Osho disciples seek protection for Pune ashram

NEW DELHI - Osho centres across the country have asked for special protection to their Pune ashram, a popular spiritual heritage site that attracts a lot of foreign visitors, in the wake of last week’s terror blast in that city.

The Feb 13 blast that shattered the German Bakery in Koregaon Park area in Pune, claiming 12 lives and injuring nearly 60, is located close to the Osho Ashram. Among the victims was Nadia Materinia, a 37-year-old Italian who was an Osho disciple.

“On behalf of all Osho sanyasins and Osho Centers, we appeal to the government of India to protect the popular spiritual heritage site of India, the Osho Ashram, that houses the samadhi of Osho, the enlightened mystic of modern times,” a statement said Wednesday.

“Media reports say the ashram, a spiritual centre, was one of the locations canvassed as a potential target by David Coleman Headley, who is now on trial in Chicago on charges of plotting terrorist attacks. Headley had reportedly stayed in a hotel near the ashram,” it said.

The statement, on behalf of 25 Osho centres in India and abroad and the Osho World Foundation in Delhi, said: “It is a matter of great concern for all disciples and seekers because of the terror threat that looms large for the ashram and that the ashram is on the target radar of the terrorists”.

“Millions of Osho lovers around the world wish to see the ashram safe and secure, and do not want anything untoward happening. Therefore, we request the immediate action of government of India to take all necessary measures to provide for total security of the ashram and help this place be fully secure for the spiritual seekers,” it added.