UK Woman shares her experiences of sexual trauma in Osho’s cult

Osho, also known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, was an Indian spiritual teacher and philosopher known for his teachings on meditation, love and the nature of existence. However, there are several allegations

Osho, also known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, was an Indian spiritual teacher and philosopher known for his teachings on meditation, love and the nature of existence. However, there are several allegations and controversies surrounding Osho.

A 54-year-old woman has recounted her painful experience growing up in the notorious sex cult of Indian godman Rajneesh. In an interview with The Times, Prem Sargam described the pervasive sexual abuse she suffered from the age of six in three different sannyasin communities.

Prem Sargam’s ordeal began at the age of six when her father left their home in Britain to join the sect’s ashram in Pune. As a sannyasin, he sought spiritual enlightenment, leaving behind Mrs. Sargam and her mother. Soon Ms. Sargam became enmeshed in the cult and was forced to adopt a new name, wear orange robes and embrace a philosophy that viewed children as obstacles to their parents’ sexual freedom.

According to a Times report, Sangam recalled: “The other message of the sannyasin teaching, both unlawful and shocking, was quickly absorbed by those who joined the cult.” Maroesja Perizonius shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote: “Delighted to announce the release of my new feature documentary, Children of the Cult, which will be shown in cinemas across the UK and broadcast on ITV Exposure on October 13, 2024.”

“While I was making this film “Children of the Cult,” @Janja_Lalich helped me tremendously
is the brilliant book “Take Back Your Life” – a must for anyone who lived in a cult as a child. Thank you Janja for all your hard work 👌 #takebackyourlife #childrenofthecult,” the post continues.

I am delighted to announce the release of my new documentary, Children of the Cult, which will be shown in cinemas across the UK on October 13, 2024 and broadcast on ITV Exposure. Further information can be found at: pic.twitter.com/WPn4nM4AP5

— Maroesja Perizonius (@1pairhanden) September 11, 2024

Prem Sargam was abused from the age of seven and raped at the age of twelve. She clearly remembered the confusion and discomfort she had experienced as a young member of the cult.

When she was between 7 and 11 years old, she and her friends were forced to perform sexual acts on adult men who lived in the commune.

However, the abuse didn’t end there. Prem Sargam was then sent to the Medina ashram in Suffolk under the pretense of attending a “boarding school program”, where she found herself alone and vulnerable. At the age of 12, she moved to the United States, where she joined her mother at an ashram in Oregon. “It wasn’t until I was 16 that I understood what had happened,” she was quoted as telling The Times.

Osho’s movement promoted the idea that children should be exposed to sexuality and suggested that adult men accompany girls during puberty. Sargam reflects that it was considered beneficial for children to be exposed to sexuality.

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