Billionaire Ray Dalio attributes his success to the Beatles and an Indian yogi

Back in the 1960s, the Beatles had visited India for two months, where they learnt a new form of meditation. Touched by the unique meditation technique developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the band members decided to popularise and practice it.

This special style of meditation, which is widely practiced in India, is known as Transcendental Meditation and involves repeated chanting of the mantra “OM” to transcend to a state of subconsciousness.

In the past five decades, Dalio has practiced transcendental meditation twice a day daily. He would meditate for 20 minutes each time, once in the morning and once in the evening.

“It works because it brings you into your subconscious mind and it gives one an equanimity. In other words, a centred-ness, a calm centred-ness in the middle of a storm,” said Ray Dalio, Founder, Bridgewater Associates

He added, chanting Om also augmented his creative thinking capabilities, by taking his mind off the distractions of the world. “It’s like if you take a hot shower and the ideas come to you. That ability to reflect well and to be above those things that you’re operating so you can navigate them well is a really great thing to have.”

This Indian style of meditation has reportedly helped him cope with all the challenges involved in manning Bridgewater Associates -- the largest hedge fund in the world, that was founded in 1975.

Notably, the International Academy of Meditation, where the Beatles received their training, is now known as the Beatles Ashram. It is located near the picturesque north Indian city of Rishikesh. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi taught transcendental meditation to several renowned personalities, including musician Donovan, actor Mia Farrow, and Mike Love.