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Sadhana puts the average age of the visitors at 30-35 but you cannot help notice that the groups are getting younger by the day. Visitors without the baggage of memories and history are welcome. “They don’t ask where Osho’s pictures are. They come here for the meditation packages we offer and know the value of all he taught is in there,” says Sadhana.
Among the more welcome changes is the fact that the centre in its resort avatar seems more accessible to the public. Anyone willing to undergo an HIV test and who tests negative is allowed to be a part of the activities, according to the packages offered.

Not everyone is bowled over by the transformation of the commune to a resort-spa. Swami Chaitanya Keerti, founder of the Delhi-based Osho World and former spokesperson of the commune, before it split into two in 2000, says what is missing is the love for people who have been coming there for a long time. “The spirit, the feeling of being in a sangh, that is not there anymore. By dropping Ma and Swami from their names, they are mercilessly killing the spirit of sanyas,” he says.
There are allegations that the inner circle, a group of 21 who, according to the authorities are people chosen by Osho to run the centre, are beholden to the West. “The inner circle members were chosen by Jayesh or Michael O’Byrne (a Canadian real estate agent who is supposed to control the circle). The management team has no power and the entire control rests with Osho World New York. All notices sent on behalf of the commune originate from New York. We had walked out on this issue,” says Keerti.

Sadhana refutes the allegations and says that the breakaway faction hasn’t even visited the resort since its revamp. Amrito is at pains to explain why the makeover has not diluted the spiritual focus. “This impression is only held by those who have not attended the evening meeting where hundreds and hundreds of people sit in complete silence for the discourse and meditation. The scene is indescribable. The survival of this place depends on this daily gathering. Without it, it’s just another resort. With it, it’s the most unique thing in the world—a meditation resort,” he says.
As the sound of laughter and music ripples outwards, a question remains. What would Osho have made of it? The piercing eyes hold no answer.

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