February 08, 2008	Friday	Muharram 29, 1429

AMSTERDAM: The guru to the Beatles who introduced transcendental meditation to the West, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, died at his Dutch home overnight, aides said. He was said to be 91.

The reclusive Indian mystic shot to international prominence when the Beatles — John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr — visited him in the foothills of the Himalayas in 1968 to learn his transcendental meditation techniques.

Film footage of the four Beatles sitting cross-legged and dressed in white robes with garlands of flowers was beamed round the world. Beach Boy Mike Love, British singer Donovan and US actress Mia Farrow joined the sessions.

“His passing is profoundly sad. But I, for one, am among the millions who are grateful for what he shared with us,” said Love. “We will miss you, but your great light will shine on.”

After teaching other 1960s and 70s figures, the Maharishi with the flowing hair and white beard gained a worldwide following and more than 5 million people studied his methods.

He helped inspire the anti-materialism of the late 60s and the Beatles recorded “The White Album” after their time with him in India, referring to their experiences in its songs.

“His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ... passed away peacefully,” his Global Country of World Peace movement said in a statement.

“Maharishi’s work is complete. He has done what he set out to do in 1957 — to lay the foundation for a peaceful world. Now, Maharishi is being welcomed with open arms into heaven.”

The Maharishi moved his headquarters to the small southern Dutch village of Vlodrop in 1990, occupying a former Franciscan monastery.

—Reuters