Through the ’60s, the Beach Boys had a friendly rivalry — more like a mutual admiration society — with their fellow chart-toppers, the Beatles. (For instance, the Beach Boys’ landmark “Pet Sounds” was Brian Wilson’s response to the Beatles’ “Rubber Soul.”) Love and the Beatles crossed paths when they made a pilgrimage to India in 1968 to study under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
“The Beatles were invited by the Maharishi separately,” Love recalled. “Mia Farrow was there. Donovan and the Beatles went from England. I flew from L.A. to Hawaii to Japan to Thailand and finally to Delhi in February of 1968.
“It was one of the most fascinating experiences I’ve ever had. There were long hours of meditation and imparting of knowledge about ancient technologies that go back to — nobody knows how long. We (Love and the Beatles) were both new to meditation. But I think we missed out on the purpose of the event.”
Because, Love believes, the Maharishi’s intention was to convert the musicians into teachers of transcendental meditation.
“But the Beatles brought guitars, and there was a lot of music going on,” Love said. “So we really weren’t getting what it was about, which was to teach T.M. Subsequently, I became a teacher of T.M. “It was probably the most remarkable time of my life. In fact, to this day, I meditate every day. It’s a great way to counteract the stress of life, rather than resorting to drugs or alcohol.”
