Testimonial letter from Sw Satyam Bhavyo

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This letter is one of a remarkable series of over 2650 letters amassed in 1983 to support Osho's attempt to get permanent resident status in the US at the time of the Oregon ranch. The image is reproduced here with the kind permission of The Oregon Historical Society. Information about their collection of these letters and other supporting material -- the "Jeffrey Noles Rajneesh Collection", named for Osho's immigration lawyer Jeffrey Noles, who compiled them in 1983 and donated them to the OHS -- can be found at this page. The wiki is grateful to the OHS for making access available for these documents. For more information and links to all the letters, see Testimonial letters.

This letter is from Sw Satyam Bhavyo (John MacLean). It is "Exhibit A-733" in the Noles collection.

The text version below has been created by optical character recognition (OCR), from the images supplied by OHS. It has not been checked for errors but this process usually results in over 99% correct transcription. Most apparent "errors" are correct transcriptions of typos already in the original. The image on the right in the text box links to a pdf file of the original letter, it has 2 pages.

Swami Satyam Bhavyo
aka John MacLean
24 Pearwood Cr.
Don Mills, Ontario
CANADA
July 20, 1983

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

The time has come for me to express some thoughts and feelings concerning the enlightened spiritual master Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. A product of the middle class, I am above average in intelligence and a university graduate (BA in English and Drama - University of Western Ontario). At the age of 21 - I am now 28 - I forwent a career in law to explore the world of poetry and theatre. I spent four not altogether unsuccessful years in these domains, spending a year and a half at Ryerson Theatre school in Toronto and a further two years studying theatre in exclusive workshops. I have acted in, directed and written plays.

It was during this period of intense involvement in theatre that I first came across Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. My first contact was through one of his books: The Book of Secrets Vol.I. Here I found practical meditation techniques that one could try almost anywhere and anytime. Meditation is, of course, the art of turning inward, of finding within a centre from which flows blissful cerative energy - the same force which causes a child to play or a flower to bloom. As an actor and would-be artist I was vitally interested in meditation. It seemed to be the only way one could find truth and freedom in expression. In The Book of Secrets Bhagwan systematically explains and clarifies 112 different methods of meditation. Such an opportunity! 112 ways to explore myself and my art.

It was at a meditation centre in London, Ontario that I first tried dynamic meditation - a very powerful method created by Bhagwan especially for us Westerners. This was in 1977. I was blown away. The change in my consciousness was unmistakable; things were suddenly more clear, more immediate, and more beautiful. For the next two and a half years I experimented continuously with Bhagwan’s meditations, finding them to be of immense help in exploring my creative energies. I also listened extensively to his audiotapes and read many more of his books. Finally, in January 1980, I took sannyas and became a Rajneeshee.

While continuing to explore my theatrical bent, I found Bhagwan’s teachings helped me to become more practical and down to earth. I learned the trade of masonry along with many other construction skills. I discovered one did not have to be a Shakespeare in order to be happy.

I have visited Rancho Rajneesh several times and have participated in three festivals. To sit silently with Bhagwan in Darshan or Satsang is both the greatest pleasure and most profound learning experience. I know heart to heart communion between master and disciple to be as real a phenomenon as this ink and paper. For fifteen thousand Rajneeshees from all over the world the satsangs and darshan of the world celebration are the focal point of inspiration for the entire year.

Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh is the best thing happening in the world today. He offers us a practical vision of a rare humanity with a sense of humour. He gives us the opportunity to create the "new man" -a man who is scientist, mystic and poet all in one - because he comes from, is in contact with, the oneness of his own being. It is this simple gift which Bhagwan offers. A simple gift which is all anyone needs - the gift of knowing who you are, the gift of awareness of ourselves in all our tragi-comic beauty and splendour.

Please keep him in America - he is a Way - a tremendous opportunity for all who seek something better.

Yours truly,
[signed]
Satyam Bhavyo
aka John MacLean


(Please note: We assume that the above letter is still copyrighted, but we regard its historical interest to constitute a Fair Use exception for publication in this wiki.)