Profile of George Harrison

student, and later played lead guitar in the band calledmovement that has gained popularity in the United
the Quarry Men, that eventually became The Beatles.States and in other parts of the world. It is the most
My Sweet Lord was the first number one hit Harrisonwidely practiced and extensively researched program
after the Beatles broke up in 1970. Harrison releasedof self-development. TM is just one example of the
a number of albums that were critically andwide variety of Hindu worship --- integrating diverse
commercially successful, both as solo projects and assymbols, offerings, fasting, and dance. TM technique
a member of other groups. Throughout the 1990s,is a simple, natural, effortless procedure where the
Harrison, a former smoker, endured an ongoing battlemind easily and naturally arrives at the source of
with cancer, having growths removed first from histhought, the settled state of the mind called
throat, then his lungs. There was also a 1999 attemptTranscendental Consciousness. Through this
on his life by a crazed fan who stabbed him at histechnique, the individual's awareness settles down
home in Friar Park in Henley-on-Thames. Harrison'sand experiences a unique state of restful alertness.
lunch was punctured during that attack. GeorgeAs the body becomes deeply relaxed, the mind
passed away at a home of a friend in Los Angeles,transcends all mental activity to experience the
California on November 29, 2001, at the age of 58,simplest form of awareness. The technique is said to
due to a brain tumor. He was cremated and his ashesbe about the cultivation of pure consciousness and
were scattered in the River Ganges. The night afterself-referral consciousness, which is the source of all
Harrison died, My Sweet Lord was re-released in thecreative processes. Over 500 scientific research
UK, where it once again went to number one.studies conducted during the past 25 years in more
Proceeds from the single went to the Material Worldthan 200 independent universities and research
Charitable Foundation, which Harrison started in 1973institutes in 30 countries have shown that the TM
to support charities that work with children and thetechnique benefits all areas of an individual's life: mind,
poor.body, behavior, and environment.
East meets WestHarrison's Chanting Found Him Peace
Harrison's My Sweet Lord is about the EasternIn countries like India, China or Japan, the first thing
religions that he was studying at that time. The lyricsyou will notice is that being quiet or modest is a
contain references to the Hare Krishna faith, withquality which is respected widely. Aggressive
some of their mantra written into the lyrics. A closerexpression of self confidence is considered to be
look at his other songs will reveal that many of hisalmost a sin in that part of the world. There is no
songs were inspired by Hinduism. The Hare Krishnaroom for egotism in most Asian societies. George,
Mantra, All Things Must Pass, Living in the Materialwho was known as "The quiet Beatle," was
World and Chants of India, are some of the songswell-loved by the people not only in India but also the
that directly reveal that he was greatly inspired bycommon people of the East. In 1971, he also helped
Hinduism, especially the Krishna philosophy whichorganize "The Concert for Bangladesh" to raise
advocates love for God and humanity.money for the war- stricken people in that country
His other song, "Awaiting on You All" glorifies yoga,who were fighting for their freedom. The Bangladesh
which is practiced not just for exercise and betterpeople loved him and still remember him as a hero
health, but also as a form of spiritual exercise thatwho helped them in their time of great despair. He
combines body and soul, or, as some call it ---later accepted the Hare Krishna tradition and tried to
meditation in motion. The song "Living in the Materiallive a plain and simple life. He deeply believed in the
World," seeks a deep craving from the materialisticprinciples of Hinduism. When he died, he left an
world of the West through complete devotion toastounding amount of 20 million pounds for the
Lord Krishna, the creator of the world, at least,International Society for Krishna Consciousness
according to Hinduism. "That Which I Have Lost"(ISKCON).
from the album Somewhere in England reminds theIn Easter culture, the goal of life is not to accumulate
listener of the principles of Gita, the sacred book ofwealth but to lead a spiritual life that includes the
the Hindus. All these songs reveal a deep rooted lovechanting of mantras. The sound of the sitar brings a
towards Hinduism that existed in the mind and soul ofsense of silent peace and it is really melodious. This
George Harrison.musical instrument creates harmony and prepares the
With the influence of Eastern mysticism, Harrisonmind for meditation. Thus, George Harrison found
added a new flavor to his music that was verypeace and comfort in the Indian way of life. George
distinct from the music of the Beatles. He playedHarrison tried to follow this kind of life, with prayer
Indian musical instruments in his music. He especiallyand meditation.
loved the "sitar," a traditional Indian stringed musicalGeorge Harrison inspired his generation with his songs.
instrument. He inspired the other Beatle members toBefore he died, he said that he had found a sense of
go to India to get acquainted with Transcendentalmeaning to his life. He might not be around anymore
Meditation. In 1967, The Beatles learnedbut his music lives on and is still definitely playing the
Transcendental Meditation or TM in Rishikesh, Indiasitar in another place and dimension, and chanting
under the supervision of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, thebeautifully together with his Sweet Lord.
founder of the TM program.Want to find out about bowhunting elk, bowling tips
The TM Experiencefor beginners and other information? Get tips from
Transcendental Meditation is a Hindu-basedthe Knowledge Galaxy website.