EVENTS CALENDAR 1 ■ Wednesday, Feb. 23 Thursday, Feb. 24 Friday, Feb. 25 League of Women Voters Single Parenting Urban Wildlife Conference 4-6 p.m. 7-9 p.m. 10 a.m.-l p.m. CC Mall CC 121 ELC Pavilion ...... ■ 1 1 1 Saturday, Feb. 26 Sunday, Feb. 27 1 1 Sheriffs Testing 1 Estacada Soccer Game t will - 1 1 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 2-4 p.m. 1 P101 1 Soccer Field *2 1 I»..';.................... .... - 1. Standing-room-only crowd hears Rajneeshee By Rick Obritschkewitsch Of The Print Swami Krishna Deva, a disciple of the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and mayor of Ra- jneeshpuram was at Clackmas Community College last Wednesday to answer ques­ tions from the College com­ munity. McLoughlin Theater was packed with curious-listeners, rather than a less expensive car, such as Volkswagon, because he deserves the best. “If there were something better than a Rolls Royce, I’d want to provide it, if it were in my means,” Deva said. When questioned about a recent article that was run in “This Week,” magazine con­ cerning a man who claimed to be a former disciple of the “We’re given the responsibility to live our lives as we want to, as long as we’re aware of others, loving, and sensitive.” Mayor Deva after the College had received numerous telephone calls criticizing the administration for inviting Deva on campus, in­ cluding one caller who claimed to be from the Clackamas County chapter of the neo-Nazi organization. Deva denied rumors that the Rajneeshees plan to pur­ chase any property in Clackamas County. “We have become the ghost competition for every real estate broker in Oregon,” he said. Regarding a statement made by a member of Ra- jneeshpuram that the Rajneesh ees wanted to ‘paint Oregon red,’ Deva explained that to mean “We’re going to be here to share our joy in Oregon.” Deva also commented on another topic that has been in the minds of many Oregon­ ians: why the Bhagwan has so many Rolls Royces. The Ra­ jneeshee said the cars do not belong to the Bhagwan, but to a non-profit foundation, and that they were given as a gift for the Bhagwan. Deva said the Bhagwan drive Rolls Royces Bhagwan, and former resident of Rajneeshpuram, Deva said, “. . . it’s a bunch of garbage . . as far as I know, this man has never been to India, and never been on the ranch. I’ve never met the gentlemen.” Deva was also questioned about his religious beliefs. He said, “I try not to believe in anything unless I have ex­ perienced it. He said he finds no conflict in the teachings of Jesus. “I wish I was alive when he (Jesus) said, ‘Come follow me,” Deva said. Deva went on to compare the Rajneeshee ritual of kissing the Bhagwan’s feet to the biblical story of Mary Magdalene perfuming the feet of Jesus. “That’s how I feel about the Bhagwan,” he said. Guidelines that the Bhagwan gives for living a good life are simple, the Mayor explained, “We’re given the responsibility to live our lives as we want to, as long as we’re being aware of others, loving, and sensitive,” Deva said. “I would be willing to change if I could find something better.” sexual activity, Deva said, “The Bhagwan tells us not to repress anything, including sex, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else.” The word Bhagwan means, blessed one, “People gravitate toward him as Budha or Jesus,” Deva said. There has been some question as to the Rajneeshee’s education system. Deva said children are required to go to grammar and high school. Half the day they take vocational dedicated “normal” classes. He said, “Children live with their parents until they are somewhere between five and seven, then they can choose to live with other children if they want.” The decision is made through counseling both parents and children. Deva said he was raised in a Jewish family and was taught to be against Christ. But now I don’t think that’s right,” he said. The Bhagwan teaches the meaning of books of Jesus— who is considered an “enlight­ ened master.” He said, “Lov­ ing the Bhagwan is not con­ trary to loving Jesus. I love the Bible.” In talking about the Bhagwan’s belief in his previous lives, Deva said he could not believe in reincarna­ tion because he has never ex­ perienced it, and he doesn’t know what will happen to him after he dies. “I enjoy life now more than ever. I don’t have time to worry about what will happen later.” Deva said, “We’re not a cult, we’re a religion. The dif­ ference between us and Jonestown is life night and day. The Bhagwan loves life. Jones was oriented around death. Jones took a bunch of people out of the main-stream. We’re prepared to talk.” Regarding financing the ranch Deva said they make most of their money through the sale of publications, video and audio tapes, made during a seven year period when the Bhagwan was speaking. He spoke for 20 years, but has since taken a vow of silence. Deva said whatever money comes in is taxed. Last year the Rajneeshees paid $58,000 in property taxes, and this is expected to increase yearly since the town of Ra­ jneeshpuram has been established. Deva said to become a Ra­ jneeshee, or Sinycaan, as the members call themselves, one must have a heart-to-heart communications with the Bhagwan. He said, “When the Bhagwan dies, I don’t know what will happen.” the Mecca League of Women Voters, the American Association of University Women, Milwaukie and Oregon City Branches, and the College. Secretary of State Paulus Oregon Secretary of State Norma Paulus will be on campus Wednesday, February 23, at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Center Mall to answer questions of the students and public. holds Q&A session here Discussion topics will include the 1983 Anyone who is interested in first-hand legislation, up-coming tax bills, procedural answers on matters of importance in Oregon is changes and new government proposals. invited. For more information contact Special Paulus’ visit to the College is sponsored by Programs, ext. 520.