Wild Wild Country: Docuseries on Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, AKA Osho, Will Not Answer All Your Questions, But it is a Must-See on Religions, Cults vs Utopias & Civil Liberties

The new docuseries released by Netflix in 2018 is provocative, insightful, sad and terribly relevant even today.

The 6-part series is the story of an experiment gone wrong, corrupted by those who may have loved Bhagwan the most, and perhaps most nefariously the story of Sheela, Bhagwan’s personal secretary, who seems to be pulling all the strings.

The series does not delve very deeply into what Bhagwan was like before the move to the United States when Bhagwan’s followers set up shop in Antelope, Oregon. It left me wondering if it missed some of the more innocent times before the Ashram became an attraction.

I did not know that Christopher Hitchens had visited the Ashram in India and was highly critical of it. In 1981, Hitchens released a BBC documentary titled “The God that Fled.” Later, he devoted a chapter to “There is No Eastern Solution” in God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything.

The documentary also doesn’t answer the questions, “Was it a cult? Was it a con game? Was it a religion? Was it a utopian experiment?” And probably the biggest question of all is how much did Bhagwan know about what Sheela was up to? Did he know that Sheela was committing criminal acts?

Sheela is an interesting character, both sympathetic and ruthless. She loved Bhagwan and saw her mission in life as protecting him at all costs and by any means necessary. The most telling statement she makes in the documentary (after apparently spearheading a plot to poison the residents of Antelope with salmonella) was after she was asked if she felt remorse for making so many people sick. She shrugs it off and says people get sick all the time, even though at least one person was near death and several were hospitalized. She is as cold as ice.

OSHO International, the organization that carries forward the work and legacy of Bhagwan/OSHO, has released the following statement:

Wild Wild Country, The Story Behind the Story of Rajneeshpuram

OSHO International

Apr 06, 2018, 08:30 ET

PUNE, India, April 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — “Wild Wild Country,” the recently released six-part Netflix docuseries, is capturing worldwide attention. It recounts the extraordinary story of a group of people, inspired by the vision of the mystic, Osho, creating an ecological oasis in the barren hills of the Oregon high desert.

These events trigger a political and criminal confrontation between a revolutionary vision of a new way of living versus the establishment. Unfortunately, In OSHO Internationals’ view, the docuseries fails to explore key details and so does not give a clear account of the real story behind the story.

Based on documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, it is clear to OSHO International that the government, from the highest levels on down, were determined to use whatever means possible to thwart Osho’s vision of a community based on conscious living. These include US Attorney Edwin Meese, both US Senators from Oregon, the governor of Oregon. All the named later admitted publicly that they had no evidence associating Osho with the crimes of Sheela Silverman, Osho’s personal secretary at the time.

The government’s attitude toward Osho is perhaps best captured by a statement, on the public record, by the District Director’s Chief INS Investigator, Thomas Casey, who stated that Osho will be “deported as an example to wetbacks and other cults.”

The attempt to create a model city in the Oregon high desert was blocked from the outset on the basis that it was “farmland” where “offices” were not legal.

Only after the community had been destroyed did the Oregon Supreme Court confirm what anybody could see with their own eyes: that the land was not in any sense “farmland.” The court confirmed that the land could only support “9 cows” and that the city’s original incorporation had been legal.

Denied even a telephone line, it was impossible for the community to grow. As the film describes, the residents of that community then bought property – that had long been for sale in Antelope, a tiny “ghost town” of 40 mainly retired residents 19 miles away – in order to have essential services. As the film shows, this was termed “the invasion” that was later used to justify ever-greater efforts to “get them out.” In response, Sheela Silverman set out on her personal road to perdition – bending and breaking laws as she saw fit in an attempt to defend the community.

A critical moment came when Sheela fell out with Osho and, as she said in the docuseries, “He lost it.” She decided only she knew how best to implement what she thought was Osho’s vision — which was the beginning of the end. When Osho became aware of Sheela’s criminal acts he immediately invited the FBI to investigate her crimes.

In the fall of ’85, the press was full of rumors, later confirmed by the Oregon Attorney General, that the National Guard and other levels of law enforcement were being mobilized. As the film describes, repeated attempts by Osho’s attorneys to cooperate with any warrant or allegations against him were rebuffed.

In OSHO International’s opinion, the risk of violence was defused at a stroke when Osho accepted the advice from those around him to leave. He flew out of Rajneeshpuram on the long journey across the country. His departure from Rajneeshpuram was a gift for the authorities who then claimed he was “fleeing.” OSHO International questions how Osho could be fleeing a non-existent arrest warrant, while filing flight plans with the FAA, and taking the longest possible route across the US when Canada was only 20 minutes away?

The attacks on Osho’s fragile health while the authorities were holding him required him to allow his lawyers to make an “Alford Plea” deal to leave the US, all the while maintaining his innocence of all charges.

Sheela was at the center of this criminal enterprise and received a 20-year prison sentence. She was released after only 39 months. A slap on the wrist compared with what OSHO International guesses would have been decades in prison for Osho had there been a trace of evidence linking him to Sheela’s crimes.

OSHO International’s summary of this story is that here was a non-white man from India, who wore a dress and an unusual hat, who drove a fleet of fancy foreign cars round a city named after him in Sanskrit, where everyone wore red, worked for no money but with only the love of a vision of a different world based on meditation, where there was no support for the family, private property or any religion, and where everyone was a vegetarian – right in the middle of conservative, Christian, cowboy country!

Melania had White House Exorcised: Pastor Paul Begley, A Rapture-Ready Prophet

Photo courtesy White House.

At approximately minute 23 in this video, Paul Begley claims Melania Trump had White House exorcised and cleansed and that demonic idols be removed during Presidential Inauguration. Cites no evidence.

Paul Begley Prophecy in West Lafayette, IN. Pastor Paul Begley airs a weekday and Sunday LIVE Show about Holy Bible Prophecy and how today’s world events relate to the Holy Bible and the signs of the End Times.

https://www.paulbegleyprophecy.com/

 

Lagos Police Bust Pair with Body Parts to be Used for Rituals: Belief Has Real World Consequences

Photo Courtesy Lagos State Police Command

  • PRESS RELEASE
    Today 16/01/2018, at about 1620 hours, operatives of the Lagos State Police Command, led by CP Edgal Imohimi, stormed No.4 Okedumade street, off Badare street, Alakuko Lagos and arrested a self acclaimed Alfa, by name, Abdulfatai Kayode, male.
  • The said Abdulfatai confessed having some human parts in his divination room.
  • A mini paint bucket filled with assorted types of female body parts comprising of the laps, intestine and the vagina etc, was recovered from him. He confessed that the human heart seen in the bucket was that of a man.
  • He further named one Ifa,, male as his accomplice.
    The CP immediately dispatched the Command’s underground operatives to fish out the said Ifa.
  • About 30 minutes after the Commissioner of Police left the crime scene, news came that Ifa has been arrested.
  • The CP, who was vividly happy at the arrest of the men, attributed the success to Community policing and safety partnership in existence in Lagos state. He urged Lagosians to know their neighbours and report any suspicious happenings.SP Chike Oti
    Police Public Relations Officer,
    Lagos State Police Command.

The human body parts were to be used for money rituals. The press release did not indicate how the body parts were obtained, but other “Alfas,” a term for a Muslim Cleric, have obtained body parts by robbing graves.

In an unrelated case, Nigerian police recently broke up a murderous group known as the Badoo Cult.

Badoo Cult: Police in Nigeria Arrest “Killer Cult Group”

 

Voodoo Ritual Burns Child in Massachussetts: Belief Has Real World Consequences

A case in Massachusetts is attracting public interest as a young girl received third degree “disfiguring” burns on her face when her mother and her aunt performed a voodoo spell on her to cleanse her of evil spirits that were causing her to behave badly. Here is the story:

http://randolph.wickedlocal.com/news/20180201/women-disfigure-randolph-child-in-voodoo-ritual-say-police

 

While it might seem at first glance to be unimaginable, websites abound on the Internet promoting these types of rituals and providing the supplies and even prepared kits to reinforce and capitalize on this type of belief system.

Here are some typical set-ups for a cleansing ritual. Note that a candle or open flame is often recommended. The oils very likely have alcohol causing flammability. Often, the ingredients are not even fully disclosed:

The women mentioned that part of the ritual involves the burning of myhrr, also introducing a potential fire hazard into the cleansing and also freely available in voodoo supplies:

Sea salt was cited as one of the components of the ritual cleansing:

Herbal Sea Salt Bath

We offer many types of bath salts. Mixed with herbs for different uses. All rid you of negative energy. Their are ones made to match your Element (Earth, Air, Water, Fire) Healing, Love, Purification, Spirit, Prosperity & Protection. Any of these can be used in a cleansing but have the specific herbs added according to your preference. So be sure to specify on the “notes to seller” section on Paypal. As always 100% Free Shipping inside the U.S.A.

Another spiritual cleansing bath mix. No ingredients listed:

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Anointing oils, possibly containing flammable ingredients making a variety of promises:

Cast Off Evil Oil 2 dram: Anoint temples during prayer or ritual to overcome evil forces. Pure anointing oil for external use only

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Eucalyptus oil was used by the sisters, according to the police.

Repelling–eucalyptus and devil’s shoestrings drive off people and habits that are no longer welcome

 

Devil’s Shoe String spiritual supplies are to tie down and restrain the devil and also human enemies. Contains genuine Devil’s Shoe String Root.

—————

 

BANISHING OIL, Full Line of Banishing Products

 

Banishing Oil–Banishing spiritual supplies are to remove unwanted people or conditions; far milder than Hot Foot. Further instructional information can be with Free Magic Spells and Prayers and How to Use Oils in Conjure, From “Hoodoo In Theory and Practice”

The Banishing Ritual kit has been created to aid you in banishing negativity and negative influences from your life, home and self. From evil spirits to curses to bad habits, it can aid you in your ritual craft.

Southern style anointing oils are made with genuine roots, herbs, and minerals. They are used to dress candles, anoint the body, and sprinkle on amulets and conjure hands. We prepare these Magical oils on the premises and package them in 1/2 ounce glass bottles, with vivid graphic labels.

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Frankincense & Myrrh Spiritual Oil

 

Frankincense: For consecration and intensification, spirit work, increase power of conjure, empower oils / perfumes / mojo bags, and peaceful sleep.

Myrrh: Traditionally blended with other herbs. Promotes peace, healing, and protection.

Suggested Use: Anoint candles, magickal tools, feed your spirit / mojo bag, use for spell / rootwork, add to your bath, add to sea salt, add to herbs on charcoal, drip a little on a light bulb, dress your chakra points / wrists / temples.


Protection Oil, no ingredients listed:

 

An important part of many magical practitioners kit, Protection Oil, as the name implies, is a potent anointing oil intended to fortify your protection spells and warding magic. Use it as an anointing oil to help strength the creation of magical circles for summoning and conjuration. Otherwise Protection Oil is also a powerful aid when creating magical talismans, charms, and personal spells intended to help protect you or another from curses, hexes, and the evil eye.

 

 

 

Satanic conspiracies & plots against the sacred land of Palestine are doomed

Photo courtesy Islamic Republic News Agency.

Archbishop: Enemies of Iran, enemies of all divine religions

Tabriz, Jan 7, IRNA – Archbishop of Armenians in western Iran Grigor Chiftchian said on Sunday that the sacred system of the Islamic Republic is based upon principle of divine system, so its enemies would be, in fact, enemies of all divine religions.

 

He made the remarks in a commemoration ceremony for the Armenian martyrs from Azarbaijan provinces in eight year imposed war.

The archbishop underlined important position of Iran’s leader and said that the main pillar of the regime is its leadership and all Iranians should appreciate such leadership.

Chiftchian pointed to birth place of Prophet Jesus Christ (PBUH) in Palestine territory, and said that the great Satan and world arrogance powers wanted to separate Palestine land, while Palestine, Holy Quds and Jerusalem belong to all religions and do not belong to any specific person.

He reminded that all satanic conspiracies and plots against the sacred land of Palestine is doomed as this land belongs to all divine religions.

Archbishop Chiftchian added that every plan drawn by great powers for west Asia region will be neutralized by unity of people and divine religions.

Badoo Cult: Police in Nigeria Arrest “Killer Cult Group”

Photo of Chief Herbalist in his shrine, courtesy Nigeria Newsdesk, Twitter.

In late 2016, according to Nigerian authorities, a killer cult group known as badoo, began terrorizing and murdering citizens in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.

Lagos police arrested five suspected key members of the sect on January 2, 2018, and provided video evidence of a shrine run by Chief  Herbalist Fatai Adebayo, age 34.

The killings appeared to be ritual in nature. Victims were murdered in their sleep. At one point, citizens began to suspect the killers were supernatural (and thus invincible), but according to Nigerian press, the arrest of the five suspects proves members of the group are actually human beings.

Suspects confessed to authorities that they only operated at midnight and would spray a powdery substance prepared by the herbalist that would put victims into a deep state of sleep and would then smash the victim’s head with a grinding stone.

Vanguard Nigeria reports: “The powdery substance was also sprayed close to buildings around the targeted building to avoid any intrusion during operation. Thereafter, they would smash their victim’s head with a grinding stone, and dab their white handkerchiefs in victim’s blood before leaving the scene.”

During interrogation, one of the suspects said the cult members were fortified spiritually by drinking water used to wash dead bodies, drinking animal blood, spreading an oily substance from a calabash, and abstaining from sex before murdering someone. He also claimed he was desperate for employment and was offered money to perform the killings.

Further confessions revealed the entire purpose of the operation was to obtain the blood soaked handkerchiefs of the victims and then sell the handkerchiefs to rich politicians and other elite known as the “big boys.” The handkerchiefs soaked in blood were believed to be a source of empowerment and protection and were then used to perform money rituals.

Witchcraft and black magic beliefs have recently plagued Malawi, where villagers believe bloodsuckers are stealing their blood and have formed vigilante gangs leading to suspected vampires being murdered.

Vampires, Blood Suckers, Witchcraft, Resurrection and more in Malawi

 

Are we really in 2018?

Atheism leads to Collapse into Immorality & Lawlessness: Letter to Editor, New Zealand

Have faith
One has to wonder where Jim Adams (Letters, December 27) has been not to be aware of the tragic consequences of the adoption of atheism by societies and the attendant collapse into immorality and lawlessness.

It has to be admitted that atrocities have been committed in the past (and even today) in the name of some religions (even by so-called Christians) but the overall outcome has been positive for humanity – especially that of Christianity with its power to change lives for good.

Compare this with atheism which leads to disintegrating societies and the inevitable rise of totalitarian regimes such as those of Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, Mao Ze Dong and Kim Jong-Un, and the death and suffering of hundreds of millions of people; not the idyllic picture Jim envisages.

We need to recognise that because of man’s fallen state atheistic, humanistic socialism can never be the answer; only a life-changing personal faith in Jesus Christ is.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith (in Jesus Christ) … not of works lest any man should boast” Ephesians 2:8-9.

DAVID PREEST
Rotorua

Letters to the Editor, New Zealand Herald, Rotorura Daily Post

Atheist Xmas Traditions Funnies from Twitter

UT Austin Professors Discover Copy of Jesus’ Secret Revelations to Brother

AUSTIN, Texas — The first-known original Greek copy of a heretical Christian writing describing Jesus’ secret teachings to his brother James has been discovered at Oxford University by biblical scholars at The University of Texas at Austin.

To date, only a small number of texts from the Nag Hammadi library — a collection of 13 Coptic Gnostic books discovered in 1945 in Upper Egypt — have been found in Greek, their original language of composition. But earlier this year, UT Austin religious studies scholars Geoffrey Smith and Brent Landau added to the list with their discovery of several fifth- or sixth-century Greek fragments of the First Apocalypse of James, which was thought to have been preserved only in its Coptic translations until now.

Geoffrey Smith (left) and Brent Landau take a closer look at the Greek fragment identified as the First Apocalypse of James. The fragments–and rights to published images of them–are owned by the Egypt Exploration Society. Photo provided by Geoffrey Smith, UT Austin.

“To say that we were excited once we realized what we’d found is an understatement,” said Smith, an assistant professor of religious studies. “We never suspected that Greek fragments of the First Apocalypse of James survived from antiquity. But there they were, right in front of us.”

The ancient narrative describes the secret teachings of Jesus to his brother James, in which Jesus reveals information about the heavenly realm and future events, including James’ inevitable death.

“The text supplements the biblical account of Jesus’ life and ministry by allowing us access to conversations that purportedly took place between Jesus and his brother, James — secret teachings that allowed James to be a good teacher after Jesus’ death,” Smith said.

Such apocryphal writings, Smith said, would have fallen outside the canonical boundaries set by Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, in his “Easter letter of 367” that defined the 27-book New Testament: “No one may add to them, and nothing may be taken away from them.”

With its neat, uniform handwriting and words separated into syllables, the original manuscript was probably a teacher’s model used to help students learn to read and write, Smith and Landau said.

“The scribe has divided most of the text into syllables by using mid-dots. Such divisions are very uncommon in ancient manuscripts, but they do show up frequently in manuscripts that were used in educational contexts,” said Landau, a lecturer in the UT Austin Department of Religious Studies.

The teacher who produced this manuscript must have “had a particular affinity for the text,” Landau said. It does not appear to be a brief excerpt from the text, as was common in school exercises, but rather a complete copy of this forbidden ancient writing.

Smith and Landau announced the discovery at the Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting in Boston in November and are working to publish their preliminary findings in the Greco Roman Memoirs series of the Oxyrhynchus Papyri.