Did you know that George Harrison, one of The Beatles (above center), studied devotional yoga?

His free time was spent meditating and cultivating his spiritual life and his relationship with God.

It was not a secret, as evidenced by his hit song, My Sweet Lord.

Yoga means “to yoke” and that ideally means connecting spiritually (working on our spiritual life).

This is the Bhaktivedanta Manor in the UK.  George Harrison purchased this manor/mansion and it (and the surrounding acreage) and donated it to Bhaktivedanta Swami for use as a meditation space.  The manor was and is still today used for Bhakti (Devotional) Yoga and Meditation.

Today it has gorgeous grounds and gardens.  Many local folks from India who live in the UK and other visitors and locals, use this property as their regular place of worship.  Of course it’s vegetarian and even has a vegetarian bakery/concession with a peaceful grassy picnic area.

George Harrison quoted and referenced the Vedic (Yoga) scriptures (from India) in many of his songs, most evident in his album All Things Must Pass that contains his song we all know and love, My Sweet Lord.

Today both Bhaktivedanta Swami and George Harrison have memorials on this property.

The upstairs of the mansion is a museum dedicated to Bhaktivedanta Swami with his personal effects.

Bhaktivedanta Manor has a meditation garden dedicated to George Harrison, featuring artwork with his lyrics that quote or reference his devotion to God.

This is a special place.

Here are some photos I took of the lovely George Harrison Garden and his lyrics that are featured as art :

1. Awaken and See

George Harrison song name, from All Things Must Pass: Awaiting on you All)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwTviHJfOkI

2. I Look for the Pure in Heart

(George Harrison song name: The Day the World Gets ’Round)

3. Your Love and Nothing More

4. He whose sweetness flows

(song name It is He)

5. You are the breath of Life

(song name, Life Itself)

6. My sweet Lord

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kNGnIKUdMI

7. I really want to be with you

(song name My Sweet Lord …you knew that!)

8. I’m so happy I found you

(song name Long Long Long)

If you can visit there, do it!

Many of us seek our own healthy Mind/Body/Spirit balance and this work is full of sweet and gentle reminders of how we can integrate more of the spiritual connection into that balance.  George Harrison used words, sounds/song/music and this property also integrates nature/flowers/gardens, creating a perfect environment for prayer and introspection.

There are many references to George as the “Gentle Beatle”, but beyond labeling, it’s even nicer if we really listen (and read) the beautiful music he left us so we can appreciate his gifts to us and this planet.

Enjoy my poetic floral tribute to George’s Yoga Manor.

If you have any questions, please let me know.  Michele@MicheleTheTrainer.com

Love to all and Namaste,

Michele the Trainer