Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Death Anniversary

 

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who passed away on 5 February 2008 was an Indian Hindu religious leader who introduced the practice of transcendental meditation (TM) to the West.

Little is known of the Maharishi’s early life. He studied physics at the University of Allahabad and worked for a time in factories. He later left for the Himalayas, where for 13 years he studied under Guru Dev, the founder of TM. When Guru Dev died in 1952, the Maharishi organized a movement to spread the teachings of TM throughout the world; his first world tour took place in 1959 and brought him to the United States.

TM is a type of meditation, practiced twice a day, in which the subject mentally recites a special

mantra (sacred sound or phrase). Concentration on the repeated utterances decreases mental activity, and as a result the subject is expected to reach a higher state of consciousness. The movement grew slowly until the late 1960s, when the Beatles, an English rock-music group, and numerous other celebrities began to join his following. Since then, many have left the movement, but TM remains a popular form of relaxation, especially in the United States. The principles of transcendental meditation are discussed in the Maharishi’s books The Science of Being and Art of Living (1963) and Meditations of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1968).

 

Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck Birthday

Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck is the first child and heir apparent of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and his wife, Queen Jetsun Pema. He has been the Crown Prince of Bhutan since his birth on 5 February 2016 at Lingkana Palace, Thimphu. His birth was announced on 16 April 2016. Prior to the announcement, he was known only as The Gyalsey, which means "prince". Before his birth, his paternal uncle Jigme Ugyen of Bhutan was the heir presumptive to the throne. To honour his birth 108,000 trees were planted by thousands of volunteers in Bhutan.