David Lynch's guru causes stir in Berlin

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BERLIN, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- A chat about a school U.S. filmmaker David Lynch wants to establish in Berlin sparked controversy when the project's German guru made inappropriate remarks.

As Lynch unveiled plans at Berlin's Urania Theatre for his new "Transcendental Meditation" university, the project's chief guru, Emanuel Schiffgens, talked to students about the school's goal of raising human awareness and understanding through a combination of traditional academic subjects and meditation techniques, The Independent reported.

However, as Lynch, who doesn't speak German, looked on, Schiffgens also claimed to be the "raja" or prince of Germany and declared: "Invincible Germany! Invincible Germany!

-- I want to hear you all say, 'Invincible Germany!'"

Amidst booing from the crowd, one audience member reacted by yelling, "That's exactly what Hitler wanted," to which Schiffgens replied, "Yes, but unfortunately he didn't succeed."

Sensing trouble was afoot, Lynch told the students: "I don't know what he said, but I think I understand that he used a word from the Third Reich. Let's just look at it this way, it's a new world now."