The impact that Maharishi Mahesh Yogi had on the world is inestimable. With millions of people practicing the meditation technique that he popularized around the world, and many thousands more learning each year, the ripple effect of his work will last for centuries to come.

And not just here on earth. It’s fitting that Maharishi’s three favorite words, Jai Guru Deva, inspired lyrics within the famous Beatles song, Across the Universe, which, in 2008, became the first song beamed by NASA into deep space.

But what was it like being up close with Maharishi? In this episode Thom shares some of his observations from his 25 plus years of direct contact with Maharishi in India and throughout the world, often around the clock and for weeks and months on end.

He describes Maharishi’s most endearing characteristics and the impact they had on him personally, declaring that Maharishi shaped him to become the man he is today.

And for bonus value, he also shares the origins of another song from The Beatles that can be attributed to being influenced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Episode Highlights

[00:55] What Maharishi Was Like

[03:14] An Inspiration to The Beatles

[04:58] A Great Grace

[07:17] Glory to Guru Deva

[09:23] An Artful Walk

[10:06] An Armful of Flowers

[11:09] A Car Seat in Sydney

[12:39] A Coffee Table and a Deerskin

[14:26] Questions From the Floor

[16:14] Response to Worthy Inquiry

[17:13] Dear Prudence

[18:56] Contagious Laughter

[20:18] Hari the Cook

[21:52] Feeling the Food

[23:14] An Incessant Phenomenon

[24:28] A Great Buzz of Activity

[25:58] The Colorless Sap

[28:06] What Happened?

[29:57] Is It Understood?

[31:57] From This Angle, From That Angle

[33:24] Creating Me

Useful Links

[email protected]  

https://thomknoles.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoles

https://www.facebook.com/thethomknoles

https://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoles

https://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/

Registration is now open for Thom’s only rounding retreat for 2026, in Sedona from May 21-25.

This is your one and only opportunity this year for deep rest, stress release and consciousness expansion through industrial-strength meditation, along with twice-daily knowledge sessions with Thom.

You’ll enjoy delicious retreat-friendly meals and the beauty and healing powers of the Red Rocks of Sedona. 

Register before February 28th and you’ll save $500 on your retreat fee. 

You can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.