The teaching of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as a neo-Hindu version of Sankara's Vedanta : A modern stage in the development of Vedantic ideas.
Center for International and Regional Studies (Georgetown University) 1983 DOI: 10.25501/soas.00028719 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's teaching essentially agrees with Sankara's Advaita Vedanta but differs in emphasis, and that he introduced apparent innovations probably owing to modern Western influences. His theoretical approach is said to differ from other neo-Hindu movements in the West, most of which are described as either very traditional or more overtly devotional and religious. |
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.