Beatles' spirtual guru dies

Indian guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, most famous for introducing the Beatles to spiritual enlightenment, has died.

The reclusive mystic, thought to have been 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Holland.

The Maharishi was credited with bringing trancendental meditation to the west and setting many stars of the 1960s and 70s on their spritual path.

John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, visited him in the foothills of the Himalayas in 1968 to learn his meditation techniques.

Celebrity interest in the mystic's work sparked a worldwide following with six million people taking his courses.

The Maharishi retired last month saying his work was done.

Transcendental meditation, known as TM by its followers, involves reciting a mantra that practitioners say helps the mind stay calm even under pressure, a technique which has gradually gained medical respect.

The Maharishi retired from the TM organisation last month saying his work was done but the group insists his message remained constant: "Life is bliss. Man is born to enjoy. Within everyone is an unlimited reservoir of energy, intelligence, and happiness."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.