12:46pm UK, Wednesday February 06, 2008

The Beatles' guru who introduced transcendental meditation to the West has died at his Dutch home.

Mystic with Paul McCartney and George Harrison

The reclusive Indian mystic Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was said to be 91.

He shot to international prominence when the Beatles visited him in the foothills of the Himalayas in 1968 to learn his techniques.

Film footage of John, Paul, George and Ringo sitting cross-legged and dressed in white robes with garlands of flowers was beamed round the world, and many other celebrities followed.

The Maharishi fell in John Lennon's estimation, however, when he allegedly made a pass at a female member of their entourage.

It prompted Lennon to write the song, 'Sexy Sadie', which portrays him in a less than favourable light.

After teaching other 1960s and 70s icons, the Maharishi gained a worldwide following and had more than five million people studying his methods.

"His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi... passed away peacefully," his Global Country of World Peace movement said in a statement.

"Maharishi's work is complete. He has done what he set out to do in 1957 - to lay the foundation for a peaceful world.

"Now, Maharishi is being welcomed with open arms into heaven."

The mystic moved his headquarters to the small southern Dutch village of Vlodrop in 1990.

He periodically emerged to appeal for funds to promote world peace, building a huge business empire ranging from real estate to cosmetics.

The Maharishi also set up universities and schools all over the world.

His Natural Law Party - which promotes yogic flying, a practice that involves sitting in the lotus position and bouncing into the air - has campaigned in dozens of countries.