‘Full of fascinating information about TM, its founder Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and the celebrities who followed him, Susan Shumsky’s book Maharishi and Me is a captivating read.’—John Gray, bestselling author, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
The year 2018 marks the fortieth anniversary of the Beatles’ trip to Rishikesh, to stay at the ashram of their guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Along with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr came a host of other celebrities, including pop stars Donovan and Mike Love (of the Beach Boys fame) and actor Mia Farrow.

Amongst them was Susan Shumsky, one of the Maharishi’s earliest disciples. In this memoir, she offers an honest and dynamic exposé about a phenomenal, influential spiritual master and the dysfunctional organization he founded. From her ringside view, she tells the story of what really happened at Rishikesh, encounters with many of the Maharishi’s famous disciples and her own personal journey from hippiedom to meditation under the tutelage of the man who introduced TM—Transcendental Meditation—to the West.

 

Review

‘In 1968 I traveled to Rishikesh, India, with my sister Pattie and the Beatles and spent a couple months in Maharishi’s ashram. In Susan Shumsky’s compelling book Maharishi & Me she tells the true story about those halcyon days when we studied with the most famous guru of the twentieth century.’—Jenny Boyd, bestselling author of It’s Not Only Rock ’n’ Roll.