Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

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Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1st Sept 1967 in Amsterdam by Merk Ben from Nationaal Archief)

MichaelCooper1967BenMerk

Picswiss UR-28-18

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Maharishi Mahesh Yogi during a 1979 visit to MUM

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20130723 MERU (Maharishi European Research University) in Vlodrop Holland - CC BY-NC-ND 1000x368

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (12 January 1918 – 5 February 2008) was an Indian guru, known for introducing the Transcendental Meditation technique to the world. The Maharishi, meaning "great seer" in Sanskrit, gained global fame in the 1960s when his teachings attracted the attention of celebrities, including the The Beatles. His teachings emphasize the development of individual potential, which he claimed could be achieved through the practice of Transcendental Meditation.

Early Life

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was born Mahesh Prasad Varma in the city of Jabalpur, India. Little is known about his early life, including the exact details of his family background. He studied physics at Allahabad University before becoming a disciple of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya (spiritual leader) of Jyotirmath in the Indian Himalayas. After the death of his teacher in 1953, Maharishi spent several years in silence and meditation in the Himalayas before beginning his public mission.

Transcendental Meditation

In the mid-1950s, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi began teaching Transcendental Meditation (TM), a simple meditation technique he claimed was derived from ancient Vedic traditions. TM involves the silent repetition of a mantra for 15–20 minutes twice per day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. Maharishi described TM as a non-religious method for relaxation, stress reduction, and self-development. The technique gained widespread popularity, and the Maharishi established the Transcendental Meditation movement, which includes educational and charitable programs around the world.

Global Influence

Maharishi's teachings attracted a global following, including prominent figures in entertainment, business, and politics. In 1967, The Beatles traveled to India to study with Maharishi, bringing significant media attention to him and his practices. Despite some controversies and skepticism from the scientific community, Transcendental Meditation has been the subject of numerous research studies investigating its effects on health and well-being.

Later Years and Legacy

In his later years, Maharishi focused on the creation of the Global Country of World Peace, a non-sovereign entity aimed at promoting global peace through the practice of TM and Vedic principles. He also initiated projects to establish Vedic universities, schools, and health centers around the world.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi passed away in his sleep on 5 February 2008, in Vlodrop, Netherlands, where he had spent the latter part of his life. His teachings and the practice of Transcendental Meditation continue to influence millions of people worldwide.

Criticism and Controversy

Despite his widespread influence, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the Transcendental Meditation movement have faced criticism and controversy. Critics have questioned the scientific validity of claims made about the benefits of TM, the financial costs associated with learning the technique, and the movement's cult-like aspects. However, many practitioners and some scientific studies support the benefits of the practice.

See Also

• Transcendental Meditation technique
• The Beatles in India
• Global Country of World Peace