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My Maharishi - Humor Incarnate

22 min • 19 februari 2024

A quick update that early registration is now open for Thom's upcoming annual retreat in Sedona, Arizona, this Memorial Day weekend from May 22nd to 26.

This is Thom's first retreat in the United States since the epic Maha Kumbha Mela held earlier this year in Prayagraj, India, so Thom has many fascinating new stories to share. The Sedona Rounding Retreat is also your opportunity to gift yourself profound rest and industrial-strength meditation through the daily rounding program.

This is your chance to transcend uncertainty in the ever-changing world and celebrate spring surrounded by nature, supported by community, and immersed in wisdom with Thom. Early registration discounts expire on March 17th, and you can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.

Jai Guru Deva.

Spiritual leaders are often perceived as being stern and serious, in some cases even humorless. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, while he could be serious when needed, was famous for his smile, his laugh, and his sense of humor in general.

In this episode, Thom shares some anecdotes from his 26-plus years of being with Maharishi, where Maharishi put his sense of humor on display. Some of these were public displays, while others were from behind the scenes; all of the stories reflect Maharishi’s famous quote, “We have an infinite number of reasons to be happy, and a serious responsibility not be serious.”

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Maharishi's Humor

[02:36] Maharishi's Way of Answering Serious Questions

[04:59] The Million-Pound Reply

[06:09] A Lover of Analogies

[07:29] The Complaint About Meditation

[09:12] Fifty Dollar Bet on Effortless Mantra

[11:17] Think Mantra Without Effort

[11:59] "I Am an Imposter."

[13:35] Journalist Wanted to Expose Maharishi

[15:15] "I'm Here to Find and Report Facts."

[16:39] Laughter-Filled Meeting With Maharishi