Conspirituality Bonus Sample: The Beatles’ Billionaire Yogi
Aug 25, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the tiny titan behind Transcendental Meditation. Discover how he turned spirituality into a billion-dollar enterprise, attracting celebrities like the Beatles while masking darker truths. The podcast unpacks his role in blending Eastern mysticism with Western culture, revealing tales of illicit affairs, overpriced courses, and the promise of world peace through ‘yogic flying.’ A thought-provoking exploration of how charisma can both inspire and manipulate!
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Prototype Of Profitable Spiritual Brands
- Maharishi Mahesh Yogi became a template for lucrative spiritual brands built around charismatic leaders promising exotic enlightenment.
- His mix of paranormal promises, celebrity endorsements, and marketing created a profitable spiritual industry.
The Giggling Guru Persona
- Julian describes Maharishi as a small, charismatic figure with a distinctive look who charmed the hippie movement and media.
- The media nicknamed him the "giggling guru" for his interview manner and he cultivated a soothing, approachable persona.
TM As A Root Of Conspirituality
- TM illustrates the convergence of stigmatized knowledge, charismatic influence, and pseudoscience that fuels conspirituality.
- This combination draws idealistic people into costly and consequential commitments under the guise of higher truth.