Oregon Experience: Rajneeshpuram

Video Extras

Preserving History

Much of Oregon Experience: Rajneeshpuram was produced using archival news footage shot as events unfolded from 1981 to 1985. Former news photographer Milt Ritter talks about the Rajneesh experience and how hundreds of news tapes were saved from destruction.

Lessons from Rajneeshpuram

Why didn't Rajneeshpuram erupt into violence? University of Oregon Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies Marion Goldman explores what we've learned from Rajneeshpuram.

Discoveries at Sheela's Compound

After the commune's collapse in 1985 many unsettling discoveries were made at the ranch. University of Oregon Professor Marion Goldman describes touring Sheela's compound and tells us about Sheela's current situation in Europe.

The Miniature Rose

Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh made daily drive-bys through the Ranch in one of his 94 Rolls Royces. Sannyasin Devananda Day describes commune leader Ma Anand Sheela's reaction when he tried to honor Bhagwan with a miniature rose.

Becoming a Sannyasin

Sannyasins wore clothing in shades of red and purple reflecting the colors of sunrise.

Former Western Oregon University Professor Roshani Shay remembers becoming a sannyasin while living in Salem and teaching political science.

Roshani Shay's Son Takes Sannyas

Roshani Shay describes how her deaf son became part of the commune and his desire to take sannyas.

Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh Speaks

Indian spiritual master Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh arrived at the ranch in August 1981 but didn't speak publicly to his disciples until three years later. In a December 1984 discourse, Bhagwan talks about life, religion and politics.