For personal stories of our dear Maharishi, there's nothing like than the charming and powerful book written by Helena Olson about Maharishi's first days in the United States. The book first came out in 1967 as A Hermit in the House, then in the 80's daughter Theresa re-published it as Maharishi at 433. The latest version came out in 2001, with some fascinating additions, and titled His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: A Living Saint for the New Millennium.
Mrs. Olson, with a degree in theater, skillfully tells of the comings and goings in the house during the several months that Maharishi stayed there. She paints a vivid portrait of Maharishi, fresh from India and knowing little of the West, yet most skillfully organizing, what would soon be a worldwide movement. It includes intimate question and answer sessions with the earliest meditators, very sincere and well-educated seekers, on religion and other fascinating topics. She also describes Maharishi personally teaching Transcendental Meditation to many stars and celebrities including a truly memorable account of Maharishi's initiation of a certain very distinguished "Mr. H," who Tina Olsen later revealed to an MUM audience to have been the wise and famous novelist on eastern philosophy, Herman Hesse. Mother Olsen's book is really worth reading. [You can buy it at: http://www.mumpress.com/p_c14.html ] The second and third editions of the book include everything in the original without compromise, except for the deletion of one powerful experience of Mrs. Olson's, an experience so startling that she did not fit it into the book proper, but rather included it as a "supplement" at the end. Here it is: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Supplement to A Hermit in the House by Helena Olson "In January of 1959, I witnessed a phenomena for which I have no explanation. I do not care to discuss all phases of it, but wish to mention briefly that for two hours in the middle of the day, the sky above our home was filled with rainbows and masses of clouds which were shot with vibrant colors as they floated over our garden. We had no rain for days previously, nor was that day cloudy except for the two hours; even so, the sun shone so brilliantly that often I had to turn my head away from it, although clouds were near it. For one hour a lady friend who was staying with us, observed it with me. We both became fatigued from looking up. She retired to her room and I took a pillow, climbed to the roof of a small house in our garden, lay down and watched the display for one more hour from there. At one time, the display became so overpowering I called on the Name of God to be able to breathe. The moment it was over, it seemed as though the sun had left the sky, although actually it was still shining. All nature had been glorified. For about three days I felt unable to nor had any desire to speak. I told my family about it, and we were surprised it was never mentioned in the newspapers as many, many people must have seen it. I prayed to know more about it, and one day I mentioned it briefly to Maharishi. I could not resist saying to him, "Maharishi, did you come with the clouds?" He did not answer. Only smiled." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Looking back on it, Mrs. Olson said she feels this experience was a Heaven-sent omen. [Maharishi arrived at her house about 2 weeks later.] Jai Guru Dev --------------------------------- Alles was der Gesundheit und Entspannung dient.BE A BETTER MEDIZINMANN!
