The Bombay High Court’s recent clarification on the dispute between current and former trustees of the Pune ashram, regarding devotees’ access to the late Osho’s samadhi, has brought some clarity to the matter. The court clarified that while there is no prohibition on visiting the samadhi, devotees must follow certain rules, conventions, and traditions when doing so.
Osho, also known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, was a spiritual teacher and leader who gained a large following in the 1970s and 1980s. He passed away in 1990, and his samadhi, or final resting place, is located in the Pune ashram. The dispute between the current and former trustees of the ashram centers around control over the property and the handling of Osho’s legacy.
The court’s recent clarification provides some guidance for devotees who wish to visit the samadhi. It suggests that there are established customs and traditions surrounding the site, and that visitors must follow these when paying their respects to Osho. It is not clear what these rules and conventions are, but it is likely that they relate to appropriate behavior and dress, as well as the respectful treatment of the site and its surroundings.
The clarification also underscores the ongoing tensions between the current and former trustees of the ashram, who have been engaged in a protracted legal battle over control of the property. The dispute has been characterized by accusations of financial impropriety, as well as differing visions for the future of the ashram and Osho’s legacy.
The Bombay High Court’s recent clarification on devotees’ access to Osho’s samadhi provides some guidance for those wishing to pay their respects to the spiritual leader. However, it also highlights the ongoing tensions between the current and former trustees of the Pune ashram, and the complex legacy of Osho and his teachings.