This woman was in love with Osho, married thrice, sent to prison for…., her name is…
Ma Anand Sheela, aka Sheela Ambalal Patel, or Sheela Birnstiel, is still in the core memory of people because of her controversial association with Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, famously known as Osho. She was the spokesperson of the Rajneesh Movement, which was inspired by Osho. The Indian-Swiss woman worked as Osho’s secretary and used to manage the Rajneeshpuram ashram in Wasco County, in Oregon, US.
Meet Ma Anand Sheela Who Was Madly In Love With Osho
The new generation didn’t know about Meet Ma Anand Sheela until 2018, when Netflix dropped a documentary named – Wild Wild Country – which was based on Osho’s life. Because of the documentary Ma Anand Sheela’s name became the talk of the town.
After the success of Wild Wild Country, the OTT platform introduced another documentary based on Anand Sheela titled – Searching for Sheela. The documentary was based on Sheela’s life.
In October 2022, Sheela was interviewed by Entrepreneur India. During the interview, she revealed that she is living in Switzerland’s Maisprach.
As per several reports, Sheela met Osho for the first time when her father took her to an Indian ashram.
Ma Anand Sheela’s Romantic Relationship With Bhagwan Shree Naresh
In a recent interview at a Humans of Humanity event, Ma Anand Sheela discussed her complex relationship with Osho, acknowledging a deep mutual affection. She shared personal anecdotes, including watching films like “Umrao Jaan” and sharing poetry, while clarifying that their relationship was not sexual.
Ma Anand Sheela On Her Fallout With Osho
Ma Anand Sheela, previously accused of poisoning Osho’s caretaker and alleged girlfriend, left the Osho ashram amidst scandal. Osho himself supported the accusations against her. Despite this, Sheela maintains her love and gratitude towards Osho.
Ma Anand Sheela Was Sent To Jail For 20 Years
In 1984, a mass food poisoning incident in The Dalles, Oregon, affected 751 people dining at ten local restaurants. Investigations revealed this was a deliberate act of bioterrorism orchestrated by followers of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, led by Ma Anand Sheela, aiming to influence a local election. This event is considered the largest bioterrorist attack in US history. Sheela was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in federal prison but was released after three years due to good behavior.
Sheela’s Three Marriages
Sheela had several significant relationships throughout her life. Her first marriage was to Marc Harris Silverman in the United States, before she returned to India in 1972. Following Silverman’s death in 1980, she married John Shelfer, another Osho follower. After Shelfer’s death, she had a relationship with URS Birnstiel, who died of AIDS in 1992. Sheela adopted a daughter, Anuja, in 1979 and named her company, Anuja Impex, after her.
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