Rajneesh cult and former girls hotel example of Oregon, where beingdifferent thrives

Martha Washington

Carol Forsloff-----More than 30 years ago, Oregon became the home of an unusual sect with its unique practices and unusual members.  The group took over acres of land around Antelope, Oregon as well as a former fine residence for girls in Portland once called The Martha Washington.  Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, the founder,  started the sect in the 1970's, where many of his ideas were rejected; so he went on to the United States and Europe to expand.  He ended up settling in Oregon, offering a story of eccentricity in a place where doing your own thing can thrive---for awhile.

The story of Rajneesh is indeed an example of Oregon's tolerance and unique ways, offering refuge to the refugee, Rajneesh, seeking tax shelter, indeed from taxes owed in India.

Oregon is the place where nude bicyclists move through the byways of Portland regularly every summer, and pantsless day is celebrated by young people through the city on an annual basis.  It is a city that draws in the homeless, and where myriads of young people protest where protest is part of tradition.  But Rajneesh was more than Oregon ended up being able to tolerate, for his behaviors caused some local residents some serious trouble.

Rajneesh was not a man who believed in either poverty or propriety in many ways.  He owned elaborate cars and residences.  He believed in, and promoted, sexual pleasures.  On the land in Oregon Rajneesh created a community, with the help of Ma Anand Sheela, also from India.  Together they and their followers built Ragneeshpuram in Wasco County, Oregon.  There they ran into conflict with local residents when they launched a bioterrorist attack and poisoned restaurant food in the Dalles.  At the height of their activity, the group had approximately 2500 members.  Rajneesh ended up being deported for immigration fraud, while other leaders and community members fled the area.

The story of Rajneesh continues to fascinate Oregon residents and visitors.  Portland's newspaper, The Oregonian, has covered the group over the years, including during their sojourn in Oregon that began in 1981.

Visitors continue to explore the remnants of the community and hear the tales from residents about the curious band of cult members whose ways were particularly unusual, even to the Oregon taste of wildness and different and where tolerance reigns sublime.   Blogs of those who travel through the area often mention Rajneesh and his followers.

The backstory of Rajneesh  talks about the man and his disciples.  While some portrayed the followers as loving and gentle people, the memories of the leader remain as someone who left India, owing taxes, and found his way to Oregon in order to continue his reign of infamy.

The former girls residence, once called The Martha Washington and located within a close walking distance of Portland University, is part of that history of Rajneesh, as many of his followers lived there a few years.  It is part of the tale a journalist, born and raised in Oregon who once lived in that residence learned.   This is just another reminder of how the Pacific Northwest State continues to fascinate its own residents, as well as visitors, as a place where almost anything can happen---and does.