“Wild Wild Country” is a documentary series that recounts the controversial events surrounding the Rajneesh movement, also known as the “Rajneeshees,” in the early 1980s. The series provides a detailed examination of the rise and fall of the movement, focusing on its charismatic leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) and his personal secretary Ma Anand Sheela. Here’s an overview of the main characters and the storyline:
Main Characters:
- Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh:
- Role: The spiritual leader of the Rajneesh movement.
- Personality: Charismatic and enigmatic, Bhagwan attracted followers from around the world with his teachings on spirituality, meditation, and free love.
- Ma Anand Sheela:
- Role: Bhagwan’s personal secretary and one of the central figures in the Rajneesh movement.
- Personality: Intelligent, ambitious, and fiercely loyal to Bhagwan, Sheela played a key role in the establishment and management of the Rajneeshpuram commune in Oregon.
- Residents of Rajneeshpuram:
- Role: A diverse group of followers who lived in the Rajneeshpuram commune.
- Personality: Followers of Bhagwan’s teachings, they were drawn to the commune for its promise of spiritual enlightenment and communal living.
Storyline:
- Establishment of Rajneeshpuram: The series begins with the establishment of the Rajneeshpuram commune in rural Oregon in the early 1980s. Followers of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, led by Ma Anand Sheela, purchased a large tract of land and built a utopian community based on their spiritual beliefs.
- Conflict with Locals: Tensions quickly escalated between the residents of Rajneeshpuram and the local community, including government officials and neighboring landowners, who viewed the commune with suspicion and fear.
- Political Maneuvering: As the conflict intensified, the Rajneeshees became involved in various political maneuvers, including attempts to influence local elections and take control of the nearby town of Antelope.
- Legal Battles: The series documents the legal battles that ensued between the Rajneeshees and the local authorities, including charges of immigration fraud, wiretapping, and attempted murder.
- Downfall of the Movement: The downfall of the Rajneesh movement came with the revelation of criminal activities within the commune, including the poisoning of salad bars in nearby towns and the attempted assassination of political opponents. Bhagwan was arrested and deported from the United States, and the commune eventually disbanded.
- Legacy: The series explores the legacy of the Rajneesh movement and its lasting impact on its followers, as well as the lessons learned from the events at Rajneeshpuram.
“Wild Wild Country” offers a fascinating and in-depth look at one of the most controversial episodes in American history, exploring themes of religious freedom, power, and the clash of cultures.