Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation, is a figure who has been both revered and controversial. While he is known for popularizing meditation and bringing Eastern spiritual practices to the Western world, there have also been several controversies surrounding him.

One of the main controversies surrounding Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is his financial practices. He amassed a large amount of wealth through donations and fees for his meditation courses, leading some to question his true intentions and whether he was exploiting his followers. In addition, there have been allegations of financial misconduct and mismanagement within his organization.

Another controversy surrounding Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is his relationship with the Beatles. In the late 1960s, the famous band became followers of the Maharishi and even traveled to India to study with him. However, their relationship soured when the Maharishi was accused of making unwanted advances towards one of the female members of the group. This led to the Beatles leaving his organization and publicly denouncing him.

There have also been allegations of sexual misconduct against Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. In the 1970s, a former member of his organization filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment. While the lawsuit was eventually dropped, it raised questions about the power dynamics within his organization and the treatment of female members.

Additionally, there have been criticisms of the Maharishi's teachings and practices. Some have accused him of promoting a cult-like atmosphere within his organization and using manipulative tactics to keep followers in line. Others have raised concerns about the lack of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of Transcendental Meditation.

Despite these controversies, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's followers continue to praise his teachings and the benefits of Transcendental Meditation. His organization, the Global Country of World Peace, continues to promote his ideas and practices, and many celebrities and public figures have become followers.

In conclusion, while Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is widely recognized as a pioneer in bringing meditation to the mainstream, there have been several controversies surrounding his financial practices, relationships with followers, and teachings. While his legacy continues to be debated, there is no denying the impact he has had on the world of meditation and spirituality.