On the morning of December 15, 1961, I received a phone call inviting me to a lecture that very evening on meditation that very evening, to be given by a "saint from India." At first I declined, since my feeling was that I did not want to look into the philosophies of India unless it was "the Real thing." But later in the day, I called back to accept the invitation, deciding to keep an open mind.

The lecture was held at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. Upon arrival I looked around, and was relieved to see an audience of professionals, business people, academics; a reassuring crowd. After some time the local host introduced the special guest, virtually unknown in Canada at the time—Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Words can never convey how I felt hearing his speech, so beautiful, so natural, and so profound. To my delight and amazement, all that I heard was everything that I always wanted to believe life should be. It was the first time I had ever heard knowledge so clear and complete. When questions were asked, Maharishi's answers were wonderful!

Going home that night I felt heavenly; I was on "cloud nine," and already looking forward to the second lecture the following night. After that lecture our instruction in the Transcendental Meditation technique was arranged. I was instructed by Maharishi on December 20, 1961.

My life had just begun!

After only a few days with us, Maharishi left for New York, and then on to India. We in Toronto were left on our own. There were no teachers, no literature, nothing except our memory of Maharishi's talks. It was suggested that we meditate at home and periodically meet as a group to meditate together and discuss how we were getting along. We did this. It was interesting and fun.

When Maharishi returned the following year we were overjoyed to be with him again. In those early days—from 1961 to 1968—he came every year to Canada. Our reunions and the beautiful progress experienced by all were completely rewarding, and proof of the effectiveness of the TM technique. One of the most memorable courses—Lake Louise in 1968—was immortalized in the CBC documentary* that is still a favorite of Meditators around the world. On this course Maharishi invited me to become a teacher of the Transcendental Meditation technique. This dream was fulfilled on September 15, 1970 at Humboldt State College in California.

After my teacher training course I began teaching full-time in the Vancouver center. Since then the years have brought such indescribable joy—working with the wonderful members of Maharishi's family; old-timers, newcomers; each one is a precious jewel. One of the biggest joys is seeing people's lives transformed as they learn the TM technique for themselves, watching their lives change and blossom.

Some of the most delightful memories of the early days with Maharishi are driving him to the airport and appointments, or traveling with him. On one trip by plane Maharishi was seated across the aisle from me. I looked over to see that he was arranging the flowers he'd been given on his departure all around his seat—there were flowers in the pockets in front of him, flowers beside him at the window. He was surrounded in a bower of flowers. It was adorable! We closed our eyes and were in bliss.

All these years have been unending waves of knowledge and opportunity for evolution. We are so lucky today to have the full range of Maharishi Vedic Science available to us—even in our own living rooms via satellite. Unending waves of knowledge, opportunity, bliss. Maharishi has, through Guru Dev, given us everything. It is there available to anyone who desires it; all we have to do is reach out and take it.

Contribute Your Story to a New Book! Enlightenment magazine is planning to publish a collection of stories on how Meditators learned the Transcendental Meditation technique, and the benefits they’ve experienced in their lives.

To make the book complete, we’d like stories from people of all ages and backgrounds. We hope that you’ll write your story in 1,000 to 3,000 words, and send it to Enlightenment magazine: PO Box 26, Hillsboro, NH 03244 or email to editor@enlightenment-magazine.org.

*This Lake Louise videotape may be purchased from Maharishi University of Management Press.: 800-831-6523; www.mum.edu/press;  mumpress@mum.edu