What Spiritual Books Did George Harrison Read

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Mar xviii, 2014 Marieanne rated it it was amazing

George Harrison, like many others that obtain what they desire in life, are still left with a feeling of emptiness. That emptiness sometimes leaves them searching for the real meaning of life. Harrison'south goal was to find the highest level of spirituality, to touch on God. Nosotros all use many different vehicles in trying to obtain this goal. Harrison'due south vehicle was through the Hindu teachings and chanting. Did he reach his goal? I think not, but he came close enough have some satisfaction. George Harrison, similar many others that obtain what they desire in life, are nonetheless left with a feeling of emptiness. That emptiness sometimes leaves them searching for the real meaning of life. Harrison'due south goal was to find the highest level of spirituality, to touch God. Nosotros all use many dissimilar vehicles in trying to obtain this goal. Harrison'southward vehicle was through the Hindu teachings and chanting. Did he reach his goal? I think not, simply he came close plenty have some satisfaction. ...more than

Jan 28, 2020 Jeff rated it it was amazing

This is, of course, a biography of George Harrison, but one that focuses on his spiritual journeying. Being a Beatles brought him fame, wealth, women, and the usual things that come up with existence a star, but after a fourth dimension, he felt that something was defective. Thus began his interest in spirituality, Indian civilization and Krishna Consciousness. Anyone interested in what fabricated George tick will notice this an interesting read, I think.

May 28, 2012 Maria rated it really liked it

It'due south not a comprehensive biography, but a fairly skillful bio of Harrison's spiritual life. I really enjoyed listening to his music and former Beatles tunes while reading it.

For a decade, George Harrison lived in the shadow of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, yet he wrote some of the Beatles' best-loved songs: Hither Comes The Lord's day, Something (which is one of my favorites), and While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Tillery accurately captures Harrison's frequent swings between drug-using party animal and Eastern m

It'southward non a comprehensive biography, simply a adequately skillful bio of Harrison's spiritual life. I really enjoyed listening to his music and old Beatles tunes while reading it.

For a decade, George Harrison lived in the shadow of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, yet he wrote some of the Beatles' best-loved songs: Here Comes The Sunday, Something (which is ane of my favorites), and While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Tillery accurately captures Harrison's frequent swings between drug-using party animal and Eastern mystic/hermit, but he also conveys how committed Harrison was to Hinduism and how he helped to bring Eastern religion into mainstream Western popular culture during the 1960'south and '70'southward.

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Jul 12, 2012 Louise Silk rated it really liked it

This is an interesting look at the "placidity" Beatle putting his deportment into a framework of longing for a meaningful life. The story brought back many memories that when clearly explained in this context, helped to explain the deportment of each member of the group. It was interesting to wait at the Beatle origins and the progress of their lives, showing how they were a unit for a relatively very short period of time.

Looking at George's early exposure to Bharat and the Hindu religion, the author actu

This is an interesting expect at the "quiet" Beatle putting his actions into a framework of longing for a meaningful life. The story brought back many memories that when clearly explained in this context, helped to explicate the deportment of each member of the grouping. It was interesting to look at the Beatle origins and the progress of their lives, showing how they were a unit for a relatively very curt menstruum of time.

Looking at George's early exposure to India and the Hindu religion, the author actually credits all of today's emphasis on meditation and yoga back these events. If that is true, George Harrison had a bigger impact on spiritual do than he did on music.

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Sep 01, 2014 Richard rated it actually liked it

Raised boring catholic like Chris Farley, and also yo-yoed betwixt mediocre spirituality and drug and alcohol binges. The thing that gets me about Harrison is the texts they always bring upwardly "The Bhagavad Gita" and "The Autobiography of a Yogi" so he had some kind of associations with a couple of fifth rate Gurus. I mean someone like Christopher Isherwood looks sophisticated compared to George.
To think he kind of like puttered away 35 years doing chanting hanging with Krishnas and thinking ab Raised tiresome catholic similar Chris Farley, and also yo-yoed between mediocre spirituality and drug and booze binges. The thing that gets me nigh Harrison is the texts they always bring upwards "The Bhagavad Gita" and "The Autobiography of a Yogi" and then he had some kind of associations with a couple of fifth rate Gurus. I mean someone like Christopher Isherwood looks sophisticated compared to George.
To think he kind of similar puttered away 35 years doing chanting hanging with Krishnas and thinking about the Gita.... What a waste. ...more than

Somewhat amature-ishly written (repeating himself a lot, jumping from one topic to another, sometimes felt similar he was just trying to fluff it up a fleck, etc.), but overall a very interesting and (no pun) enlightening read on the life and spirituality of my favorite Beatle. Overall, Tillery got in all the important bits, including religious context for each of George'south paths, and so I would recommend it for a dedicated Beatle/Harrison fan. Somewhat amature-ishly written (repeating himself a lot, jumping from one topic to another, sometimes felt similar he was merely trying to fluff it up a bit, etc.), but overall a very interesting and (no pun) enlightening read on the life and spirituality of my favorite Beatle. Overall, Tillery got in all the important bits, including religious context for each of George's paths, and and then I would recommend it for a dedicated Beatle/Harrison fan. ...more

Mar 09, 2020 John Southward rated it actually liked it

Even the casual follower of Harrison / Beatles history over the past decades will find very piffling new material offered hither. Younger readers, withal, may observe this compressed 200 page bio quite acceptable. This tome consists predominately of hands accessible interviews, book quotes, and extant remembrances of the stone star. Tillery's unique twist on all this is a focus on Harrison's spiritual trajectory, starting from whatever early age onward.

A major emphasis of this book is the presentation of th

Even the casual follower of Harrison / Beatles history over the past decades will observe very little new cloth offered here. Younger readers, all the same, may find this compressed 200 page bio quite acceptable. This tome consists predominately of easily accessible interviews, book quotes, and extant remembrances of the rock star. Tillery'due south unique twist on all this is a focus on Harrison'southward spiritual trajectory, starting from any early age onward.

A major emphasis of this volume is the presentation of the Hindu religion and its practitioners that moved and enveloped the Western globe during a time of spiritual revival amongst late 20th century youth. Hinduism can be complicated to a bespeak of utter confusion. Tillery has a way of explaining when, where, why and how someone like Harrison could, and did, become involved in such a non Judeo-Christian effort. There is a gem of a affiliate, all of six pages, with a delightfully terse summation of the most salient factors in Hinduism relevant to this spiritual awakening.

Is information technology safety to say that any non-celebrity of ordinary financial ways who routinely interrupted his devout meditations and chanting with difficult drugs, alcohol, smoking and a formula 1 racing hobby would probable exist kicked off the ashram? Harrison once asked his spiritual guide and friend A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada if he should shave his caput and don the robes. No, the guru responded, yous'll practise more for the crusade by beingness yourself, a wealthy rock star.

Unfortunately, it still feels like Tillery is disconnected from his subject. Events are repeated, seemingly at random, and pop up at sundry places throughout the book. Some readers accept complained of "fill", and I can't disagree. But its still an interesting and piece of cake read, with yet a new viewpoint of its over – explored protagonist, George Harrison.

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Aug 01, 2020 Ashe rated it information technology was amazing

I am a Beatles fan by hereditary default due to my dads love for the ring whilst I was growing up. I kept a scrapbook of photocopied cassette jackets and newspaper articles that had annihilation to do with the Beatles from about 10 years quondam. Petty did I know only how much deep and spiritual meanings hid behind the lyrics of the Beatles and in particular George Harrison. I vicious deeply into this book and the journey the author took me on specifically in relation to George'due south personal quest for enligh I am a Beatles fan by hereditary default due to my dads love for the band whilst I was growing up. I kept a scrapbook of photocopied cassette jackets and newspaper articles that had anything to practise with the Beatles from about ten years former. Little did I know simply how much deep and spiritual meanings hid behind the lyrics of the Beatles and in item George Harrison. I fell deeply into this book and the journey the author took me on specifically in relation to George'south personal quest for enlightenment and god consciousness 🙏🥰 beautifully written and wholly captivating. Recommended wether you are a Beatles fan or only a spiritual junkie! ...more

Jul 25, 2018 James Crabtree rated it really liked it

This was a nifty book about George Harrison, the Beatle who sought more than the empty life of a pop star or the philanthropic projects many people would have established if they had the resource Harrison had access to. George Harrison wanted to sympathize the meaning of life and he sought information technology out in Hinduism and the mysticisim of the E. Tillery is able to make the reader understand the path that Harrison chose.

Having never read a book about whatever of the Beatles earlier, or about the ring as a whole, I learned a lot. It was interesting, even though there was some repetition. I listened to the sound edition, and it kind of bothered me that the narrator wasn't English. When the narrator quoted Harrison, the American accent fabricated it difficult to imagine George maxim the words. Having never read a book near any of the Beatles before, or about the band equally a whole, I learned a lot. It was interesting, even though there was some repetition. I listened to the audio edition, and it kind of bothered me that the narrator wasn't English. When the narrator quoted Harrison, the American accent made it difficult to imagine George proverb the words. ...more than

Mar 02, 2022 Jennifer rated it it was ok

This book seemed to exist a compilation of facts from George's autobiography, "I, Me, Mine," snippets from the Martin Scorsese motion-picture show, "George Harrison: Living in the Textile Earth," and Pattie Boyd's book, "Wonderful This night." At that place is aught new to be gleaned from this retelling, particularly well-nigh George'south spiritual journey, which is what I was hoping to read about.

A nice follow up to "The Gospel According to the Beatles". This is non a biography per se simply a readable exploration of George Harrison's relationship with Eastern religions and mysticism. Again, though I am familiar with Harrison'south life and thought in that location was new data in this book. A nice follow upwardly to "The Gospel According to the Beatles". This is not a biography per se but a readable exploration of George Harrison's relationship with Eastern religions and mysticism. Again, though I am familiar with Harrison'south life and thought there was new information in this book. ...more

Jun 17, 2018 Debi Emerson rated it actually liked information technology

A good book, merely cipher I haven't read elsewhere.
A good book, but nothing I haven't read elsewhere.
...more

May 27, 2019 Patti rated information technology information technology was ok

Interesting insight on George. No photos though.

A very good insight into Harrison's spiritual awakening. A very good insight into Harrison's spiritual awakening. ...more than

Nov 19, 2021 Uli Vogel rated it information technology was amazing

Finally a focus on those aspects that made him i of the most influential role models in my life.

This is a dandy book about non only George Harrison and his spiritual life, but also about the Beatles in general. This volume starts with how the Beatles got together and ends with George Harrison's death. In between you learn a lot about how George Harrison became a Hare Krishna and why he loved this religious movement so much. In improver you read most why the Beatles bankrupt up and the ongoing conflicts between George and John. I actually enjoyed this book and I recommend information technology to any George Harriso This is a great book near not only George Harrison and his spiritual life, but likewise nigh the Beatles in full general. This book starts with how the Beatles got together and ends with George Harrison'due south death. In betwixt y'all larn a lot most how George Harrison became a Hare Krishna and why he loved this religious motility so much. In addition yous read almost why the Beatles broke up and the ongoing conflicts betwixt George and John. I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it to any George Harrison fan. ...more

Mar 28, 2019 Helynne rated information technology really liked information technology

"I want to be self-realized. I want to notice God," " George Harrison wrote to his mother Louise Harrison in 1967. "I'1000 not interested in material things, this world, fame. I'one thousand going for the real goal." Author Gary Tilleray states, "Harrison will always exist recalled for his two-pronged legacy—his remarkable music and his deep spirituality" (153). I have read several biographies about George Harrison, simply this slim volume is one of my favorites, as information technology covers not only the basics of George'due south life, just "I want to be self-realized. I want to find God," " George Harrison wrote to his mother Louise Harrison in 1967. "I'm non interested in material things, this world, fame. I'k going for the real goal." Author Gary Tilleray states, "Harrison volition always be recalled for his two-pronged legacy—his remarkable music and his deep spirituality" (153). I have read several biographies about George Harrison, but this slim volume is one of my favorites, as it covers not only the basics of George's life, but also puts the most accent on his spiritual journeying that led to his passionate, mystic religious beliefs that he developed over his adult years—mostly the spiritual roots of Hara Krishna, but a smattering of Zen and a nod to Christianity. (George, a lapsed Catholic, studied the Gnostic gospels and grew to admire Jesus as a particularly enlightened Beingness. He customarily airtight letters to friends with both a Hindu symbol and a Christian cross). Tilleray includes background on George as a Liverpool lad, youngest of four children of a supportive blue-neckband dad and a loving full-fourth dimension mum. At that place are some fun random $.25. For instance, shortly later on he became part of John Lennon'due south group, the Quarrymen, teenaged George used to naively invite himself as a third cycle on John Lennon'southward dates with hereafter wife Cynthia. There are besides quotes from George most his discontent with screaming Beatle fans and mindless critics of the group'south personae and music. His spiritual enkindling came accidentally from a dose of LDS that a friend slipped into his cup of coffee (and those of his wife Pattie, and of John and Cynthia Lennon). After ingesting the drug, George perceived the globe through the optics of a mystic. . . . "I merely knew there was such a thing equally God I suddenly felt happy that nosotros were all connected to that energy . . . The free energy within me and the free energy within you is still . . . Information technology was like gaining hundreds of years of experience inside twelve hours. Information technology inverse me, and there was no way back to what I was before" (46-47). Subsequent chapters depict George's study in India including his reading of numerous Hindu works such as the Bhagavad Gita and his commitment to meditation equally a spiritual path. Years afterward, every bit 58-yr-old George unsuccessfully battled cancer, his son Dhani recalled, "Yous have to realize that he never sat around moping, 'Oh, I'm ill' . . . He was never afraid. He was willing to endeavor to go better, but he didn't care. He wasn't fastened to this world in the way nearly people would be. He was on to bigger and ameliorate things. And he had a existent total and utter disinterest in the worrying and being stressed. My dad had no fright of dying any" (147). The author includes a affiliate-past-chapter list of salient songs for "suggested listening" that George wrote during his life. (My favorite is withal "Hither Comes the Sun," but each song contains gems of George's spirituality and wisdom). ...more than

This brusk bio focuses on K.H.'s spirituality, which for him meant being God-conscious, chanting Hindu mantras, meditation, and rejecting the fabric world. He didn't begin his quest until 1965, when his and John Lennon'southward dentist, unbeknownst to them, slipped LSD into their coffee. That first acrid trip really opened his eyes to some other "reality." When the Beatles traveled to Republic of india, it was George who was most taken by its culture, music and faith. He remained a supporter of Krishna worship fo This short bio focuses on G.H.'s spirituality, which for him meant existence God-conscious, chanting Hindu mantras, meditation, and rejecting the textile world. He didn't begin his quest until 1965, when his and John Lennon'south dentist, unbeknownst to them, slipped LSD into their java. That showtime acrid trip actually opened his optics to another "reality." When the Beatles traveled to Bharat, information technology was George who was most taken by its culture, music and religion. He remained a supporter of Krishna worship for the residual of his life, and many of his finest songs voiced his religious beliefs.
I grabbed this book on a whim from my library, mainly because in a few weeks I'thou performing the slide guitar part of "My Sweet Lord" with my church's praise ring. It'southward a difficult riff, and I just promise I tin play half as cleanly equally the nifty George Harrison did. Hare Krishna! ...more

January 02, 2012 Nikki rated information technology it was astonishing

Recommends it for: Beatles/George Harrison fans

Actually enjoyed this bio of George. I always had an idea of what I thought George was like. I knew George was a deeply spritual human, with a big center who was quite the humanitarian, nevertheless this volume showed all sides of George, good and bad. I had kind of put him up on a pedestal thinking he was so kind, sugariness and perfect. I was surprised to read this and see that he did in fact have faults, and didn't ever live such a righteous life. I retrieve though in my optics it made him more human, and if pos Really enjoyed this bio of George. I always had an thought of what I thought George was like. I knew George was a securely spritual homo, with a large middle who was quite the humanitarian, however this book showed all sides of George, skillful and bad. I had kind of put him upwardly on a pedestal thinking he was so kind, sweet and perfect. I was surprised to read this and see that he did in fact take faults, and didn't always alive such a righteous life. I remember though in my eyes it made him more than human, and if possible I loved him even more, as I could relate to him more seeing all of his imperfections. The book made me miss Georgie all once again, notwithstanding dear ya' George!
...more

Aug 05, 2013 Suzy rated it it was amazing

I may be a fleck prejudiced but I loved this volume. He was ever my favorite Beattle even earlier I knew much virtually him. He was a great man existence and and then very generous.

I always felt that John and Paul held him dorsum. I dearest his music, he had so many friends in the business concern like Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan that he also fabricated music with. He was a humanatrian and started the commencement concert for a cause with the Concert for People's republic of bangladesh.

He was sorely nether rated, I program to read the book again in a year or so.

Interesting volume on George Harrison'south spiritual journeying. The title is misleading, as the book says very little virtually social course, unless the author but wants to imply that working course people would not be expected to be mystics. Glory Mystic might exist more than apt, every bit it does talk a lot about the tensions between and moving back and forth between his world as a stone star and as a apprehensive Krishna devotee. Interesting book on George Harrison's spiritual journey. The title is misleading, as the book says very little about social form, unless the writer just wants to imply that working form people would not be expected to be mystics. Celebrity Mystic might be more apt, every bit it does talk a lot most the tensions between and moving back and forth between his world equally a rock star and as a humble Krishna devotee. ...more than

Jun 05, 2012 Roniq rated information technology actually liked it

Recommends information technology for: Books about spirituality and growth, music biographies, Beatles and George Harrison fans

Recommended to Roniq past: local bookstore

I loved this book and learned so much I didn't know about George, mainly concerning his pull to eastern spirituality and Krishna consciousness. This is non a complete biography but equally the titled states " A Spiritual Biography". As a child I loved and still do love, the song My Sweet Lord. It was groovy to read about the origins of that song also as learning about the man himself. I loved this book and learned so much I didn't know almost George, mainly apropos his pull to eastern spirituality and Krishna consciousness. This is non a consummate biography just as the titled states " A Spiritual Biography". Every bit a child I loved and nonetheless do honey, the song My Sugariness Lord. It was great to read about the origins of that vocal also as learning well-nigh the human himself. ...more

Aug 07, 2013 Gina rated it really liked it

As a fan of the Beatles music from an early historic period, I enjoyed reading the chronology of events surrounding non simply the music but the personalities involved. At showtime, I idea my center belonged to John but afterward my introduction to George and his journey, I am torn betwixt the two. This book provided a wonderful insight into his world and all that shaped it.

While this volume touches on George's early life, information technology deals mostly with his search for some spiritual pregnant to his life and how that affected his relationship with the other Beatles and and then his conclusion to become a recluse.

I actually enjoyed this book and felt it covered the spiritual aspect of George's life very well.

While this book touches on George's early on life, information technology deals mostly with his search for some spiritual significant to his life and how that affected his relationship with the other Beatles and and so his decision to become a recluse.

I really enjoyed this book and felt it covered the spiritual aspect of George's life very well.

...more than

November 23, 2016 Miguel rated it it was astonishing

So well written! You actually become a sense of the inner workings of George Harrison on a spiritual and psychological level, and simply how incredibly complex he was! I am a large fan of George Harrison and I just ate this up!

Jul 31, 2012 Heather rated it it was amazing

I have information technology at abode. Now I am waiting for time to read information technology.

Feb 09, 2014 Alan Ford rated information technology actually liked it

What an amazing human being! Rather than be self-centered this kindred spirit of mankind gave so much dorsum to the world around him.

December 14, 2015 Judy rated it really liked information technology

Good overview but why wasn't his return to drugs in '74 talked about. I wonder how this fit with his spirituality... Seems like he was a nice chap who sometimes had a edge. Good overview but why wasn't his render to drugs in '74 talked most. I wonder how this fit with his spirituality... Seems similar he was a nice chap who sometimes had a edge. ...more than

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