Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
What inspired Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to start Transcendental Meditation?
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation, was a spiritual leader and teacher who dedicated his life to spreading the practice of meditation to people all over the world. Born in 1918 in India, Maharishi was deeply influenced by the teachings of his own spiritual guru, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati. It was this influence that ultimately inspired him to start Transcendental Meditation.
Maharishi was a firm believer in the power of meditation to improve one's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. He witnessed firsthand the positive effects of meditation on his own life and was determined to share this gift with others. He believed that by practicing meditation, individuals could achieve a state of inner peace and fulfillment, leading to a more harmonious and peaceful world.
The turning point for Maharishi came when he met with the famous Indian philosopher, Jiddu Krishnamurti, who advised him to spread the knowledge of meditation to the world. This encounter solidified Maharishi's belief in the importance of sharing this powerful practice with others. He began to travel extensively, giving lectures and conducting meditation sessions in various parts of India.
In 1958, Maharishi founded the Spiritual Regeneration Movement, which later became known as the Transcendental Meditation movement. He believed that meditation was a simple and natural technique that could be practiced by anyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. This inclusive approach was a key factor in the popularity and success of Transcendental Meditation.
Maharishi's teachings were also heavily influenced by the ancient Vedic tradition of India. He believed that by tapping into the universal consciousness, individuals could achieve a state of transcendence and experience inner peace and harmony. This concept of transcending the limitations of the mind and connecting with the universal consciousness became the foundation of Transcendental Meditation.
Through his teachings and efforts, Maharishi brought meditation to the mainstream and made it accessible to people from all walks of life. He trained thousands of teachers and established hundreds of meditation centers around the world. His message of peace and unity resonated with people, and Transcendental Meditation became a global movement.
In conclusion, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was inspired to start Transcendental Meditation by his own personal experiences with meditation, the guidance of his spiritual guru, and the encouragement of others. His passion for sharing the benefits of meditation and his belief in its ability to create a more peaceful world continue to inspire millions of people to this day.