| Spirituality | 5 Feb 2008 |
 |
| Across the Universe by Tony Ellis | ||
On February 4th NASA beamed The Beatles’ song Across the Universe literally “across the universe”. The next day, His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation about which this song was written, left this world and entered into heaven. It was an accidental but fitting tribute to the man who opened universes within the minds of millions across the world, including myself. There are really no words to describe the relationship between spiritual teacher and disciple; it is such an intimate and personal bond, a merging of consciousness, a blending of heart and soul. The Sanskrit word guru means “he who holds the light”. The guru is the beacon at the end of a long tunnel of darkness. This darkness is formed of ignorance, ignorance of our true selves, of our own divine nature. The gratitude one feels to the person who rescues you from this darkness of ignorance is unlimited.
Most spiritual teachers take only a few disciples. Maharishi took on the whole world. His simple technique of meditation brought effortless experience of the unbounded nature of life to children, adults, rich and poor, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists alike. No one was excluded from his world. His compassionate heart, incisive intellect, infectious joy and unwavering courage convinced a whole generation to strive for peace. Though his name faded from the headlines over the years, he worked tirelessly, 24 hours a day, each and every day for fifty years, to realize his vision of a world free from suffering, a world infused with love and happiness. He planted the seeds for a new golden age. His contribution may never be fully recognized; it may take a while for his dreams to manifest. He never once asked for any credit, dedicating all his efforts to his own teacher, Guru Dev, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati. The first line of the chorus to John Lennon’s song are the tribute Maharishi always gave to his master—Jai Guru Dev, Hail Holy Teacher. But in every sign of good news, every indication of rising positivity, compassion and better understanding I see in the world today, I recognize the first delicate flowerings of Maharishi’s dream of heaven on earth. His final message to the world was, “Live long the world in peace, happiness, prosperity, and freedom from suffering”. From the depths of my heart, I would like to say thank you, thank you, thank you, dear Maharishi. Nothing’s going to change the peace you brought to my heart.
Across the Universe
Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup They slither while they pass They slip away across the universe Pools of sorrow waves of joy are drifting through my open mind Possessing and caressing me Jai guru deva om Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes They call me on and on across the universe Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box they tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe Jai guru deva om Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world Sounds of laughter shades of life are ringing through my open ears inciting and inviting me Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns It calls me on and on across the universe Jai guru deva om Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world Jai guru deva Jai guru deva
--John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Subscribe to this comment's feed