A long news article written by German reporter Willhelm Bittorf for Der Spiegel, which provides an unsympathetic view of the inner workings of the Rajneesh Ashram in Poona (or Puna), India. He describes living conditions and the daily life of followers of the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. He contrasts the 'Club Med' environment of the ashram for its part-time visitors versus the exploitative conditions under which full-time residents live, laboring in various roles for no pay. He also notes some of the spiritual practices of the Rajneesh's followers. The article has been translated from German into English, possibly by staff of the United States government as part of their investigation of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh in the 1980s. This photocopied version was once included in Bob Oliver's 'Guru File,' which was a collection of material collected in Governor Atiyeh's office related to the Rajneesh's background.
A news article from India Today, titled 'Sins of Bhagwan', covers the transition of the Rajneesh foundation from Pune (or Poona), India to Antelope, Oregon and its impact on the community. The report shows that during the move the Ashram was revealed to have outstanding income tax arrears. Chandar Uday Singh later goes on to discuss a series of incidents that occurred shortly before Rajneesh left Pune, as well as criminal accusations made by the Rajneesh Foundation that later were revealed as entrapment. This photocopied excerpt was once included in Bob Oliver's 'Guru File,' which was a collection of material collected in Governor Atiyeh's office related to the Rajneesh's background.
Brief text on the role of 'sannyasins', or spiritual leaders, excerpted from a book by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, 'The Mustard Seed: Discourses on the Sayings of Jesus Taken from the Gospel According to Thomas.' This photocopied excerpt was once included in Bob Oliver's 'Guru File,' which was a collection of material collected in Governor Atiyeh's office related to the Rajneesh's background. The text discusses the Rajneesh belief about spiritual leaders in comparison to other religious teachings, such as that of Buddha and Jesus. Circled and highlighted text on page 47 reads that a sannyasin must be an effective actor.
A statement by the Rajneesh Foundation regarding new developments on the Rajneesh property. Robert G. Davis, government representative acting as spokesperson for the Rajneesh Foundation, explains their desires to help the community. The Foundation proposed digging its own well to supply water and help with water shortages. They are further stated to have been taking steps to make its developments attractive and beneficial to the town of Antelope. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Memo to Governor Atiyeh from his legal counsel, Bob Oliver, regarding a meeting at The Dalles relating to the Rajneesh. Oliver attended the meeting with Bob Montgomery, Community Relations Representative. The letter describes the meeting between County Commissioners: Judge Richard Cantrell, Virgil Ellett and Jim Comini. Also present were Jim Larkin, Deputy to the District Attorney, about 20 local residents, including two representatives from the city of Antelope, and John Sheffner, a follower of Rajneesh. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss local concerns regarding the Rajneeshpuram situation. Also stated in the letter is a scheduled public hearing for a permit for the Rajneesh July festival. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
This pamphlet describes the court cases filed by a watchdog group, 1000 Friends of Oregon, that opposed the Rajneesh Foundation. It asks for support from other Oregon taxpayers. The brochure features statements from Henry R. Richmond, Executive Director of 1000 Friends of Oregon, and Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike, promoting involvement in the case against the Rajneesh. Also included are statements by H. Kelly Greer and Rosemary Greer, ranchers effected by the establishment of the Ashram. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Madras Auction Yard reports containing information about the details of a sale of cattle from Judge Richard Cantrell to the Rajneesh Foundation. These documents were produced as evidence in an investigation because a watchdog group, the 1000 Friends of Oregon, suspected that the prices of the cattle had been inflated, which could constitute a bribe of the judge. The reports contain facts about the sale, the weight of the cattle, kind, buyer and seller. Also enclosed is a more detailed report with usual market value for cattle meeting particular requirements. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
A formal complaint charge between Buck Coe and Judge Richard Cantrell, related to a cattle sale between Cantrell and the Rajneesh Foundation. The complaint is based on violation of ORS Chapter 244. A timeline of events brought into question is outlined. County records, a newspaper article written by Austin Abrams for the Dalles Chronicle covering the investigation, cattle transportation certificates and personal notes exchanged between Judge Cantrell and Coe are all included in the formal complaint as evidence. Also attached is D.D. Hodge's Department of Agriculture Officer report, and formal affidavits from Buck Coe, Austin Abrams, D.D. Hodges and Madras Auction Yard worker Lauren Corwin. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Letter from Stanton F. Long, a Deputy Attorney General of for the state of Oregon, to Betty Reynolds, the Executive Director of the Oregon Ethics Commission. Stanton confirms with Reynolds that the Department of Justice will not be undertaking a criminal investigation into the accusations made against Wasco County Judge Richard Cantrell, which related to a cattle sale between him and the Rajneesh Foundation. The anti-Rajneesh group 1000 Friends of Oregon had alleged that the sale constituted a bribe. Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel, Bob Oliver, is courtesy-copied on the letter. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver.
A letter from James M. Habberstad, the attorney for Oregon's Wasco County Judge Richard Cantrell, to Governor Atiyeh. Habberstad writes regarding a memorandum compiled by an anti-Rajneesh group, the 1000 Friends of Oregon. The group alleged that Cantrell's sale of cattle to the Rajneesh at an elevated price constituted a bribe in exchange for assistance in incorporating the city of Rajneeshpuram. Habberstad responds to the allegations, refuting the possibility of any ill-intent behind the cattle transaction. He writes that Judge Cantrell will be running for office, and accusations of this sort are an attempt by the 1000 Friends of Oregon to influence the election. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
A letter to Governor Atiyeh from Henry R. Richmond, Executive Director of 1000 Friends of Oregon, which was an anti-Rajneesh group. Richmond requests a full-scale investigation of a cattle transaction between Wasco County Judge Richard Cantrell and the Agents of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. The 1000 Friends of Oregon believed that the sale may have constituted a bribe. Richmond discusses the evidence presented in the affidavits by attorney Mark J. Greenfield's memorandum as grounds for an investigation. The letter urges Governor Atiyeh to exercise his power to involve the Attorney General, and launch the investigation. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Memorandum from Mark J. Greenfield, the staff attorney for the anti-Rajneesh group 1000 Friends of Oregon, to Henry R. Richmond, director of the same group. Greenfield provides information on the Wasco County Court's ruling approving the petition that would incorporate the city of Rajneeshpuram. He writes about a cattle sale between County Judge Richard Cantrell and the Rajneesh. The 1000 Friends of Oregon thought that the sale could constitute a bribe. Evidence in the memorandum shows the transaction began prior to the court date. Other affidavits suggest the 1000 Friends of Oregon would have grounds to argue 'bribe receiving' and general misconduct had been committed by Judge Cantrell. Also included are sources, various testimonies, and a recommendation that Governor Atiyeh be contacted for a full-scale investigation. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Excerpts from a small booklet also called a green 'Oasis' book, related to the Rajneeshpuram community in Oregon. It includes sayings of the community's guru, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, who was later known as Osho. The booklet covers the general teachings and outline of Bhagwan sermons to his followers. Also included is information regarding the original construction of the Rajneeshpuram Ashram, their education system, and businesses run by Rajneesh followers. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Legal papers for the Rajneeshpuram community's lands in Wasco County, Oregon. Included is the mortgage, promissory note, loan agreement and maps of purchased lots all executed by the Rajneesh Investment Corporation. The mortgage agreement outlines the present property and excepted property. Also included is a loan agreement containing conditions the Rajneesh had to comply with in order to receive the mortgage. A map and listing of lots within the collection of documents displays the location of land allocated to the Rajneesh within Wasco-Jefferson County and the general layout of that land. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
A draft of the 'Executive Order to declare Martial Law in Oregon,' which was prepared for Governor Atiyeh to sign in case of a violent incident with the Rajneesh. Following the bombing of Hotel Rajneesh in Portland by a radical Islamic militant group, the Rajneeshpuram Peace Force acquired and displayed semi-automatic weapons. This show of force resulted in heightened tension and fear within the community. Governor Atiyeh kept a copy of the order with him when he was travelling in case of an uprising, but he never had to sign it. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
A telegram from a branch of the United States Department of State to criminal investigator Thomas M. Casey regarding the Rajneesh organization. The telegram reports on the status of an ongoing investigation into its leader, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. It states that the Rajneeshee Ashram failed to meet previously set goals that allowed tax exemption. Another report included in the telegram discusses how followers were asked to pay a high initiation fee. Other notes suggest that Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh may have fabricated medical problems, committing fraud in order to obtain a visa. The Department of State recommends that the Ashram be reported to the IRS and Rajneesh provide proof of medical treatment in the United States to justify his need for a visa. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Proclamation and executive order unsigned by Atiyeh and carried with him at all times. These documents would activate the National Guard to help stabilize the escalating tensions of the Rajneeshpuram community.
Certificate awarded to Governor Atiyeh from Major R.R. Moine of the Oregon State Police, and other members of the Rajneeshpuram Task Force for the successful conclusion of the investigation of the Rajneeshpuram community.
News article from the Oregonian on the timeline of the Rajneeshpuram community, including the rise of the influence of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, police investigation of the community, and the court trials of community leaders.
News article from the Rajneesh Times, a newspaper developed for the community of Rajneeshpuram in rural Wasco county, Oregon. A note from Atiyeh is included with the article stating the Governor, contrary to what the paper reported, never visited the ranch or negotiated with community leaders.
Part of a binder that was compiled for Governor Atiyeh with reports and memoranda on the Rajneeshpuram community. The several thousand residents of this community followed a charismatic leader named Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and attempted to form their own utopian city in rural Wasco county, Oregon. This section includes status reports, police log, and miscellaneous documents that relate to the community from September to October, 1985. During this period, their guru had left the commune under pressure from the government, and several other leaders had either been arrested or were under investigation. Notably, several leaders were suspected of having poisoned hundreds of people in The Dalles by spraying salmonella at a salad bar. Followers were leaving the Rajneeshpuram ranch.
Part of a binder that was compiled for Governer Atiyeh with reports and memoranda on the Rajneeshpuram community. The several thousand residents of this community followed a charismatic leader named Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and attempted to form their own utopian city in rural Wasco county, Oregon. This section includes police reports from August to September, 1985. During this time, the guru leaves Oregon under pressure from government investigations, and the commune begins to dissolve.
Part a binder that was compiled for Governor Atiyeh with reports and memoranda on the Rajneeshpuram community. The several thousand residents of this community followed a charismatic leader named Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and attempted to form a utopian city in rural Wasco county, Oregon. This section includes background information on officials of Rajneeshpuram; a 'Rumor Control' center; the Rajneesh's bussing in of homeless people in order to register them as voters in the November 1984 election; and other events of 1984.
Part a binder that was compiled for Governor Atiyeh with reports and memoranda on the Rajneeshpuram community. The several thousand residents of this community followed a charismatic leader named Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and attempted to form their own utopian city in rural Wasco county, Oregon. This section coverrs events inside the commune from 1983-1984. It includes a brief history the of Rajneesh in Oregon; Oregon State Police surveillance reports from inside the commune; documents related to alleged environmental and land use violations; reports on the Rajneesh's recruitment of homeless people to register to vote in Wasco County and subsequent 'dumping' of these people in other communities after the election was over; and other material.
