1967 is one of the biggest years in music. We saw the world’s first concept album, The Summer of Love, one of the world’s first pop festivals and, the world was introduced to Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd. It’s safe to say a lot was going on. Even though The Beatles were old hat to some of the other new psychedelic sounds, the band’s evolution meant they were still the coolest thing around. So, when they were embracing a different new spiritual culture to the forefront, fans were amazed. This week The Beat Marches On to 26th August 1967 When the Beatles visit Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ten-day seminar in Bangor, Wales.
It wasn’t the first time The Beatles had dipped into Indian culture. George Harrison had already met Ravi Shankar and was learning to play the Sitar. Songs featured the instrument already, the most famous being Norwegian Wood (this bird has flown) and Within You Without You.
The band were looking for a new way to expand their mind. They thought that the answer was LSD, a popular hallucinogenic drug, but were disillusioned with the results they were getting.
It was George’s then-wife, Patty Boyd that brought the attention of meditation to the band. While the couple were on holiday in Bombay (now Mumbai) in late 1966, Boyd became interested in the culture of India and its philosophies and was delving deeper into the effects of spiritualism. Then in August 1967, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was giving a speech on his teachings on Transcendental Meditation at the London Hilton. Boyd convinced her husband George, and bandmates Paul McCartney, his partner Jane Asher and John Lennon to come along. Although offered Ringo Starr didn’t attend as he became a new father a few days before.
Maharishi had an impact on the three Beatles as they stayed after the event for 90 minutes to learn more. The next day all of the Beatles along with their partners, Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones and then-girlfriend singer Marianne Faithful jumped on a train all heading to Bangor. Well almost everyone, John Lennon’s then-wife Cynthia missed the train due to the security mistaking her for a fan. There is some heart-breaking footage of her in different documentaries standing alone on the platform, tearful. A lot of Beatles historians believe this is the straw that broke the Camel’s back for their relationship.
Of the ten days they were supposed to be at the retreat, the fab four only spent two days there. This was due to the tragedy of their manager, Brian Epstein passing away. Described as an accidental overdose the manager of the Fab Four was only 32. (I will keep this part brief as I plan to write about Brian Epstein at a later date)
Convinced that Transcendental Meditation helped the band grieve the death of Epstein they wanted to travel to India to learn more about the teachings of the Maharishi. They couldn’t however as they were filming The Magical Mystery Tour during the autumn of that year.
The Beatles did eventually go to India, but not until February of 1968. They arrived individually with their significant others over three days along with folk singer Donovan, Beach Boy Mike Love actress Mia Farrow and her sister Prudence. Ringo brought two suitcases with him one with normal things clothes, a toothbrush, etc. and another filled with baked beans due to his allergies.
During their time in India, the Fab Four felt free. The village, Rishikesh was high in the mountains and was next to the Ganges River. They spent their days listening to the teachings of the Maharishi and meditating. For the first time in a long time, they weren’t surrounded by people trying to take their picture or asking for an autograph. They could be free.
All good things must come to an end, however, and had to go back to the regular life of being in a pop band. Ringo left first. He only lasted ten days blaming his allergies and Maureen, his wife, were missing their children. Paul left soon after as he now had taken charge of the business side of things for the band and his partner Jane had an acting commitment in London. John and George stayed for a few more weeks though.
No one knows the real reason why The Beatles became so disenchanted with Yogi so quickly. The remaining members of the band that stayed sworn to secrecy and have both unfortunately passed away. However, in the research for this article, it feels like the reason why was a made-up story by a member of the entourage.
Alexis Mardis or as he was known to the Beatles, ‘Magic’ Alex, was closest to Lennon. He was described by the band as an electrical wizard and was eventually the head of Apple Electronics. Many in the band’s inner circle didn’t think his wizardry was that impressive though, with one person describing him as ‘a glorified TV repair man’
Mardis was in India with the band but wasn’t sold on the Yogi’s teachings. He also felt he was ousted by the band in favour of the new guru. With his spot in the inner circle being threatened, he coerced a story to keep his place.
According to ‘Magic’ Alex the Maharishi, whose teachings advocate celibacy, made sexual advances towards multiple women including his girlfriend and Mia Farrow and told Lennon about the incidents. This infuriated the singer, who quickly exited and dragged George with him.
This wasn’t the only story to come out of Rishikesh Maharishi was looking to capitalise on his newfound fame by exploiting the Beatles’ name. He hired a film crew to document the Fab Four, however, he made two deals with two different film crews which brought in lawyers that tipped off Lennon. Also, an album of the yogi’s speeches credited him as ‘The Beatles spiritual leader’ which made them think they were being taken advantage of.
It wasn’t just a holiday for the fab four though. During their time in India, they wrote most of the songs for the White album. Including the continuing story of Bungalow Bill (written after a Tiger hunt), Dear Prudence (written about Mia Farrow’s sister of the same name who stayed in her room all day and meditated) and Sexy Sadie (written by John after leaving the retreat and was originally called Maharishi)
Although brief the Beatle’s time in India came at the right time. The band continued with the meditation throughout the rest of their lives, with George even converting to the Hare Krishna movement. With the loss of Brian Epstein only a few months before they needed some time away just to help recharge from the pressures of significant stardom and the whole world wanting them to know what they were doing 24/7. It wasn’t what they expected but it was what they needed.
The Beat Marches On is a music blog written by Jimmy Whitehead. Jimmy has been blogging for six years specialising in Sports (especially American Football). If you want to follow Jimmy on Twitter: @Jimmy_W1987
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The websites used for research were:
Maharishi & Me: The Secrets of The Beatles Guru | Den of Geek
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi profile | The Beatles Bible – Part 2
The moment The Beatles met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (faroutmagazine.co.uk)
There is a documentary available on the streaming service BritBox called The Beatles and India.
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