Introductory Note

Gives a basic picture of negligence at the resort.

I am writing this note to answer a very important question that may arise if you read the main article. What is my motivation for publicly throwing dirt on the Osho centre – and therefore on Osho?

In my opinion the centre has been the stage of internal politicking for many years. Also, the centre has gradually been taken in a more and more negative direction. In my opinion, there are a number of very serious concerns, and each of these is at a tipping point where a little trigger will create a major incident – perhaps (considerable) loss of life. Further, I am of the view that some beautiful and sincere people have fought to correct this trend; and for whatever reason, have almost lost the struggle – and that some nice (and some perhaps not so nice) people will be held responsible.

I am of the opinion that some Osho sanyassins think me stupid, confused, possibly borderline illiterate, and with only ill-will and malice as motivation – hence a blind unwillingness to take seriously what I have written. In partial response, I received the senior-year Chemistry prize in high-school. I have a diploma in export management from the Australian Institute of Export. I have a business degree from Queensland University of Technology. I have an honours degree in manufacturing systems engineering from Queensland University of Technology, and have specialised in fluid systems. I have had professional experience in underground mining as a geo-technical services engineer. I also have a post-graduate diploma with distinction in philosophy from the University of Queensland.
I would like to explain my case more specifically by example of the water purification system. In my opinion some of the above mentioned qualifications and experience makes a strong case for having expertise in this field.

Three monsoons ago an incident occurred where the water treatment system was pumping out contaminated water to the drinking water stations. Unfortunately, people drank this water! In my opinion, the water treatment system was found to be in a seriously run-down and neglected state. I am also of the view that nothing substantial was done to fix this.
Two monsoons ago the level of contamination of water was considerably worse. Was the water treatment system at least up to minimum standard? Did people drink this water? Also, what happened in the most recent monsoon? Further, the next monsoon is imminent.
As I recall, prior to the last monsoon I received an online advert claiming that the swimming-pool now had extra sparkling water from a brand-new filtering system. Was money spent in such areas and not on fixing up a run-down water treatment system that pumps out contaminated drinking water?

What if a serious incident (has) occurred where a number of people became very sick (or perhaps worse) from drinking contaminated ‘drinking’ water at the centre? I would assume that an independent expert would be required to give opinion about the “Health & Safety and Management” report and the summary article. The papers are written in an articulate and professional manner. They are also clear, factual, and with justifiable conclusions. In my opinion they have professional standing.

How about I go to Pune and don’t drink the water? Granted it is nice to be in the know. Also, notwithstanding ongoing contamination problems with some bottled water, there are numerous other serious shortcomings and potential hazards: contamination of food and beverages through use of contaminated water (also from worker neglect, rodents, poor design and construction, and from improperly functioning machinery and equipment); inadequate response to rodent problems; ingestion of excess levels of corrosive chemicals and carcinogens (Hydrogen Peroxide and Sodium Hypochlorite); cabled and dead trees (and limbs); structural integrity of buildings; and poor or inadequate outdoor lighting. This list is not exhaustive.

The centre looks like a beautiful oasis. When I wrote the initial report, and then walked in the gates of the centre, I just couldn’t integrate what I just wrote with what I saw. However these papers would in my opinion stand up to professional critique – in a number of disciplines. In my opinion, to an outsider they are a very clear warning (just like the Bhopal disaster – where a safety report was ignored, and lead to a horribly tragic outcome).

Unfortunately (as it would appear to me) nobody listened to the first report. Although it was lengthy and deeply analytical, it was with good reason. It was to provide critical analysis of key problem areas, and to provide that to people with expertise in the relevant fields. I am of the opinion that the advice was largely ignored. So, one year on, and with (as it would appear to me) the issues slowly worsening, the centre is perhaps at a fragile and precarious stage. Therefore I have written a different type of report, and it targets a different audience. I am simply trying to prevent a serious incident at the centre. The year after year internal struggle failed; the ‘internal’ report failed; and so now outside help is being sought.

Perhaps you are disturbed about a brazen attack on Osho’s image? Unlike the Ranch fiasco, Osho is not around to bear the blame for the outright stupidity and unconscionable actions of his ostensible disciples. Ironically therefore the association of Osho with negligence and criminality is lessened.

Lastly, I have professional expertise in several disciplines. I do not want to be called to the stand to give expert testimony!

The author and “nomindspiration.com” takes no responsibility for the content of this article.
Prem Abhay