Transcendental Meditation founder and developer. He originated the meditation technique and related programs and initiatives, including schools and a university with campuses in the United States and China. Born in India, with various years given for his birth: most frequently 1911, 1917, and 1918, and some sources state he was born on January 12 but others say his date of birth is unknown. Around 1939 he became a disciple of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati who, from 1941 to 1953, was the Shankaracharya (spiritual leader) of Jyotir Math, located in the Indian Himalayas. Maharishi credits the Shankaracharya with inspiring his teachings. Since his first global tour in 1958, Maharishi’s techniques for human development have been taught worldwide. He continued to focus on making all aspects of the Vedic Literature widely available. He became well-known in the Western world due to The Beatles having visited him in 1968. Starting in 1990, Maharishi coordinated his global activities from his residence in Vlodrop, the Netherlands. On January 11, 2008, he announced his retirement from all administrative activities and went into Mouna (spiritual silence). He declared: “Invincibility is irreversibly established in the world. My work is done. My designated duty to Guru Dev is fulfilled.” On February 5th, the Maharishi passed away in a yoga position. (bio courtesy of: Wikipedia)