Maharishi Yogi dies at 91

Feb 6 - The guru to the Beatles and the man who introduced transcendental meditation to the West, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, died at his Dutch home overnight. He was said to be 91.

The reclusive Indian mystic shot to international prominence when the Beatles - Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon - attended a five day 'dream-in' at Bangor in Wales.

After teaching other 1960s and 70s icons, the Maharishi with the flowing hair and white beard gained a worldwide following and had more than five million people studying his methods. He set up universities and schools all over the world and 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.

Last month the Maharishi stepped down as head of his organisation and said he would be "retiring into silence".