Introduction
The Beatles Ashram, located in Rishikesh, has become one of the few relics left in India from the hippie movement of the 60s. The ashram was a place for students to study and practice Transcendental Meditation, a technique famous for its quick and easy real-world implementation. Under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, they spent several weeks at the ashram, where they wrote many of the songs that would later appear on their self-titled album, commonly known as the "White Album."
Continue reading to find out how and why the Beatles ended up in the "Valley of the Saints" and how it turned out to be the most productive time for their musical career.
The Beatles Journey to Rishikesh
The Beatles' journey to Rishikesh began in 1967 when George Harrison became interested in Indian music and culture. David Crosby of the Byrds introduced him to Ravi Shankar, an Indian musician who would later become Harrison's teacher. Shankar also played the sitar, which Harrison incorporated into many Beatles songs.
Harrison's interest in Indian music and culture led him to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, well known for his teachings on Transcendental Meditation. Harrison was quick to convince the rest of the Beatles to travel to India to study with Maharishi. In February 1968, they arrived at the ashram in Rishikesh.
The Significance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and His Teachings
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a spiritual teacher who became famous in the 1960s for his teachings on Transcendental Meditation. He believed meditation could help people reduce stress, improve their health, and achieve inner peace. His master Brahmananda Saraswati gave him the task of teaching this to the masses, and Mahesh Yogi was quick to go on world tours to fulfil his Guru's wishes. His teachings attracted many followers, as he focused less on religious aspects and more on real-world implementation.
Meanwhile, the Beatles were looking for a way to cope with their newfound fame and the pressures that came with it. Maharishi's teachings on Transcendental Meditation had a profound impact on the Beatles. They found that meditation helped them to relax and become more creative by isolating them from the cameras and the world's eyes. At the same time, they also became interested in Indian philosophy and culture, incorporating these ideas into their music.
Life at the Beatles Ashram
Life at the Beatles Ashram was simple and peaceful. The band and other students at the ashram would wake up early to meditate and practice yoga. They would then spend the day studying with Maharishi and practising Transcendental Meditation. In the evenings, they often gathered around a campfire and played music.
The Beatles' visit to the ashram was not without its challenges. The band members were used to a life of luxury, but at the ashram, they had to sleep on simple cots and eat basic vegetarian meals.
The Beatles' visit to the ashram also had a significant impact on their music. They wrote many of the songs that would appear on their self-titled album, commonly known as the "White Album," at the ashram. Songs such as "Dear Prudence" and "Mother Nature's Son" also reflected the band's newfound interest in Indian philosophy and culture.
The visit also inspired them to experiment with new sounds and instruments. George Harrison, in particular, became interested in the sitar and other Indian instruments, which he would later incorporate into many of the Beatles' songs.
At the same time, the ashram was not without its controversies. After Ringo Starr became homesick and left the ashram early, rumours
surfaced that Maharishi Mahesh Yogi had made inappropriate advances toward female students, which led to John Lennon and George Harrison leaving the ashram early.
The Beatles' relationship with the Maharishi quickly turned sour after their departure from the ashram, leading to a rift between the band and Maharishi. They later wrote a song called "Sexy Sadie," which was believed to be about Maharishi and his alleged inappropriate behaviour toward female students.
The Legacy of the Beatles Ashram
The Beatles' visit to the ashram had a significant impact on their music and spiritual journey. It also put Rishikesh on the map as a destination for spiritual seekers. Today, the Beatles Ashram is a popular tourist attraction. Many people visit the site to see where the band stayed and learn more about their journey to India.
The Beatles' visit to the ashram also helped to popularize Transcendental Meditation in the 70s and 80s. Many people became interested in the practice after learning that the Beatles had studied with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
However, there has been a renewed interest in the site in recent years. In 2015, the Indian government opened the ashram to the public, and it has since become a popular tourist destination.
Today, visitors to the ashram can see the buildings where the Beatles stayed and some of the artwork they created while there. The site also features a museum that tells the story of the Beatles' visit to the ashram and its impact on their music and spiritual journey.
People interested in meditation or yoga can also take a class at the ashram and learn more about Transcendental Meditation. If you are a Beatles fan or are interested in their journey to India, a visit to the Beatles Ashram is a must.
Final Thoughts
The Beatles Ashram is a significant part of music and spiritual history. The band's visit to the ashram had a profound impact on their music and spiritual journey, and it helped to popularize Transcendental Meditation. Today, the ashram is a popular tourist attraction. Many visit the site to learn more about the Beatles' journey to India. If you are a fan of the Beatles or are interested in meditation and yoga, a visit to the Beatles Ashram is a must.
