Unveiling the Shadows: Sarito Carroll on Growing Up in the Osho Rajneesh Cult

In a poignant and powerful episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey sits down with Sarito Carroll, author of the memoir In the Shadow of Enlightenment. This deeply moving conversation peels back the layers of Sarito's childhood inside the infamous Rajneesh movement, led by Bhagwan Sri Rajneesh (also known as Osho), exposing a haunting narrative of cult abuse, childhood trauma, and eventual healing.

A Childhood in the Rajneesh Movement

Sarito Carroll was born into the spiritual community of Osho Rajneesh, a group that promised enlightenment but delivered exploitation for many—especially children. Her story reveals how the cult's ideology of open sexuality, rejection of traditional family structures, and spiritual hierarchy left a deep imprint on her formative years.

Raised within this movement, Sarito's early life was marked by dislocation, emotional neglect, and spiritual manipulation. She speaks candidly about the absence of stability and the profound sense of abandonment she experienced, themes central to her memoir.

Rajneesh Puram: Utopian Dream or Dystopian Reality?

The transition to Rajneesh Puram in Oregon marked a turning point in the cult's history—and in Sarito's life. Built as a supposed utopia, the commune became a symbol of control, power struggles, and ultimate collapse. Sarito recalls the complex social hierarchy, the presence of Ma Anand Sheela, and how the community's seemingly spiritual goals masked darker realities, including child abuse and psychological control.

The Hidden Lives of Children in Cults

One of the most striking aspects of Sarito's story is the invisibility of children in narratives about the Rajneesh movement. Her experience sheds light on the exploitation and abuse that occurred behind the scenes. From forced separation from parents to early exposure to sexuality and indoctrination, Sarito describes a world where the needs and rights of children were consistently ignored.

Initiation and Identity: Losing Self in the Name of Enlightenment

Sarito shares the emotionally complex story of her initiation by Bhagwan Sri Rajneesh. What was meant to be a spiritual rite of passage instead deepened her confusion and disconnection. Her memoir chronicles how the cult's rigid belief system eroded her identity and autonomy, reinforcing the toxic dynamics that permeated every aspect of daily life.

From Silence to Voice: Writing as Recovery

Years after leaving the cult, Sarito Carroll made the courageous decision to document her experiences. In the Shadow of Enlightenment - available HERE - is both a memoir and a tool for recovery—not just for her, but for countless others who have suffered in similar environments. Through her writing, she reclaims her narrative and helps expose the long-term psychological impact of spiritual exploitation.

Healing and Moving Forward

Sarito's journey of spiritual growth and healing is ongoing. Her story underscores the importance of acknowledging the harm inflicted on children within cults and creating spaces for survivors to process, recover, and speak their truths. By sharing her experiences publicly, Sarito not only confronts the legacy of Osho and the Rajneesh Puram era, but also contributes to broader conversations about cult dynamics, childhood trauma, and the path to recovery.

Why Her Story Matters

The legacy of the Rajneesh movement—and the abuses committed under the guise of enlightenment—continues to resonate today. Sarito Carroll's memoir serves as a crucial reminder of the human cost behind spiritual idealism and the urgent need to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children, from exploitation in communities that promise transformation but deliver trauma.