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Whatever Happened to... (5) The Orange People

In this series Compass revisits radical religious and social movements in Australia’s recent past, exploring their impact and legacy. Episode 5 - In the ‘70s and ‘80s followers of “sex-guru” Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh stood out in Australia with their bright orange clothes and unusual names. Combining eastern mysticism and western capitalism, the Bhagwan urged devotees to explore sex as a path to enlightenment, and many devotees gave up everything to join his ashram in India, then later in America. But when the controversial movement imploded in a cloud of corruption and murder allegations, almost overnight the Orange people seemed to disappear Who were the ‘Orange People’? What persuaded people to join? And, are they still around? Compass finds out.

English
  • Originally Aired August 18, 2013
  • Runtime 30 minutes
  • Network ABC1
  • Created September 2, 2013 by
    Administrator admin
  • Modified September 2, 2013 by
    Administrator admin
Name Type Role
Mark Webb Writer
Kim Akhurst Director