John Lennon Talks About Peace Of Mind In Secret Letter To Fan In 1968

“All You Need Is Initiative”

In 1968, The Beatles traveled to North India to learn about transcendental meditation from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It was also where they worked on most of their tracks for the White Album. While the group was staying at a small city in the Himalayas, John Lennon often wrote to fans explaining the importance of meditation. One of these letters was addressed to a certain Mr. Bulla from India.

Lennon’s verified Instagram account shared a photo of this letter.

LETTER TO MR. BULLA, 1968
Dear Mr. Bulla,

Thanks for your letter – If every request like yours was granted – there would be no ‘huge treasure’ as you call it. You say ‘peace of mind minus all other things on earth is equal to nothing’ – this doesn’t make sense. To have peace of mind one would have to have all that one desires – otherwise where is the peace of mind?

Even a ‘poor’ clerk can travel the world – as many people do – including friends of mine some of whom are at this academy now, all equally ‘poor’. All you need is initiative – If you don’t have this I suggest you try transcendental meditation through which all things are possible.

With love,
John Lennon
Jai guru dev.

John Lennon, Rishikesh, India, April 1968.

Lennon wrote to complete strangers and it comes as no surprise that those who kept the letters understood their value. In fact, Mr. Bulla’s family sold their copy back in 2001 for $10,000. In 2012, it was re-sold for $17,365.