Beatles Spiritual Leader Dies

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the spiritual leader to the Beatles, Marianne Faithful, Donovan, Mike Love, of the Beach Boys, Mia Farrow and Mick Jagger in the late 1960s, died in the Netherlands reported The New York Times.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi died at his home and headquarters in Vlodrop, the Netherlands. According to reports, the leader was said to be in his 90s. No cause of death was reported.

Maharishi was often ridiculed in the press because his followers were thought to be a cult, and his religion, a business enterprise. He was known as the "Giggling Guru," always laughing and seen sitting in a lotus position, with long hair and a scraggly beard.

According to the Times, The Maharishi originated the transcendental meditation movement in 1957 and brought it to the United States in 1959. This type of meditation is done for 20 minutes while silently repeating a mantra. This mantra and meditation was to help cleanse oneself and relax, while eliminating stress.

The Maharishi, later in life, refused to discuss his time with his celebrity friends, rather retreating to a quiet spiritual life. One of his most recent followers is the spiritualist Deepak Chopra.