We're in the realms of tenuous in reporting the death of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as music news, though he came to Western attention through his associations with the Beatles in the late sixties, so, look, there is a link. Yogi was born Mahesh Prasad Varma in India at some point in the 1910s (his exact birth date doesn't seem to be known) and is known for developing the Transcendental Meditation technique, and for promoting its use the world over through various education centres. Both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones took part in TM sessions in the late sixties, boosting public interest in both Yogi and meditation in the West, though in reality the rock n roll lifestyle of both bands flew in the face of much of Maharishi's teachings. A spokesman for his Transcendental Meditation organisation told the Associated Press: "he died peacefully at about 7pm". He reportedly had announced his retirement last month remarking: "My work is done".
Feb 6, 2008
•
1 min read
Beatles guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi dies
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who developed Transcendental Meditation and was linked to the Beatles in the late sixties, has died, a spokesman for his organisation has said.