Who Is Ma Sheela ?

Ma Anand Sheela – The Controversial Associate Of Osho Rajneesh

Ma Anand Sheela, one of the most prominent and controversial figures in Osho’s movement, faced a dramatic fall from grace following her time as the personal secretary to Osho and the de facto leader of the Rajneeshpuram commune in Oregon during the 1980s. After her criminal activities came to light, her life took a different path. Here’s a detailed account of what happened to her:

Rise to Power:

  • Anand Sheela, born as Sheela Ambalal Patel in Gujarat, India, joined Osho’s movement in the early 1970s and quickly became his trusted aide.
  • Sheela was a charismatic and forceful leader, managing the administrative and political affairs of the Rajneeshpuram commune, a 64,000-acre community in Oregon.
  • Sheela’s aggressive tactics, including confrontation with local residents and control over commune members, earned her significant power within the movement but also widespread criticism.

Criminal Activities:

During her time at Rajneeshpuram, Sheela orchestrated several illegal and unethical acts, some of which were the first of their kind in the U.S.:

  1. Bioterror Attack (1984):
    • Sheela and her associates poisoned salad bars in The Dalles, Oregon, with salmonella bacteria to incapacitate voters and influence local elections.
    • This act, which sickened over 750 people, is considered the first bioterror attack in U.S. history.
  2. Wiretapping and Surveillance:
    • Sheela authorized the wiretapping of Osho’s private quarters and the conversations of commune members to maintain control.
    • Thousands of hours of recorded conversations later served as evidence against her.
  3. Assassination Plots:
    • Sheela and her inner circle plotted to kill several individuals, including critics, journalists, and even Osho’s personal physician.
    • While the plans were not fully executed, they revealed the lengths she was willing to go to protect the commune.
  4. Embezzlement and Mismanagement:
    • Sheela was accused of embezzling commune funds and misusing resources for personal gain.

Fall from Power:

  • In 1985, as Osho began publicly criticizing Sheela, accusing her of betrayal and criminal activities, she fled the commune along with several close aides.
  • Her sudden departure marked the beginning of the unraveling of Rajneeshpuram, and Osho distanced himself from her, labeling her actions as a “dictatorial reign.”

Arrest and Conviction:

  • Fugitive Status: After fleeing the U.S., Sheela was tracked down in West Germany, where she was arrested in October 1985.
  • Trial: She was extradited to the U.S. and faced multiple charges, including:
    • Attempted murder.
    • Wiretapping.
    • Assault.
    • Immigration fraud.
    • Food contamination.
  • Sentencing: In 1986, Sheela pleaded guilty to several charges and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. However, she served only 39 months in a federal prison before being released for good behavior.

Life After Prison:

  1. Move to Switzerland:
    • After her release in 1988, Sheela moved to Switzerland, where she started a new life far removed from her past in Rajneeshpuram.
  2. Running Care Homes:
    • Sheela established and managed nursing homes for elderly and mentally ill patients in Switzerland, including one called Matru Schloessli.
    • She claimed this work allowed her to atone for her past actions.
  3. Public Appearances and Memoirs:
    • Over the years, Sheela re-emerged into the public eye, granting interviews and publishing her memoir, “Don’t Kill Him!”, in which she shared her side of the story and her experiences with Osho.
    • She continued to defend her actions at Rajneeshpuram, insisting she was misunderstood and that Osho had betrayed her.
  4. Netflix Documentary:
    • Sheela gained renewed attention in 2018 with the release of the Netflix documentary series “Wild Wild Country,” which chronicled the rise and fall of Rajneeshpuram.
    • Her portrayal in the series sparked widespread debate, with some viewing her as a manipulative figure while others admired her determination and charisma.
    • She later criticized the series for its one-sided narrative.
  5. Recent Years:
    • Sheela continues to live in Switzerland, running her care homes and occasionally engaging with the media.
    • Despite her criminal past, she remains unapologetic about many of her actions, often shifting blame to Osho or the commune’s circumstances.

Controversial Legacy:

Ma Anand Sheela remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern spiritual and communal history. Her legacy is marked by:

  • Criminal Infamy: Her involvement in the bioterror attack and other crimes solidified her as a controversial figure.
  • Cultural Fascination: Her charisma and unapologetic attitude have turned her into a subject of fascination, especially after Wild Wild Country.
  • Clash with Osho: While Osho disavowed her, some argue she was scapegoated to protect his legacy.

In Summary:

After her fall from grace, Ma Anand Sheela rebuilt her life in Switzerland, dedicating herself to caregiving. Though she remains unapologetic about many of her actions, her life story continues to intrigue and polarize public opinion. Whether viewed as a ruthless manipulator or a misunderstood leader, Sheela’s role in the Rajneeshpuram saga remains central to one of the most extraordinary chapters in spiritual and communal history.

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