12 January - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi birth anniversary

 

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, born as Mahesh Prasad Varma, was an Indian spiritual teacher and the founder of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique. He gained international fame for popularizing meditation and his association with various celebrities during the 1960s and 1970s.

Here are some key points about Maharishi Mahesh Yogi:

1. Early Life: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was born on 12 January 1918, in Jabalpur, British India (now in Madhya Pradesh, India).

2. Education: He studied physics at Allahabad University and, after completing his degree, became a disciple of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, also known as Guru Dev.

3. Transcendental Meditation (TM): Maharishi introduced the Transcendental Meditation technique to the world in the 1950s. TM involves the repetition of a specific mantra to achieve a state of restful alertness and deep relaxation.

4. Global Spread: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi traveled extensively to promote Transcendental Meditation. He established the Spiritual Regeneration Movement Foundation (later renamed the Global Country of World Peace) to support his teachings and initiatives.

5. Celebrity Followers: During the 1960s, Maharishi gained fame for attracting high-profile followers, including The Beatles. The band, along with other celebrities, attended a TM training course in Rishikesh, India, in 1968.

6. Maharishi Effect: He proposed the concept of the "Maharishi Effect," suggesting that group meditation could positively influence society and reduce crime rates.

7. Maharishi University of Management: In 1971, Maharishi founded Maharishi International University in the United States (now known as Maharishi University of Management), offering education based on his principles.

8. Vedic Science: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi incorporated Vedic principles into his teachings, promoting a holistic approach to life that included meditation, yoga, and Ayurveda.

9. Death: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi passed away on 05 February 2008 in Vlodrop, Netherlands. After his death, the leadership of the Transcendental Meditation movement passed on to his appointed successor.

While opinions on Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Transcendental Meditation vary, his impact on popularizing meditation in the West and promoting a holistic approach to well-being is noteworthy. The Transcendental Meditation technique continues to be practiced by millions of people worldwide.