Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Maharishi launched the 'Global Country of World Peace' and subsequently 'World Peace Raam Bonds', promising returns of around 6–7% while financing projects supposedly intended to promote world peace, notably through yoga and 'yogic flying'.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Attribution

Directly implicated

The Natural Law Party adopted concepts associated with Maharishi, Transcendental Meditation and 'yogic flying' to propose policies on health, education and crime reduction, prompting debate about the boundary between a spiritual movement and a political party.

State of the evidence

Documented

Robert Kropinski sued Transcendental Meditation organisations following training courses involving 'yogic flying', among other practices. A jury awarded him approximately 137 890 dollars for fraud and negligence; the appellate court subsequently overturned part of the judgment and ordered a retrial on certain issues.

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

Maharishi's movement promoted the TM-Sidhi programme with claims of extraordinary abilities, including 'yogic flying'. Public demonstrations initially showed practitioners hopping in the lotus position, fuelling scientific and media controversy over the claims.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Attribution

Directly implicated

A programme based on the Science of Creative Intelligence and Transcendental Meditation was introduced into New Jersey public schools. Federal courts ruled that the programme had a religious dimension and that state-funded instruction violated the Establishment Clause.

State of the evidence

Documented

The Beatles' stay in Rishikesh ended following allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour attributed to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, an episode that had a lasting impact on his reputation.

Attribution

Directly implicated