The Beatles in India: Music, Meditation, and Controversy

The Beatles’ journey to India in February 1968, led by their association with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, marked a significant moment in their lives and career. Seeking spiritual enlightenment, the band traveled to the Maharishi’s ashram in Rishikesh as part of their exploration of Transcendental Meditation.

Overview: The Beatles in India

.The visit, highly publicized, was not just a spiritual retreat but also a period of immense creativity for the group. During their time at the ashram, they wrote an impressive 48 songs, many of which were later featured on their iconic “White Album.”

However, the Beatles in India planned for three-month stay at the ashram was abruptly shortened due to allegations of sexual misconduct against the Maharishi. This controversy led to a disillusionment with the guru, as reflected in John Lennon’s later remarks.

Lennon admitted that while they continued to believe in the value of meditation, their faith in the Maharishi was shaken. He expressed regret, saying, “We made a mistake there. We believe in meditation, but not the Maharishi and his scene. … We thought he was something other than he was.”

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The Beatles’ journey to India in 1968, specifically their stay at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in Rishikesh, is a fascinating chapter in their history. Here’s a breakdown of key points from their time in India:

• The Beginning of a Spiritual Journey: Pattie Boyd’s discovery of Transcendental Meditation through a newspaper ad in 1967 led the Beatles in India to attend a lecture by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This eventually culminated in the Beatles and other celebrities attending a 10-day conference in Wales, where they announced their decision to give up drugs. The Maharishi later invited them to his ashram in Rishikesh.

• Notable Guests at the Ashram: The Beatles in India were joined at the ashram by several other famous personalities, including Donovan, Mia Farrow, and Mike Love. Their time at the ashram was described as a peaceful and creatively productive period, leading to the creation of significant music.

• Life at the Ashram: The ashram, funded by American heiress Doris Duke, was likened to a summer camp by Paul McCartney. The Beatles in India enjoyed a routine of vegetarian meals, meditation, and communal activities, with the surrounding wildlife adding to the unique atmosphere.

• Maharishi’s Quirks: The Maharishi was surprisingly business-savvy, negotiating with ABC for a TV special featuring the Beatles. He also had a fondness for helicopters and often involved himself in organizing group activities at the ashram.

• George and John’s Deep Commitment: George Harrison and John Lennon were particularly dedicated to meditation, finding profound personal and spiritual fulfillment. Harrison even claimed that meditation gave him a higher experience than drugs ever did, emphasizing the deep impact it had on his life.

• Ringo’s Struggles: Ringo Starr had a harder time adjusting to the ashram’s lifestyle, facing challenges with the food and insects. Despite the initial excitement, he and his wife Maureen left the ashram after 10 days, followed later by Paul McCartney and his girlfriend Jane Asher.

• Mixed Experiences: While Harrison and Lennon were deeply engaged in meditation, Ringo Starr faced difficulties due to food allergies and homesickness, leading to his early departure. Paul McCartney also struggled with the meditation routine, finding it tedious.
• Cultural Immersion: The Beatles embraced Indian culture, donning traditional clothing and enjoying the unique lifestyle. This cultural immersion was part of their broader exploration of Indian spirituality and music.

  • The Beatles Loved Indian Clothes
    When the Beatles visited India, they really enjoyed wearing the traditional clothes. George Harrison loved the bright, colorful outfits like big shirts and loose pants. Ringo Starr said they had fun shopping and getting clothes made, like shirts with Nehru collars and pants with tight legs.

• • The Beatles Wanted to Make a Lord of the Rings Movie
    The Beatles once thought about making a movie based on the book “The Lord of the Rings.” Each member read a different part of the story, and they even considered who would play the characters. John Lennon wanted to be Gollum, Paul McCartney was going to be Frodo, George Harrison would be Gandalf, and Ringo Starr would play Sam. However, they never made the movie.

  • India Couldn’t Save John’s Marriage
    John Lennon and his wife Cynthia were having problems before they went to India. Cynthia hoped the trip would bring them closer, but John became distant. He even moved into a separate room and spent little time with her. Cynthia later found out that John was waiting for letters from Yoko Ono, who he was already close to.

  • Bungalow Bill Was a Real Person
    John Lennon wrote a song called “The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” after a real event. An American named Richard Cooke III visited India and went on a tiger hunt. He ended up killing a tiger to protect himself and his mother. John and the others were surprised that this happened at a peaceful ashram. Richard later worked as a photographer for National Geographic.

• Lennon recalled an argument with the Maharishi when he decided to leave the ashram, implying that the Maharishi should have known why they were leaving if he was truly “cosmic.” Lennon felt disillusioned, thinking the Maharishi was too focused on fame and money.

• Although there were rumors of misconduct, no lawsuits were filed against the Maharishi. Over time, some Beatles members doubted the truth of the accusations, with George Harrison suggesting the rumors were baseless and fueled by jealousy. It was also believed that Lennon might have used these rumors as an excuse to leave and be with Yoko Ono.
• The Maharishi continued promoting Transcendental Meditation and rarely spoke about the Beatles later in life. He passed away in 2008.
• The ashram in Rishikesh was abandoned in the 2000  and left in ruins for over 30 years. In 2003, the local forestry department took over, and it was reopened to tourists in 2015. Before that, street artists had painted the walls as part of an art project, which was later stopped by authorities. Visitors are often amazed that such a historic site was left to decay.

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Meeting the Beatles in India

The Beatles first met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Bangor, Wales, in 1967: the Fab Four The Beatles in India joined him a year later in Rishikesh in February, accompanied by a party of which the companions were part, assistants to several journalists.

Ringo Starr and his wife left the ashram after ten days, while McCartney stayed another three weeks: Harrison and Lennon interrupted their stay after six weeks following Maharishi’s accusations of harassment of his guests.

During the stay in Rishikesh were written by the Beatles numerous songs, most of which then merged into the “white album” recorded between March and October of ’68.

Conclusion

Overall, The Beatles in India is a fascinating look at a pivotal moment in the band’s career and personal lives. The documentary provides insight into the creative process behind one of their most acclaimed albums and the impact that India had on their music and personal philosophies. It is a must-watch for fans of The Beatles in India and the world and anyone interested in the intersection of music, culture, and spirituality.