The Summer of Love was coming to an ubrupt end. The dropout culture was beginning to unravel and those experimenting with the drug culture were seeking other sources of inspiration. The Beat Generation had spawned a counter culture that was diametrically opposed to the anger that was spilling from the government of the time so it is little wonder that people were turning from the hatred and looking inward. Many artists began turning to the East, finding comfort in the teachings of the mystics.

America was now the Mecca for the Beat Generation, and gurus from India were leaving their Ashrams to head over to the new country to spread their message of love and salvation through devotion rather than drugs. ​This week’s Beat Generation, we look at the influence the East had over the west and how the Beat Generation welcomed the Indian teachers with open arms.

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