Sri Ravi Shankar explains why, and why it was a boon to be able to work closely with Maharishi.
"I have never seen someone as deep as Maharishi. Perhaps that is the reason why everyone-- young and old, scientists and simpletons, could relate to him. When Maharishi would meet with Baba Muktananda or Anandamayi Ma, people would wait to hear philosophical discussions. However, to everyone's amazement, they would just exchange pleasantries -- it was more a joyful occasion to be together. They never discussed about atma or paramatma." "Maharishi often said, "Hathi ke do daant, ek dikhane ke liye aur doosra khane ke liye," (An elephant has different sets of teeth, one for show and one to chew with). As an acharya in public life, he would speak about meditating to achieve world peace -- but to those very close to him, he spoke in terms of maya, pure consciousness and the Vedas. While his scientific discourses nurtured the intellect, in his heart, Maharishi was a pure Vedantist, soaked in Advaita." Full article: http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/feb/11guest.htm http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/feb/11guest.htm
