The Maharishi and The Beatles: The Trip to India that Changed Everyone’s Lives

Words by Ahsun Zafar

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The Maharishi and The Beatles: The Trip to India that Changed Everyone’s Lives by Ahsun Zafar

“Maharishi — what have you done?
You made a fool of everyone.”

These were the opening lines of a song that John Lennon wrote in anger about Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1968 in the band’s final hours in India. The Beatles had abruptly left the Maharishi’s ashram in Rishikesh, India, and announced he will no longer be their spiritual guru. But before the song could be released, George Harrison managed to convince the band to change the lyrics, explaining that even though they had issues with the Maharishi, his work should still be respected, and it was unfair to be so vocal. Lennon changed the song’s title and replaced any reference to the Maharishi in the lyrics with “Sexy Sadie.”

“Sexy Sadie” was released on their ninth studio album (known as the White Album) and although the song was written out of anger, it was part of a large treasure-trove of songs that the Beatles wrote during their time in India. India was in fact the band’s most creative period in their music career. Their visit lasted only a few months but it help them break free from their creative rut. They wrote 48 songs in less than 7 weeks at the ashram which included “Mother Nature's Son,” “Revolution,” “Dear Prudence,” and “Child of Nature.” Even Ringo Starr wrote his first song in India. They had more songs under their belt than they ever did.

The 47-year-old Maharishi Mahesh Yogi met the Beatles in 1967 after one of his lectures on Transcendental Meditation in London and in the same night he hung out with them in their hotel room with their whole entourage. He had long hair that flowed past his greying beard and would famously giggle when answering complex questions about life and the universe. It reminded young people across Europe and America that life was full of bliss and simplicity. His white robe and slippers only extended his anti-establishment persona. They didn’t know it then but all of their lives were going to change forever and go down in music history.