Disciple day marks our love and reverence for Ma Yoga Laxmi, the first secretary and the first disciple of Osho. Osho Dham celebrates her birthday on 12th February every year.

This year too, many disciples danced, sang and sat in silence remembering Laxmi.

What is so special about Laxmi?

Her life is an anecdote of strength and deep love for the Master. She reminds us of what is possible for a disciple. She reminds us of a life that can be full of laughter, devotion, love and silence. Yes, all at the same time.

The morning at Osho Dham was an active celebration followed by lunch.

In the afternoon, everyone gathered to watch a documentary film – River Merging into the Ocean – a never before seen interview of Laxmi in America. In this film, she described her first meeting with Osho in a public forum that marked the beginning of her spiritual journey into the unknown with Him. She was spell bound when he walked in, she said. She described Him as ‘the Man on the Earth’ and said that her ‘real, juicy, groovy life’ began after meeting Osho.

In this interview, she describes the meeting in the office of the American Naturalisation services. The desperate officer arrested her without serving a warrant and denied legal aid for few hours. All this because she refused to ‘cooperate in exchange for information’ and to sign documents which would incriminate Osho. She even refused to speak against Sheela, His Secretary in Rajneeshpuram. Undaunted, she got the better of the situation. She felt sorry for the officers at having to deal with a person like Laxmi. She said, ‘Laxmi had a joyful experience’ resonating His message – Live dangerously and joyously.

The day at Osho Dham was well spent and fully enjoyed. It left most of us beaming with love and melted in Gratitude.

Rashid Maxwell, has written a book on Ma Laxmi, titled ‘The Only Life’ – Osho, Laxmi and a Journey of the Heart. In this book he recounts her life with Osho. Rashd has spent many years in Pune Ashram and in His commune at Rajneeshpuram. He now lives on his farm in UK.