Watch Guru: Bhagwan, His Secretary & His Bodyguard

Guru: Bhagwan, His Secretary & His Bodyguard is a gripping documentary film that takes us deep into the heart of a controversial spiritual movement which formed around Indian guru and philosopher Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. The film, released in 2010, explores the rise and fall of the Rajneeshees, an Indian cult that gained widespread notoriety after settling in the small town of Antelope, Oregon in the 1980s.

The documentary features exclusive interviews with key players in the Rajneesh movement, including Hugh Milne – a former disciple of Bhagwan and personal attendant to the guru himself. Milne provides invaluable insights into the teachings and practices of the Rajneeshees, offering firsthand accounts of his experiences within the cult.

Ma Anand Sheela, Bhagwan's Secretary and a major figure in the Rajneesh movement, also plays a central role in the documentary. Sheela speaks candidly about her time in the cult, detailing the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated organization and the tensions that eventually led to her downfall.

Osho, the guru himself, is perhaps the most enigmatic figure in the film. Known for his provocative teachings on love, sex, and the human condition, Bhagwan is shown in archival footage delivering fiery speeches to tens of thousands of followers. His message of spiritual freedom and free love resonated with many young people of the time, and the Rajneesh movement quickly grew to become one of the most controversial religious movements of the 20th century.

The film traces the rise of the Rajneeshees, from their humble beginnings in India to their eventual arrival in Antelope, where they quickly clashed with local townspeople and law enforcement authorities. The resulting conflict culminated in a series of highly publicized attacks on Oregonians, including the use of biological weapons and wiretapping.

Throughout the film, Guru: Bhagwan, His Secretary & His Bodyguard maintains a gripping sense of urgency, as viewers are taken on a journey through the inner workings of the Rajneesh movement. The film is a testament to the power of faith, and the ways in which people can be drawn into seemingly impossible situations through charismatic leaders and groupthink.

Despite the disturbing aspects of the story, the film also offers profound insights into the nature of human spirituality and the search for meaning in life. Director and producer Jill Ruckelshaus expertly weaves together archival footage, interviews, and narration to create a rich and textured portrait of a complex moment in American history.

In conclusion, Guru: Bhagwan, His Secretary & His Bodyguard is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that delves deep into the world of a religious movement that captivated and horrified the world. With its mix of archival footage and firsthand accounts, the film paints a vivid picture of the Rajneeshee movement, and the complicated dynamic between Bhagwan, his secretary, and his bodyguard. The documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in the ways in which religious movements can impact society, and the dangers of unchecked charismatic leadership.

Guru: Bhagwan, His Secretary & His Bodyguard is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.