Trip to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Ashram

The Beatles' trip to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh, India, was a pivotal moment in their career and personal lives. They traveled to participate in a three-month meditation 'Guide Course', which they believed would enhance their creativity and spiritual understanding. This period in India is often regarded as one of the band's most productive phases, resulting in the creation of numerous songs, including many that would appear on their subsequent album. However, the experience was not uniformly positive for all members. Ringo Starr left after just ten days due to dissatisfaction with the food, while Paul McCartney departed a month later, feeling disenchanted with the environment. The dynamics shifted significantly for John Lennon and George Harrison when they were influenced by an electronics technician, known as Magic Alex, who raised concerns about the Maharishi's intentions. Allegations of inappropriate behavior towards female attendees led to Lennon's abrupt departure from the ashram, taking Harrison and other members of their entourage with him. This disillusionment culminated in Lennon writing a critical song about the Maharishi, initially titled 'Maharishi' but later renamed 'Sexy Sadie' to avoid legal repercussions. McCartney later reflected on the experience, acknowledging that they had misjudged the Maharishi's character and intentions, indicating a shift in their perception of spiritual leaders and their influence on the band.