HE is mourned by millions. But for one Portsmouth man the death this week of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has a special significance.
Will Trend, 51, has taught transcendental meditation to hundreds of people in Portsmouth and beyond, and as a pupil of the world-renowned guru, met with him face-to-face over more than three decades.
The full-time meditation teacher, who has twice s
tood as Portsmouth South candidate for the Natural Law party, told The News how he had experienced the Indian spiritual leader's warmth and serenity first hand – and said the encounters had changed his life.
He said: 'I first met him in 1979 at a World Peace Assembly near Liverpool. It was a strange meeting, because I've come into contact with many celebrities before, but he really did have an aura around him. Although we hadn't met before, it just felt like I was meeting a mate, like seeing an old friend.'
It was to be the start of a teacher-pupil relationship which saw the pair meet together in England, Italy, Holland and India, with their last encounter taking place in 1998. The Maharishi, who could count Madonna and David Lynch among his fervent followers, first came to truly global attention in 1968 when The Beatles visited him on a trip to India, after being inspired by a meeting in England a year earlier.
The band were heavily influenced by his teachings and his practice of meditation – and in turn they brought the softly-spoken guru into the full glare of the world's media spotlight.
Although the Maharishi spent many years trying to live down his association with the world's biggest pop band, Mr Trend said perhaps his most moving encounter with him was at the time John Lennon was murdered.
'That was a very poignant time,' he said.
'He would often talk late into the night, and well into the early hours of the morning. People just couldn't keep with up his energy.
'He will be greatly missed. He was a loving man, without an agenda, who wanted to give the world a method to live at peace.'
Mr Trend will be holding a special vedic ceremony on the Isle of Wight at 5pm on Saturday, in remembrance of the Maharishi.
Those interested in attending should contact Mr Trend on 01983 404560.
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