Thread by @TOI_Books

LIVE now!
Watch @MaAnandSheela1 in conversation with @DevapriyaRoy at the #TimesLitFest here:
litfest.timestream.in/auditorium

@VinitaNangia @PenguinIndia @WestlandBooks

“The best thing is that it provides a wonderful context to understand Ma Anand Sheela’s life because there are so many stories that tend to overshadow the real stories of her inner life and of her inner journey which is documented so well in this book.”
@DevapriyaRoy

“I tell all young people, instead of blaming your parents for little things; remember that when they had you, they were also young and inexperienced. Mistakes happen, so be generous towards your parents. Don’t blame parents for everything. Reflect to retain.”
@MaAnandSheela1

“Bhagwan was passing through Baroda and my father said that we all are going to listen to him because what you will learn here can be enough for five lifetimes.”
@MaAnandSheela1 at #TimesLitFest

“Your father was a maverick in another way because he sent you and your brothers and sisters to the US for education. It was very interesting because you were two brown, young women going to the US when it was still not very common for a large number of Indian students to go.”

“It was a religious discrimination what we had linked in Dharmeshpura, in Bhagwan’s community with the Conservatives and Republicans who were set bent not to allow other culture to survive or exist.” @MaAnandSheela1 on quitting the waitress job for racial discrimination.

“This battle between the fundamentalists and those who wish to stand with freedom and do something original, of their own, is still raging. There doesn’t seem to have been any synthesis; whether in the United States or any other country.” @DevapriyaRoy

“But that also shows acceptance of life. Whatever comes, give it a hundred per cent and do it with the same commitment. Of course it took me a few days to learn about it.” @MaAnandSheela1 on her first job after prison as a dog walker.
#TimesLitFest

“You ran the city of Rajneeshpuram of over sixteen thousand acres and then you were housekeeper to an old couple. To me that is the wonder of your story.”
@DevapriyaRoy

“It is one valuable lesson, that I can create my own hell and I can create my own paradise. Near Bhagwan I had my paradise; away from Bhagwan also I have created my paradise.”
@MaAnandSheela1 at the #TimesLitFest

"I was a powerhouse back then and I was trained for that by Bhagwan. For the protection of the community, that strength was required. And now I'm like a dead volacano," shares @MaAnandSheela1 at #timesLitFest

“When love happens, death and life have no meaning. They both become one.”
@MaAnandSheela1 at the #TimesLitFest