By age 24, George Harrison had everything the world could offer. The fame of the Beatles eclipsed that of Elvis. And yet, it left him empty. Thus began his search for "something more." His search led him to the East. At the heart of his search was "to reawaken love for God, and through that relationship, love for all creatures" (71). Harrison pursued God through an integration of Hinduism with his Western sensitivities. He devoted his life to chanting the name of God, seeking peace, and giving love to others. His search was full of passion and devotion. Harrison could have pursued anything - and he chose to pursue God. He was the first musician to organize a benefit concert for a social cause: the concert for Bangla Desh. I found myself inspired by Harrison's journey. I prefer his view of God over John Lennon's. Lennon said, "You have to believe in yourself. You've got to get down to your own God in your own temple. It's all down to you, mate" (97). George, on the other hand, pursued the dream of endless union with the divine, and recognized that life is ultimately empty apart from God. It is interesting to note that one of the main reasons Harrison rejected Western organized religion is that he felt it was detached from day-to-day life: "Religion is a day-to-day experience. You'll find it all around. You live it. Religion is here and now, not just something that comes on Sundays" (80); "I believe much more in the religions of India than in anything I ever learned from Christianity. The difference over here is taht their religion is every second and every minute of their lives - and it is them, how they act, how they conduct themselves, and how they think" (68). He wanted a religion that encompassed all life. Too bad he met no Christian mystics who would help him see that that which he longed for could be found in Christ. It would have been interesting to have heard his reaction to this. Rest in peace, George!
Here Comes the Sun
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