Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: A Spiritual Luminary
Full Name and Common Aliases
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, born Mahesh Prasad Varma, is often affectionately referred to simply as "Maharishi" or "The Maharishi." His name, which means "Great Seer," reflects his profound influence in the realm of spirituality and meditation.
Birth and Death Dates
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was born on January 12, 1918, and he passed away on February 5, 2008. His life spanned 90 years, during which he became a pivotal figure in the global spread of meditation practices.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Maharishi was of Indian nationality. He was a spiritual leader, philosopher, and the founder of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement. His work as a teacher and author significantly contributed to the popularization of meditation in the Western world.
Early Life and Background
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was born in the small town of Jabalpur, in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. He was raised in a devout Hindu family, which laid the foundation for his spiritual pursuits. Maharishi's early education was in physics, and he earned a degree from Allahabad University. However, his spiritual inclinations led him to the Himalayas, where he became a disciple of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math. Under the guidance of his guru, Maharishi immersed himself in the study of Vedic knowledge and meditation.
Major Accomplishments
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's most significant accomplishment was the development and dissemination of the Transcendental Meditation technique. In 1955, he began teaching this simple, natural, and effortless meditation practice, which he claimed could lead to inner peace and enlightenment. By the late 1960s, TM had gained international attention, attracting followers from all walks of life, including celebrities and intellectuals.
Maharishi's establishment of the Spiritual Regeneration Movement in 1957 marked the beginning of his global mission to promote meditation. He founded numerous educational institutions, including Maharishi International University (now Maharishi University of Management) in Fairfield, Iowa, which integrates consciousness-based education with traditional academic disciplines.
Notable Works or Actions
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi authored several books that elucidate his teachings and philosophy. Notable among these are "Science of Being and Art of Living" and "Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad-Gita: A New Translation and Commentary." These works provide insights into his vision of a harmonious world achieved through the practice of meditation.
One of Maharishi's most notable actions was his interaction with The Beatles in the late 1960s. The band's association with Maharishi brought unprecedented attention to TM, making it a cultural phenomenon. This period also saw the establishment of TM centers worldwide, further solidifying Maharishi's influence.
Impact and Legacy
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's impact on the world is profound and enduring. He is credited with bringing meditation into the mainstream, transforming it from a niche spiritual practice into a widely accepted tool for personal development and stress reduction. His teachings have been embraced by millions globally, and the TM movement continues to thrive, with research supporting its benefits for mental and physical health.
Maharishi's legacy is also evident in the numerous educational and research institutions he founded, which continue to explore the intersections of consciousness, health, and education. His vision of a peaceful world, achieved through the collective practice of meditation, remains a guiding principle for his followers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into the nature of consciousness and the human experience. His teachings emphasize the potential for inner peace and global harmony through meditation, resonating with individuals seeking personal growth and societal change. Quotes attributed to Maharishi often reflect his optimistic vision of a world where individuals live in alignment with natural law, fostering peace and prosperity.
His ability to articulate complex spiritual concepts in accessible language has made his teachings enduringly relevant. Maharishi's influence extends beyond the spiritual realm, impacting fields such as psychology, education, and health. As a result, his words continue to inspire and guide those on a quest for deeper understanding and fulfillment.
Quotes by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's insights on:
They think democracy – I used to say damn the democracy, because it’s not a stable government.
I let people make remarks about me, but it doesn’t touch me, all those remarks.
Meditation is a glorious link to connect and harmonize the two ends of life – material and spiritual.
Let the standard of everybody’s mind be raised to the heights of his own inner glory and then man will feel for himself the greatness of the higher values of life and would be tempted to bring them down into practical life and live them.
Problems or successes, they all are the results of our own actions. Karma. The philosophy of action is that no one else is the giver of peace or happiness. One’s own karma, one’s own actions are responsible to come to bring either happiness or success or whatever.
Meditation is a technique to integrate one’s personality, to be able to live and enjoy full life of all glories – worldly and divine.
As brain functioning becomes more and more integrated, consciousness – the mind – becomes more and more invincible, and then any dictate of the mind is immediately followed by the body.