On Friday, April 12, 1968, after nearly two months immersed in the practice of Transcendental Meditation under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Rishikesh, India, John Lennon and George Harrison, along with Cynthia Lennon, Pattie Harrison, and their friend 'Magic' Alex Mardas, made the decision to depart from the camp. This choice was influenced by Mardas's allegations that Maharishi had behaved inappropriately with a young female meditator, leading Lennon and Harrison to believe that they should leave immediately.
Despite initial doubts and the absence of concrete evidence, Lennon and Harrison were swayed by Mardas's claims, and they departed for Delhi with plans to return to London. Reflecting on the situation later, Lennon expressed disillusionment with Maharishi's behavior, feeling that the spiritual leader had become too preoccupied with fame and wealth.
As they prepared to leave, Lennon began composing the song "Sexy Sadie," inspired by the events and feelings surrounding their departure from the camp. The lyrics reflected his skepticism and frustration towards Maharishi. The song's title was suggested by Harrison, and the two musicians continued to develop it as they journeyed to Delhi.
Following their departure, Harrison and Pattie Harrison, accompanied by her sister Jenny, ventured to Madras to visit sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar, finding solace in his music before facing the chaos awaiting them upon their return to England.
Ultimately, the departure from Rishikesh marked the end of their spiritual retreat and the beginning of their reintegration into the tumultuous world awaiting them back home.
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