of fanaticism in them, and in most not even fervor.

‘The workshops are extensive and impressive; these are no fumbling amateurs messing about with batik and linocuts, but serious craftsmen turning out furniture, metalware, silver in­laying, screen-printing and the like, of high quality. But the point is that almost all of them started without any skill at these trades. The further point is that they are all obviously happy in their work. I have heard the sannyasins’ temporary sojourn at the ashram (many come for a month or so at a time, often using their annual leave for the purpose) described as a holiday; if so, it is a holiday with remarkable therapeutic qualities, for I met no one who did not testify to the gains the experience had brought, and none who lacked the visible sign of such gains.’ The London Times, April 10, 1980.

‘The development of the Poona technique of Western psychotherapeutic methods combined with meditation appears to be unique – and shows that , whatever one might think of [Osho], he certainly has, at least, some special flair for attracting people of all ages from all walks of life. It is in the type of people whom [Osho] has attracted to Poona that reveals how far the ashram appears to have been from just another soul-sop or haven from the world for disillusioned youth or aging hippies. Some of the most ardent disciples and co­workers in the [Osho] movement are doctors, teachers, former clergymen.’ The Advertiser (Saturday Review), August 1, 1981