Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, originally Mahesh Prasad Varma, was born on January 12, 1918. He later adopted the name Maharishi which means “great seer,” and was known as Yogi throughout his adulthood. Yogi is best known for developing the Transcendental Meditation technique, in addition to being the leader and guru of a worldwide organization - alternatively characterized as being a new religious movement and a non-religious one.

Initially, Yogi served as a disciple and assistant to Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya (spiritual leader) of Jyotirmath. In 1955, Yogi began introducing his new meditation technique in India, before going on his first global tour in 1958. His devotees started referring to him as His Holiness, although sometimes he was referred to as the “giggling guru.” This was due, in part, to his habit of laughing during TV interviews. Between the 1960s and early 1970s, Yogi achieved fame for being the guru to The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Ravi Shankar, just to name a few.

Yogi’s visit from The Beatles even inspired artist Norman Mingo to create a spoof cover for MAD Magazine. Did you know you have the chance to bring this exceptional piece home?

Hake’s Americana & Collectibles Auction #220, which closes on March 14-16, 2017, will be open for bidding soon! Featured within this auction is Mingo’s cover spoofing The Beatles trip to India, where they attended a meditation training class led by Yogi, and attended by actress Mia Farrow. This cover, estimated between $35,000 and $50,000, depicts Alfred E. Neuman as a spiritual guru, held aloft by all four Beatles as well as Farrow and Yogi.

This professionally framed cover of MAD Magazine #121 (1968), which includes a reading copy of the issue, is ready to shine in your personal collection. Head over to hakes.com to browse further sections from this upcoming auction.