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September 6, 2008 12:18:31 AM CDT

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Indian Guru to the Beatles Dies

Posted Feb 6, 08 3:22 AM CST in Arts & Living 

(Newser) – Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the Indian guru who inspired the Beatles and founded the Transcendental Meditation movement, died yesterday at his Dutch home, the Guardian reports. He was believed to be 90. Maharishi—known as the “giggling guru” for his playful witticisms—hosted the Beatles for a highly publicized retreat at his Indian compound in 1968.

The guru was said to have convinced the musicians to give up drugs, but a falling out allegedly over a pass he made at a visiting actress led to John Lennon’s song “Sexy Sadie,” in which he claimed, “You made a fool of everyone.” Maharishi built a global empire based on the popular enthusiasm and medical support for meditation. Other notable followers of the guru include Deepak Chopra and Clint Eastwood.

Sources: Guardian (UK), Associated Press, New York Times

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Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is seen on a video screen during an AP interview in Vlodrop, Netherlands, in this Feb. 1, 2006 file photo. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the Indian guru to the Beatles and millions of meditators,...   (Associated Press)
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, one of India's spiritual teachers, is greeted by actress Mia Farrow at a Cambridge, Mass. hotel in this Monday, Jan. 23, 1968 file photo. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a guru to the Beatles...   (Associated Press)
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, one of India's spiritual teachers, accepts gifts of fruit and flowers from visitors in his home in New Delhi, India in this Dec. 1967 file photo. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a guru to...   (Associated Press)
The Beatles John Lennon, left, Paul McCartney, center background, Ringo Starr, second from right, and George Harrison, right, join the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, center, as they arrive by train at Bangor,...   (Associated Press)
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obituary  • India  • Beatles  • Netherlands  • Wales  • Clint Eastwood  • meditation  • Deepak Chopra


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