Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh rose from a precocious boy in India to a spiritual guru to tens of thousands of people worldwide. He became famous for his controversial teachings and lavish lifestyle, leading some to call him a cult leader. Building Utopia paints an immersive, unflinching portrait of Rajneesh and the people who chose to devote their lives to him -- including his top lieutenants, who fled his Rajneeshpuram commune in 1985 amid a cloud of criminal allegations. Building Utopia will captivate those familiar with Rajneesh, as well as those who have not yet discovered his fascinating and troubling story.
The full weight of United States law enforcement finally lands on Bhagwan, Sheela, and their community.
28 Feb 2022
Episode 16: Bhagwan's Allegations
With Sheela gone, Bhagwan takes to his stage to make a series of shocking criminal allegations about his former secretary. Law enforcement pounces on the opportunity to investigate, while disciples are left to piece together what happened in the heart of their community.
BOOK NEWS: For a limited time, my publisher is extending a 25% discount on my book, Rajneeshpuram: Inside the Cult of Bhagwan and Its Failed American Utopia, to listeners of Building Utopia. Use promo code BUILDINGUTOPIA when checking out at their website, www.chicagoreviewpress.com/rajneeshpuram.
14 Feb 2022
Episode 15: Murder Summer
Murder is in the air at Rajneeshpuram during the summer of 1985. We track the commune leaders' audacious plots to assassinate public officials and commune members they felt were enemies, including U.S. Attorney for Oregon, Charles Turner, and Bhagwan's closest companion, Vivek. The events culminate in Sheela making a drastic decision.
BOOK NEWS: For a limited time, my publisher is extending a 25% discount on my book, Rajneeshpuram: Inside the Cult of Bhagwan and Its Failed American Utopia (https://www.buildingutopiapodcast.com/rajneeshpuram-book), to listeners of Building Utopia. Use promo code BUILDINGUTOPIA when checking out at their website, www.chicagoreviewpress.com/rajneeshpuram.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
139 ratings
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