SOAS Research Online

Abstract

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is an Indian spiritual teacher who has had a considerable influence in the West over the past twenty years. His teaching has two aspects, practical (the practice of Transcendental Meditation) and theoretical. As a philosopher, Maharishi claims to be an exponent of the Advaita Vedanta according to Sankara, yet his presentation is modern and practical. This thesis examines the question how far Maharishi's claim to be an authentic exponent of Sankara's Vedanta can be sustained, and concludes that although his teaching does essentially agree with that of Sankara, it differs from this in emphasis; in addition Maharishi has introduced a number of apparent innovations, probably owing to modern Western influences. In this respect Maharishi's theoretical approach also differs from that of other neo-hindu movements in the West, most of which are either very traditional, or more overtly devotional and religious.