Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Either way, The Beatles’ faith in the Maharishi’s teachings was clearly strong as they travelled to Rishikesh in February 1968, joined by other pop culture luminaries such as actress Mia Farrow, Beach Boy Mike Love and folk troubadour Donovan, and with the world’s media in hot pursuit. This is the real meat of the documentary, populated with glorious, high-quality footage from the time, a tour of the retreat as it looks today – run down, but still recognisable – and some terrific stories from those who were there. We get to hear from the wife of the compound’s manager, the Maharishi’s publicist and an English visitor who was present for the party thrown in honour of Pattie Boyd’s 24th birthday. There’s even an interview with the pilot of the helicopter flight over the nearby countryside when John famously managed to bag the sole seat next to the Maharishi, in the hope that, while they were alone, “he would slip me ‘the answer’”. And, of course, there is discussion of how – relaxed and free from drugs, business pressures and the relentless spotlight engendered by their extraordinary fame – new songs poured forth from John, Paul and George, usually written while basking in the sunshine atop the roofs of their apartments. You get the feeling it must’ve been a special time for them – certainly, in retrospect, it seems like their last great shared Maharishi Mahesh Yogi — The Science of Being and Art of Living. Maharishi believed that a global revolution, a world of people practising TM, could shift global consciousness to make the changes needed to create harmony and peace on the earth. The purpose of life, he wrote, “is to cultivate and give — cultivate the Divine power, the Divine intelligence, happiness and abundance, and give it out to all of creation. This is the high purpose of the life of man, and it is fortunate to find that every man is capable of reaching this by improving the conscious capacity of his mind and consciously contacting the field of the absolute energy, peace, happiness and abundance of the eternal, Divine consciousness.” He only published three books in his lifetime, and I find myself returning frequently to the first of those, “The Science of Being and Art of Living”, published originally in 1963, for the simple and accessible way he deals with profound issues, such as the true nature of experiences and the art of thinking. Although many people today practise TM for its proven practical benefits, like a clearer mind and improved health, these are only surface benefits. It is like sitting in a boat in the ocean, where all we can see is the waves on the surface. These waves are not the ocean; the ocean is deep and silent once we dive beneath the surface. This is the goal of TM, to lead us away from the surface mind to the bottomless ocean of pure consciousness. Whatever someone’s reason for practising TM might be, I have no doubt but that they will, over time, arrive at their depth. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi taught that true happiness lies within, not in the outside world. He believed that through the regular practice of meditation, especially Transcendental Meditation, one can access the deep silence and peace that already exists in the heart of every human being. According to him, “Life finds its purpose and fulfillment in the expansion of happiness,” and real change comes not from outside efforts but from raising our inner consciousness. He encouraged people to “be still and know that you are God,” reminding us that divinity is not something far away, but something we can experience inside ourselves. Problems, he said, cannot be solved at the level they are created — only through a calm, awakened mind can true solutions emerge. His vision was a peaceful world built by peaceful individuals, and his teachings continue to inspire millions to live a life of bliss, clarity, and inner joy. Maharishi left his body on 5th February 2008, but his legacy lives on through the ancient technique he adapted and breathed new life into. Some would say he did not succeed in his mission in his lifetime, but I believe he achieved something extraordinary, in opening the minds of millions to look where they otherwise might never have ventured. I feel fortunate to have met him in my lifetime. He developed TM as an accessible meditation technique that could be presented in a scientific, rather than mystical way, to encourage people all over the world to reach their transcendental Self. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a renowned Indian spiritual leader and the founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM). Through his teachings, he introduced meditation to the world in a structured and scientific manner, making it accessible to people from all walks of life. His influence extended beyond spirituality, shaping the fields of education, wellness, and personal development. Maharishi’s teachings reached global fame in the 1960s, especially when The Beatles studied meditation with him in Rishikesh. His message of peace and higher consciousness gained attention worldwide. He established TM centers, universities, and peace programs in over 100 countries. Source: Medium

Sant Eknath “See God in all beings and serve them — that is true worship.” Sant Eknath’s Literary Contributions. Eknath’s impact on Marathi literature was immense. He is best known for his abhangas (devotional songs), ovis (narrative verses), and bharuds (dramatic compositions). His writings are remarkable for their clarity and eloquence, offering profound spiritual wisdom in simple terms that resonated with common people. Through these works, he helped others connect with the divine in their native language, Marathi. Among his most significant works is the Eknathi Bhagavata, a Marathi commentary on the 11th book of the Bhagavata Purana. This commentary stands out for its insight and simplicity, emphasizing devotion (bhakti) as the core teaching of the Bhagavata. Eknath’s interpretation made spiritual teachings more accessible to the masses, promoting the spread of devotional practices.  Under Janardan Swami’s guidance, Eknath honed his spiritual and literary skills, preparing him for his later contributions to Marathi literature and devotional poetry. Sant Eknath beautifully said, “Jo je vanchhil to te laho praanijaat” — meaning “May every being attain what they truly desire.” This line reflects his deep compassion for all living beings. For him, true devotion was not just about rituals, but about love, service, and purity of heart. Teachings and Philosophy Sant Eknath’s teachings focused on devotion, humility, and compassion. He stressed that true devotion goes beyond rituals and rests in pure love for God and selfless service to others. For Eknath, purity of heart and mind held the greatest importance, and he encouraged living a life guided by moral integrity. One of Eknath’s central teachings was the practice of Nama-smarana—the continuous chanting of God’s name. He believed that chanting would purify the mind and elevate the soul. His abhangas frequently praised this practice, urging people to incorporate it into their daily lives. He taught, “See God in all beings and serve them — that is real worship.” According to him, “One who has a pure heart finds God.” His verses guide us to live with truth, patience, humility, and respect. He strongly believed in unity, saying, “Do not abandon your faith, but never hate another’s.” Through his abhangs and writings, Sant Eknath spread the light of equality, devotion, and moral strength — values that continue to inspire generations even today. From an early age, Eknath showed a strong inclination toward spirituality, inspired by the teachings of saints like Dnyaneshwar and Namdev. His life was a shining example of forgiveness, love, and dedication to truth. Even today, his lines inspire people to live with compassion, humility, and devotion. Sant Eknath’s teachings remain timeless, showing us the path to inner peace and God through love and righteous living. Through works like Eknathi Bhagwat and his numerous abhangs, he made spiritual knowledge accessible to common people in the Marathi language. Sant Eknath’s teachings focused on devotion, humility, and compassion. He stressed that true devotion goes beyond rituals and rests in pure love for God and selfless service to others. For Eknath, purity of heart and mind held the greatest importance, and he encouraged living a life guided by moral integrity. One of Eknath’s central teachings was the practice of Nama-smarana—the continuous chanting of God’s name. He believed that chanting would purify the mind and elevate the soul. His abhangas frequently praised this practice, urging people to incorporate it into their daily lives. Legacy and Influence of Sant Eknath Eknath’s legacy continues to inspire spiritual seekers today. His teachings left a lasting mark on the Bhakti movement and Marathi literature. His timeless values of devotion, humility, and compassion resonate across generations. Sant Eknath’s life exemplifies the transformative power of devotion and spiritual wisdom. His teachings continue to guide those on the path of bhakti, reminding us of the timeless values of love, humility, and selfless service. Inspiration Eknath Maharaj inspired people through his simple living and deep thinking. He believed that God does not reside only in temples but in every living being. That’s why he taught, “See God in people, serve them — source: BhaktiMarga