Jeffrey Noles Rajneesh Collection, circa 1975-1985 Overview of the Collection Creator Jeffrey Noles Title Jeffrey Noles Rajneesh Collection Dates circa 1975-1985 (inclusive) 1982 2004 Quantity 7 cubic feet, (7 record cartons ) Collection Number Coll 621 Summary Records of immigration lawyer Jeffrey Noles of Portland, Oregon, who represented Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, his mother Saraswati Bai Babulal Jain, and many of his followers and residents of Rajneeshpuram. Items include immigration case exhibits which include originals and copies of correspondence, news clippings, affidavits, letters of support for Bhagwan, original Rajneesh newsletters, pamphlets and books. Materials date from the late 1970s to the mid 1980s. Repository Oregon Historical Society, Davies Family Research Library Davies Family Research Library Oregon Historical Society 1200 SW Park Avenue Portland, OR 97205 Telephone: 503-306-5240 Fax: 503-219-2040 libreference@ohs.org Access Restrictions The collection is open to the public. Languages English and Hindi. Historical Note Jeffrey Noles was a prominent immigration lawyer from Portland, Oregon. Noles represented Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, Ma Anand Sheela and many other Rajneeshees on immigration matters during their inhabitancy of Rajneeshpuram in Oregon. Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, a spiritual teacher who developed a substantial international following in Pune, India, decided in 1981 to relocate to the United States. While investigating possible sites, he and his chief lieutenant, Ma Anand Sheela, visited the 64,000-acre Muddy Ranch in southern Wasco County, decided that it was the perfect place for their planned community, and purchased it at top dollar. Because the ranch was agricultural land in a rural part of Wasco County, creation of what was effectively a new city violated state land-use laws. Rajneesh leaders used physical intimidation to exclude Wasco County officials from the ranch and tried to incorporate it as the City of Rajneeshpuram, http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 1
a status that would subject them to fewer restrictions. Oregon Attorney General David Frohnmayer argued vigorously that the incorporation was illegal because the community was closed to nonadherents, a position with which court decisions agreed. (In a moot decision laid down in 1987, after the community had imploded, the Oregon Supreme Court ruled that the incorporation was legal.) In addition to the legal troubles associated with the establishment of Rajneeshpuram, many Rajneeshees, who came from all over the world had trouble with immigration. Bhagwan, as well as many of his followers, attempted to gain citizenship or permanent residence in the United States by way of marriage. In Bhagwan's case, he filed for preference as a religious leader, most of the cases were met with denials and lengthy legal processes which eventually resulted in charges of immigration fraud. Portions of this note come from The Oregon Encyclopedia Project Content The Collection consists of primarily documents used in the immigration cases of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, his mother, Saraswati Bai Babulal Jain, and residents of Rajneeshpuram, Oregon Use of the Collection Restrictions on Use The Oregon Historical Society is the owner of the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from the Research Library prior to any use of reproductions. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use of reproductions may require seeking additional authorization from the copyright holders. Preferred Citation Jeffrey Noles Rajneesh Collection, Coll 621, Oregon Historical Society Research Library Administrative Information Arrangement Items are arranged and labeled as they were found in binders and folders. Original arrangement was kept as close as possible. The collection is arranged into seven series: Series A: Exhibit A, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh Immigration case Series B: Exhibits B-T, rebuttals and Affidavits Series C: Rebuttal exhibits 1-32 Series D: Contents of a binder labeled "Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh" Series E: Contents of a binder labeled "Jain, Saraswati Bai Babul" Series F: Individual case files Series G: Miscellaneous http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 2
Detailed of the Collection The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection. Series A: Exhibit A, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh Immigration Case Documents, circa 1983 Exhibit A contains documents used in the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh immigration case that were organized into folders based on the subject. Documents were used as evidence in an attempt to argue his importance and fame all over the world as a religious figure. Includes photocopies of letters, examples of published works, materials from various Rajneesh organizations and information about his religious beliefs and activities both in India and the United States. Includes a few color brochures and an introductory pamphlet. Container(s) Dates Subseries 1: Letters "attesting to His exceptional ability and international acclaim" Individual letters of support from all over the world for Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh to gain citizenship in the United States. 1/1 Letters (Exhibits A-1-A119) 1/2 Letters (Exhibits A-1-A119) 1/3 Letters (Exhibits A120-A238) 1/4 Letters (Exhibits A120-A238) 1/5 Letters (Exhibits A239-A344) 1/6 Letters (Exhibits A239-A344) 1/7 Letters (Exhibits A345-A479) 1/8 Letters (Exhibits A345-A479) 1/9 Letters (Exhibits A480-A580) 1/10 Letters (Exhibits A581-A655) 1/11 Letters (Exhibits A656-A789) http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 3
Container(s) Dates 1/12 Letters (Exhibits A656-A789) 1/13 Letters (Exhibits A790-A860) 1/14 Letters (Exhibits A861-A1008) 1/15 Letters (Exhibits A861-A1008) 1/16 Letters (Exhibits A1009-A1145) 1/17 Letters (Exhibits A1009-A1145) 1/18 Letters (Exhibits A1146-A1293) 1/19 Letters (Exhibits A1146-A1293) 1/20 Letters (Exhibits A1294-A1436) 1/21 Letters (Exhibits A1294-A1436) 2/1 Letters (Exhibits A1437-A1567) 2/2 Letters (Exhibits A1658-A1706) 2/3 Letters (Exhibits A1658-A1706) 2/4 Letters (Exhibits A1707-A1852) 2/5 Letters (Exhibits A1707-A1852) 2/6 Letters (Exhibits A1853-A2059) 2/7 Letters (Exhibits A1853-A2059) 2/8 Letters (Exhibits A1853-A2059) 2/9 Letters (Exhibits A2060-A2244) 2/10 Letters (Exhibits A2060-A2244) 2/11 Letters (Exhibits A2245-A2388) http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 4
Container(s) Dates 2/12 Letters (Exhibits A2245-A2388) 2/13 Letters (Exhibits A2389-A2566) 2/14 Letters (Exhibits A2389-A2566) 2/15 Letters (Exhibits A2567-A2709) 2/16 Letters (Exhibits A2567-A2709) Subseries 2: Rajneesh Meditation Brochures Brochures from various Rajneesh Meditation Centers around the world 2/17 Brochures (Group Exhibit A2712) 2/18 Brochures (Group Exhibit A2712) 2/19 Brochures (Group Exhibit A2712) Subseries 3: Rajneesh Buddhafield Newsletters Worldwide Newsletters from around the world in various languages. Includes an issue of Bhagwan Magazine #4, 1983 3/1 Newsletters (Group Exhibit A2713) 3/2 Newsletters (Group Exhibit A2713) Subseries 4: Commentaries on His Publications Letters from publishers and bookstores regarding the significance of carrying or publishing Rajneesh works. Booklet entitled "Rajneeshism: An Introduction to Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and his Religion", Catalog of books and audiotapes 3/3 Commentaties (Group Exhibit A2714) http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 5
Container(s) Dates Subseries 5: Religious discourses published in Hindi and English Letters from publishers and bookstores regarding the significance of carrying or publishing Rajneesh works. Booklet "Rajneeshism: An Introduction to Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and his Religion". Includes a catalog of books and audiotapes 3/4 Religious Discourse (Group Exhibit A2715) 3/5 Religious Discourse (Group Exhibit A2715) 3/6 Religious Discourse (Group Exhibit A2715) 3/7 Religious Discourse (Group Exhibit A2715) Subseries 6: Darshan diaries and booklets in Hindi and English Front covers of Darshan diaries and booklets by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. 3/8 Darshan Diaries (Group Exhibit A2716) 3/9 Darshan Diaries (Group Exhibit A2716) Subseries 7: Video and Audiotapes of His Religious Discourse Examples, including photos of audio and tape displays, letters from television stations, television schedules, lists of videos and cassettes. Folder includes cover of missing material entitled "Meditation Techniques" Exhibit A2718 3/10 Examples of Videos and Audio Tapes (Group Exhibit A2717) Subseries 8: Published Material "about Him" Photocopies of books, journals, thesis paper, examples of academic courses that teach Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh material http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 6
Container(s) Dates 3/11 Published Material about Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Group Exhibits A2719-A2723) 3/12 Published Material about Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Group Exhibits A2719-A2723) 3/13 Published Material about Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Group Exhibits A2719-A2723) Subseries 9: Artistic Works "Dedicated to Him" Photocopies of album covers, inserts, song lyrics and book excerpts. 3/14 Examples of artistic works about Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Group Exhibit A2717) Subseries 10: Worldwide Presentations and Displays "of His Religious Vision and Teachings" Displays, ephemera from conference presentations, examples of publicity materials having to do with presentation events. 3/15 Examples of presentations and Displays (Exhibits A2725- A2730) Subseries 11: Religious Activities During the Past Year Photos of events, articles, interviews and book releases related to Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh from September 1982-September 1983 3/16 Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh religious activities from 1982-1983 (Group Exhibit A2731) Subseries 12: Religious Activities in India Documents spanning Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh's life in India from roughly the 1950s-1970s. Includes a number of affidavit http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 7
Container(s) Dates testimonials from friends, family and classmates and school records 3/17 Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh religious activities in India (Exhibits A2732-A2762) 3/18 Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh religious activities in India (Exhibits A2732-A2762) Subseries 13: Case overview "A religious teacher and leader of exceptional ability" Summarized overview of already presented information regarding Bhagwan's religious work. 4/1 Examples of Bhagwan s work as religious teacher and leader (Exhibit A: to form eta, part b) 4/2 Examples of Bhagwan s work as religious teacher and leader (Exhibit A: to form eta, part b) 4/3 Examples of Bhagwan s work as religious teacher and leader (Exhibit A: to form eta, part b) 4/4 Examples of Bhagwan s work as religious teacher and leader (Exhibit A: to form eta, part b) 4/5 Examples of Bhagwan s work as religious teacher and leader (Exhibit A: to form eta, part b) Subseries 14: Binder titled "Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh" Summary of supporting documentation. Includes copies of applications, ordered list of all documents and biographic information about authors of letters of support 4/6 Summarized immigration case documents (Exhibits) 4/7 Summarized immigration case documents (Exhibits) http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 8
Container(s) Dates 4/8 Summarized immigration case documents (Exhibits) Subseries 15: Summaries by theme "Religious Leader" Contains an affidavit assessment and summary of themes throughout submitted letters of support. Topics are broken down e.g. Bhagwan's contribution to religion and culture 4/9 Exhibit C: Contribution to religion and Culture 4/10 Exhibit C: Contribution to religion and Culture 4/11 Exhibit C: Contribution to religion and Culture 4/12 Exhibit C: Contribution to religion and Culture Subseries 16: Summaries by theme "International Recognition" Continuation of Subseries 15. These are focused on themes of international recognition and the potential positive economic benefit to the U.S. of granting citizenship to Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. 4/13 Exhibit C: International recognition and economic benefit 4/114 Exhibit C: International recognition and economic benefit 4/15 Exhibit C: International recognition and economic benefit Series B : Exhibits B-T, rebuttals and Affidavits Series B contains correspondence between lawyers, immigration officials, examples of procedures and information showing how the case had been handled previously. Container(s) 5/1 Exhibits B-L http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 9
Container(s) 5/2 Exhibits B-L 5/3 Exhibit M Rebuttal 5/4 Exhibit M Rebuttal 5/5 Exhibit M Rebuttal 5/6 Exhibit M Rebuttal 5/7 Exhibit M Rebuttal 5/8 Exhibit M Rebuttal 5/9 Exhibit M Rebuttal 5/10 Exhibit M Rebuttal 5/11 Exhibit M Rebuttal 5/12 Exhibit M Rebuttal 5/13 Exhibits N-T 5/14 Affidavits 1-19 5/15 Affidavits 1-19 5/16 Affidavits 1-19 5/17 Affidavits 1-19 5/18 Affidavits 20-52 5/19 Affidavits 20-52 5/20 Rebuttal Series C: Rebuttal exhibits 1-32 http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 10
Container(s) 6/1 Exhibits 1-4 6/2 Exhibit 5 part 1 6/3 Exhibit 5 part 2 6/4 Exhibits 6-9 6/5 Exhibits 10-14 6/6 Exhibits 15-23 6/7 Exhibits 24-27 6/8 Exhibit 28 part 1 6/9 Exhibit 28 part 2 6/10 Exhibits 29-31 Series D: Contents of a 2nd binder labeled "Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh" Various documents related to immigration case. Includes initial approval of 3rd preference status. Container(s) 6/11 Documents related to immigration case for Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh 6/12 Documents related to immigration case for Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh 6/13 Documents related to immigration case for Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh 6/14 Documents related to immigration case for Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh Series E: Contents of a binder labeled "Jain, Saraswati Bai Babul" Documents related to the immigration case of Bhagwan's mother. Initially she overstayed her visa and appealed an order to leave the country on the basis of poor health. http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 11
Container(s) 6/15 Exhibits and correspondence related to immigration case for Saraswati Bai Babul Jain 6/16 Exhibits and correspondence related to immigration case for Saraswati Bai Babul Jain 6/17 Exhibits and correspondence related to immigration case for Saraswati Bai Babul Jain 6/18 Exhibits and correspondence related to immigration case for Saraswati Bai Babul Jain 6/19 Exhibits and correspondence related to immigration case for Saraswati Bai Babul Jain 6/20 Exhibits and correspondence related to immigration case for Saraswati Bai Babul Jain 6/21 Exhibits and correspondence related to immigration case for Saraswati Bai Babul Jain Series F: Individual case files Case files for individual residents of Rajneeshpuram. Documents mainly related to immigration status or a marriage in which immigration status will change with marriage. Container(s) 6/22 Ma Anand Sheela Correspondence, handwriting analysis 6/23 Ma Yoga Lalita aka Rosangela Fiori 6/24 Peter Watson 6/25 Peter Waight 6/26 Andrew Ktori http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 12
Container(s) 7/1 Linda Stelzer and Andrew Ktori 7/2 Rajneesh Naturalization 7/3 Richard John Vincent aka Swami Veet Vishada 7/4 Marco Drioli Salghetti aka Swami Prem Asheesh 7/5 Ian Hugh Murray-Clark aka Sadana 7/6 Ellen Van Horsen 7/7 Annabel Schutz (Beams) 7/8 Roger M Lalor 7/9 Regine Kley-Haykas aka Ma Prem 7/10 Patsy Lee Newman aka Ma Prem Suman 711 Josef Dick aka Alok 7/12 Isabel M de Serilly aka Ma Prem Isabel 7/13 Suraj P Manchanda 7/14 David Marshan aka Agneya 7/15 Sheila Christine King 7/16 Nitin Hirji Shah 7/17 Rebekah Gay Maureen Carder aka Sarita 7/18 Narain Das 7/19 Vladimir M Arsiev 7/20 Tarla Lalitkumar Menta aka Ma Yoga Taru 7/21 Hugh Edward Evans http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 13
Container(s) 7/22 Patsy Lee Newman aka Ma Prem Suman and Charles Harvey Newman Series G: Miscellaneous Loose items and folders. Includes some immigration case related documents, news clippings and original copies of books, pamphlets and newsletters Container(s) 7/23 Rajneesh Newsclippings 7/24 Rajneesh Newsclippings 7/25 Original books, pamphlets and newsletters 7/26 Interviews with Bhagwan and Sheela by George Hunter 7/27 Congressional Correspondence 7/28 Complaint for declaratory relief 7/29 Complaints against Tom Casey 7/30 Misc. Correspondence 7/31 Bhagwan Adoption Contains documents demonstrating that Ma Anand Sheela's parents, who were legal permanent residents of the United States had secretly adopted Bhagwan as a child in India. Names and Subjects Subject Terms : Rajneeshees. Rajneeshees--Oregon Personal Names : Noles, Jeffrey (creator) Rajneesh, Bhagwan Shree, 1931-1990 Geographical Names : Antelope (Or.) http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 14
Rajneeshpuram (Or.) Finding aid prepared by Sheana Corbridge 2018 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Creative Commons Licenses in Archives West: http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/cc-attr.shtml http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv745238 15