I first saw Maharishi in 1971 -- Humboldt -- One month course. I was a mess. Big mood maker. Totally thinking I was cool and set for greatness.
First time: Not sure if it was on the stage or if it was when I handed him a flower as he walked into the building. He looked me in the eyes, and I felt kinda silly that there was no explosion of bliss and instead was just a guy with a flower and hopes. It should be noted that Maharishi didn't fall a my feet and claim I was the new age prophet upon whom the movement would now prosper. Ha ha ha! I think I actually kinda thought maybe that would happen. This is narcissism, but note that it wasn't an obsessed upon notion.....just a passing thought thingy. But I did like Maharishi's vibe. Not his golden aura, not just his nice-person thingy. You know how you can like or dislike a person instantly -- like that I liked the guy. But it wasn't the "Maharishi sees Guru Dev's face for the first time when a car's lights shown into the ashram" moment. Nope. No epiphany.
