Post by yerblues1968 on Apr 13, 2008 0:21:59 GMT -5
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (January 12, 1917 - February 5, 2008)
The Beatles had met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi during 1967, studying with him in Bangor, Wales, and later attended a TM teacher-training course in Rishikesh, India. (Much of their White Album was written during their stay in Rishikesh.) While Starr and McCartney left the Maharishi's camp for personal reasons, Lennon and Harrison parted after hearing a story that he had made sexual advances on Mia Farrow or other course participants. John Lennon wrote the song Sexy Sadie (what have you done? You made a fool of everyone) as he was leaving, the lyrics referring to Maharishi. "Magic" Alex Mardas had relayed the story to John and George, who felt betrayed by the Maharishi. Cynthia Lennon believed that Mardas invented a story about sexual impropriety to undermine the Maharishi's influence on the Beatles. George Harrison, years later, commented on the contretemps, saying, "Now, historically, there's the story that something went on that shouldn't have done—but nothing did." Paul McCartney, in his biography, likewise says that he does not believe the allegations and also attributes them to Mardas.
After the Maharishi's death on February 5, 2008, Sir Paul McCartney released a statement saying, "Whilst I am deeply saddened by his passing, my memories of him will only be joyful ones. He was a great man who worked tirelessly for the people of the world...." Ringo Starr released a statement saying, "One of the wise men I met in my life was the Maharishi. I always was impressed by his joy and I truly believe he knows where he is going."
Photos of Paul McCartney with girlfriend Jane Asher and George Harrison with wife Pattie Boyd. Photos of Paul McCartney and John Lennon.
On February 5th, the Beatles' Across The Universe, was beamed across the universe to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the song, the 45th anniversary of the Deep Space Network (DSN), and the 50th anniversary of NASA. The Beatles' song, "Across The Universe" refers to the Maharishi. The song's distinctive chorus 'Jai Guru Deva OM' are the Sanskrit words Maharishi once taught the Beatles.
Here are some videos featuring The Beatles, their music, and the Maharishi. Jai guru deva OM.
The group spent the early part of 1968 in Rishikesh, Uttar Pradesh, India, studying transcendental meditation with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Upon their return, Lennon and McCartney went to New York to announce the formation of Apple Corps. The middle of 1968 saw the band busy recording the double album The Beatles, popularly known as The White Album because of its plain white cover.
The Beatles in India during 1968. The footage was broadcast through Italian TV7. Part 1. (4:35 minutes)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp9QwZUL-Lo
The Beatles in India during 1968. The footage was broadcast through Italian program TV7. Part 2. (4:21 minutes)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCAB14wOUPw
The Beatles Trip to India 1968. (3.28 minutes)
youtube.com/watch?v=AKzG6UP6-v8
The Beatles rare spiritual regeneration in India. This is a rare demo when The Beatles visited India in 1968. Actually, it is a birthday party for Mike Love of the Beach Boys, as can be comfirmed because Donavan pipes up in the middle of it all. It all seems very jolly, and gives a rough detail of how the Beatles made and enjoyed their music. (2:29 minutes)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyH4tdxZgFk
Paul Saltzman,Author, photographer, filmmaker was interviewed on VVH-TV about his book on candid photographs of the Beatles in India.
Early in 1968 he learned meditation at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in India. It was a profound experience that changed his life. During his time there, he met, hung out with and photographed the Beatles, Mia Farrow, Donovan and Mike Love.
Photos of Ringo Starr, Mia Farrow, and Donovan.
The Beatles in Rishikesh, his first book, was released in October 2000 by Viking Studio, a division of Penguin-Putnam.
For more info www.thebeatlesinindia.com
Paul Saltzman's Beatles In India Interview on VVH-TV (29.57 minutes)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiAhzpGO1Qk
Beatles "Across The Universe." Recordings were made in India. (2:10 minutes)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIHQvOsJT4Q
John Lennon with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Paul McCartney with John Lennon.
This unreleased February 1968 alternative take of the song (recorded before the master), sans heavy production, appeared on Anthology 2 in 1996. This is often referred to as the "psychedelic" recording, due to the strong Indian sound, and illustrates the band's original uncertainty over the best treatment for the song.
Many of the viewers are curious to know what "Jai Guru Deva, Om" means.
"Jai Guru Deva" translates as (roughly) "Victory to God divine" or "Hail to the divine Guru" - here John might be referring to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi or to spiritual masters in general.
"Om" is an 'add-on' word here:
It is used as the most sacred word in Indian thought and often used by monks during meditation. It represents the birth growth and death of the Cosmos. It is also the Vibration / sound of the Cosmos literally. If you could step outside the Universe and listen to it that is what you would hear. The Yogis hear this in deep meditation.
The Beatles "Across The Universe" (Anthology Version) (3.29 minutes)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbirjVeI_Pk
