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Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of the Transcendental Meditation movement The expression "Transcendental Meditation movement" commonly refers to the programs and organizations developed or inspired by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who is recognized as their founder. Also called "Maharishi's worldwide movement", it includes programs in education, natural medicine, architecture and city planning, and Vedic organic agriculture. The Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique is the central core of these programs.[1][2]
[edit] History[edit] FoundingDuring the initial period, the Transcendental Meditation technique was taught under the auspices of several organizations. The Spiritual Regeneration Movement Foundation (SRMF) was incorporated in California in July, 1959. Its articles of incorporation stated that the SRMF's primary purpose for formation was spiritual, and in Article 11 that "this corporation is a religious one. The educational purpose shall be to give instruction in a simple system of meditation."[3][4][5] The SRMF corporation was later dissolved.[5] [edit] 1960s and 1970sIn 1960, the Maharishi founded the International Meditation Society (IMS) and trained his first Transcendental Meditation teacher, Henry Nyburg of England.[6][7][8] The first international Teacher Training Course was held near Rishikesh, India, in 1961, to train teachers of Transcendental Meditation. Over 60 meditators from India, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Britain, Malaya, Norway, the United States, Australia, Greece, Italy and the West Indies attended the course.[9] Teachers continued to be trained as time progressed.[10] The Maharishi appeared on BBC television and gave a lecture to 5,000 people at the Royal Albert Hall in London.[11] In 1965, the Students International Meditation Society (SIMS) was incorporated and continues to function in some countries including the U.S.A.[12][13] Another organization created to teach the Transcendental Meditation technique was the American Foundation for the Science of Creative Intelligence (AFSCI), which catered to businessmen.[14] TM courses at AT&T, General Foods, Connecticut General Life Insurance Co., Blue Cross/Blue Shield in Chicago, and the Crocker National Bank of San Francisco were sponsored by AFSCI.[14] In 1975, TM meditator Merv Griffin invited the Maharishi to appear on his talk show, thereby aiding Transcendental Meditation in becoming a "full blown craze" during that era (according to Time Magazine) and eventually becoming a global phenomenon with centers in some 130 countries.[14][15][16][17] Maharishi appeared on the Merv Griffin Show again in 1977. In 1972 in Mallorca, Spain, the Maharishi announced his World Plan to establish one Transcendental Meditation teaching center for each million of the world's population.[18] Transcendental Meditation is often mistaken for other nostrums of the '60s and '70s, but it has little or no relationship to them.[14] [edit] 1980s to the presentIn that same year, the Maharishi began the coordination of the teaching of the Transcendental Meditation technique from the town of Vlodrop, the Netherlands through an organization he called the Global Country of World Peace (GCWP).[19] In 1993, the Maharishi Vedic Education Development Corporation (MVED), a non-profit corporation, was formed to teach the Transcendental Meditation technique and related courses.[18][20] The terms "Transcendental Meditation" and "TM" are servicemarks owned by Maharishi Foundation Ltd., a UK non-profit organization[21] and licensed to the MVED.[22][23] In 2004, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi directed Transcendental Meditation practitioners at the Maharishi village at Skelmersdale, Lancashire to beam peace loving thoughts to the British electorate with the aim of overturning the Labour government. The Maharishi said: "The good effects of transcendental meditation — increased creativity and long life — should not be given to a dangerous country that is constantly busy destroying the world". After Tony Blair's Labour Party won reelection in May 2005, the Maharishi withdrew all instruction in Transcendental Meditation in the UK.[24][25] The ban was lifted about the same time Tony Blair left office as Prime Minister.[26] In 2006, the Transcendental Meditation technique was reported to be one of sixty services and courses offered by MVED and the Transcendental Meditation movement.[27] [edit] Maharishi Vedic ScienceMaharishi Vedic Science, or MVS, is based on Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's interpretation of the ancient Vedic texts. MVS includes two aspects, technologies, Transcendental Meditation technique and the TM-Sidhi programs, by which the Maharishi says human consciousness can be experienced, and programs developed for applying this knowledge to aspects of day-to-day living.[28][29] [edit] Technologies[edit] Transcendental MeditationTranscendental Meditation, or TM, is a form of mantra meditation introduced in India in 1955[30][31][32][33] by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1917-2008).[34] It is reported to be one of the most widely researched and practiced meditation techniques.[35][36][37][38] Taught in a standardized seven-step course by certified teachers, the technique involves the use of a sound or mantra and is practiced for 15–20 minutes twice per day, while sitting comfortably with closed eyes.[39] [edit] TM-SidhiThe TM-Sidhi program is a meditation technique that was introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1975, following the earlier introduction of the Transcendental Meditation technique.[40] Described as a natural extension of Transcendental Meditation, the purpose of the TM-Sidhi program is to accelerate the benefits gained from the Transcendental Meditation technique by training the mind to think from the level of Transcendental Consciousness, the mind's source. One aspect of the TM-Sidhi program, called Yogic Flying, is said to develop mind-body coordination.[41] [edit] Health applications[edit] Maharishi AyurvedaMaharishi Ayurveda[42][43][44] is considered an alternative medicine and aims at being a complementary system to modern western medicine.[45] It was founded internationally in the mid 1980s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Although Ayurveda has been in existence for centuries, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi restored some aspects of this system of natural health care. This revised system of Ayurveda was endorsed by the All India Ayurvedic Congress in 1997. [edit] Maharishi Ayurvedic Health CentresA movement website lists 23 Maharishi Vedic Health Centres in 15 countries, including Austria, France, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.[46] The Raj is a health spa in Vedic City, Iowa that offers a range of detoxification treatments, including diet recommendations, herbs, aroma therapy, deep tissue massage, steam bath, warm sesame oil, and herbal enemas. Treatment includes Maharishi Ayurveda Pulse Diagnosis that detects imbalances in the physiology, according to a spa spokesman.[47] A Maharishi Ayurvedic Center occupies a converted 54-room mansion in Lancaster, Massachusetts.[48][49] Deepak Chopra founded the spa in 1987 and was its medical director.[50][51] The Maharishi Ayurvedic Centre offers panchakarma detox at its facility in Skelmersdale, UK.[52] The Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centre & Spa occupies a restored palace in Bad Ems, Germany.[53] [edit] Architectural applicationsMaharishi Sthapatya Veda is based on an ancient system of Vedic architecture that concerns itself with architectural design and construction. The system consists of precise mathematical formulas, equations, and proportions for architectural design and construction.[54] The movement hopes to achieve global reconstruction by demolishing most existing buildings in the world and replacing them with buildings that follow the Vastu Shastra, especially in regard to having east-facing entrances, at an estimated cost of $300 trillion.[55][56] [edit] Purusha and Mother Divine programsThe Purusha and Mother Divine programs are long-term residential programs that include a reclusive lifestyle of celibacy and meditation.[27][57] As of 2002, the Purusha program and the Mother Divine program, consisted of 310 men and 100 women respectively, on separate campuses. The Purusha program is reported to consist of four and a half hours of meditation in the morning, and includes, in the afternoon, fundraising and other work connected to the Spiritual Center. There is group meditation again in the evening. The Mother Divine Program is reported to be similar. Both programs include the reading and study of Vedic literature, Sanskrit and Vedic science.[58][59] Participation in the Purusha or Mother Divine programs requires a minimum commitment of three months. Many participants have been part of the program for 20 years or more.[60] In the US, the Purusha and Mother Divine programs were located outside Boone, NC, adjacent to the Maharishi Spiritual Center of America.[59][61] There is also a Purusaha program at an ashram in Uttarkashi, India.[62] [edit] Organizations[edit] Global Country of World Peace The Global Financial Capital of New York, and headquarters of the Center for Leadership Performance, located at 70 Broad Street, New York City. The Global Country of World Peace (GCWP) is headquartered in Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa. The Maharishi described it as a country without borders for peace loving people everywhere.[63][64] GCWP also aims to support existing governments and assist them in creating problem free administration for their nation.[65] Through the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programs, the GCWP aspires to provide peace creating technologies that also maintain cultural diversity.[65] The GCWP's intention is to have a parental and nourishing role in the family of nations.[65] [edit] Raam currencyRAAM, or Raam is a currency issued by Stichting Maharishi Global Financing Research (SMDFR), a charitable, Netherlands foundation.[66] It is also the "global development currency" of the GCWP.[67] It was designed to be a flexible currency for national governments to use in the development of agricultural projects with the goal of eliminating poverty in third world countries.[67][68] The Raam, was launched on October 26, 2001 and is the concept of the Maharishi[68] [edit] Maharishi Vedic Education Development CorporationMaharishi Vedic Education Development Corporation (MVED) is a non-profit organization, incorporated in 1993 and based in Fairfield, Iowa.[69] Its primary purpose and mission is the administration of Transcendental Meditation courses, and training instructors.[70][71][72] Courses in Transcendental Meditation are led by TM teachers from MVED.[73][74] MVED holds the U.S. trademarks and copyright licenses for "Transcendental Meditation" and other movement entities.[22][75][76] These trademarks have been sub-licensed to MVED by Maharishi Foundation Ltd., a UK non-profit organization.[77] [edit] Maharishi FoundationMaharishi Foundation, Ltd is a charitable organization headquartered in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, England.[78] According to its press releases, it is responsible for teaching Transcendental Meditation in the United Kingdom.[79] [edit] David Lynch FoundationThe David Lynch Foundation For Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace is a charitable foundation based in Fairfield, Iowa,[80] which operates throughout the world. The Foundation primarily funds at-risk students learning to meditate using the Transcendental Meditation program. Its other activities include funding research on Transcendental Meditation, and fundraising with the long-term goal of raising $7 billion to establish seven affiliated "Universities of World Peace", to train students in seven different countries to become "professional peacemakers".[81][82] [edit] Defunct organizationsIn the past, the Transcendental Meditation technique was taught under the auspices of several other organizations. The first organization was the "Spiritual Regeneration Movement Foundation" (SRMF), which was incorporated in California in 1959 and later dissolved.[5] The "International Meditation Society"(IMS) was also created around the year 1959 and the "Students International Meditation Society" (SIMS) was created in 1965.[12][13][83] Another organization offering the Transcendental Meditation technique to businesses in the 1970s was the "American Foundation for the Science of Creative Intelligence" (AFSCI).[14] [edit] World Plan Executive CouncilA former organization named World Plan Executive Council (WPEC) provided courses of the Transcendental Meditation technique and other related programs.[84][85][not in citation given] In 1972, the Maharishi announced his “world plan” for a new human future. This plan became the foundation for the World Plan Executive Council.[8] WPEC contained divisions for the introduction of the Transcendental Meditation technique into a particular areas of society such as business and industry.[86] This non-profit corporation also purchased a hotel in Asbury Park in 1994.[87] In 1985, a civil suit was filed against the World Plan Executive Council,[88] Robert Kropinski claimed fraud, psychological, physical, and emotional harm as a result of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programs. The district court dismissed Kropinski's claims concerning intentional tort and negligent infliction of emotional distress, and referred the claims of fraud and negligent infliction of physical and psychological injuries to a jury trial. The jury awarded Robert Kropinski $137,890 in the fraud and negligence claims. The appellate court overturned the award and dismissed Kropinski's claim alleging psychological damage. It also dismissed testimony related to the fraud claim. The claim of fraud and the claim of a physical injury related to his practice of the TM-Sidhi program were remanded to the lower court for retrial, and the parties then settled these remaining claims out of court.[89] [edit] Natural Law PartyThe political party called the Natural Law Party (NLP) was based on the concept that Natural Law is the organizing principle that governs the universe, and that the problems of humanity are caused by people violating natural law. The NLP supported using scientifically verifiable procedures such as the Transcendental Meditation technique and TM-Sidhi program to reduce or eliminate the problems in society. It ran candidates in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Israel, and Taiwan. The U.S. headquarters of the Natural Law Party have closed effective on April 30, 2004.[90] [edit] Universities and schools[edit] Maharishi University of ManagementMaharishi University of Management (MUM), formerly known as Maharishi International University, was founded in 1973.[22] The campus is located in Fairfield, Iowa, United States.[91] The university is not-for-profit,[92] accredited through the Ph.D. level by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools,[93] and offers "consciousness-based education" that includes practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique.[94] Degree programs are offered in the arts, sciences, business, and the humanities.[95] [edit] Maharishi School of the Age of EnlightenmentMaharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment (MSAE) is an independent, non-denominational,[96] college preparatory school located in Fairfield, Iowa. The school has an open admissions policy and its curriculum includes the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique.[96][97][98] In 1986, the school received accreditation from the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. In 1987, grades K-6 also received accreditation from the Iowa Department of Education. Grades 7-12 then received accreditation in 1987 from the Iowa Department of Education as a college preparatory school due to the high percentage of graduates being accepted at four-year colleges and universities.[99][100] [edit] Maharishi School (Great Britain)The Maharishi School utilizes a system called Consciousness-based Education which includes Transcendental Meditation, as an essential part of the daily classroom schedule.[101] [edit] Maharishi School (Australia)Maharishi School is located in Melbourne, Australia and offers education for Prep through Year 6. Maharishi School integrates the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) with Consciousness-Based Education.[102] Student awards include the Australian Mathematics Competition and The Victorian Science Talent Search Competition.[102] [edit] Maharishi Invincibility School of ManagementMaharishi Invincibility School of Management (MSIM) is located in Johannesburg, South Africa[103] MISM is a non-profit organization, structured within the Maharishi Education for Invincibility Trust. Maharishi Invincibility School of Management uses the Consciousness-Based Education system within the context of the South African Outcomes-Based Education framework. Students participate in the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi techniques. The school has applied for membership in the Independent School’s Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) and is registered with the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE).[103] [edit] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Vedic UniversityMaharishi Mahesh Yogi Vedic University, also known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Vedic Vishwavidyalaya (MMYVV), is a public university located in Katni, Madhya Pradesh, India. [edit] Maharishi Vidya Mandir SchoolsMaharishi Vidya Mandir Schools (MVMS) is a chain of schools in India. It was founded by the Maharishi in 1995. There are 143 branches and approximately 80,000 students in 16 Indian states.[104] [edit] OtherThe TM movement also sponsors schools in different parts of the world:
[edit] Settlements[edit] Maharishi Vedic City, IowaMaharishi Vedic City is a city in Jefferson County, Iowa, United States with a population of 222 people in 2006.[107] It was the first city to incorporate in Iowa since 1982.[108] The city plan and buildings are based on Maharishi Sthapatya Veda, an ancient system of architecture and design revived by the Maharishi.[109][110] Its goals, as stated in its constitution, are to "protect, nourish, and satisfy everyone, upholding the different social, cultural, and religious traditions while maintaining the integrity and progress of the city as a whole".[111] [edit] Hararit, IsraelHararit (Hebrew: הֲרָרִית) is a communal settlement in Galilee founded in 1980 by a group of Jewish practitioners of the Transcendental Meditation program. It is the home for about 60 families.[112] [edit] ReceptionIn 1987, the Cult Awareness Network (CAN) held a press conference and demonstration in Washington, D.C., saying that the organization that teaches the Transcendental Meditation technique "seeks to strip individuals of their ability to think and choose freely." Steve Hassan, author of several books on cults, and at one time a CAN deprogrammer, said in the same press conference that members display cult-like behaviors, such as the use of certain language and particular ways of dressing. A former member called the yogic flying training a "totalitarian environment", while a spokesman for the TM organization said that they "don't force people to take courses". Former members also said that the movement is a religion, and that the Maharishi is seen as a god.[113] Cult-like tendencies are described in Michael A. Persinger's book, TM and Cult Mania, published in 1980.[114] Critics charge that the movement is a bastardized form of Hinduism which denies its religious roots and claims a scientific basis for the purpose of attempting to secure government funding for its programs.[115] In their book, Millenium, Messiahs and Mayhem: Contemporary Apocalyptic Movements, Robbins and Palmer identify the teachings of the Maharishi that the practice of Transcendental Meditation will bring about Ram Rajya (the rule of God) on earth as a form of progressive millenialism in the Hindu tradition.[116] In Witchcraft and Magic: Contemporary North America, Barger describes the Maharishi's teaching, particularly on the claimed exponential effects of the Maharishi Effect, as postmillennial.[117] David Orme-Johnson, former faculty member at Maharishi University of Management (at which all students and faculty practice the Transcendental Meditation technique daily), who has researched the Transcendental Meditation technique and the paranormal Maharishi Effect, cites studies by Schecter,[118] Alexander [119] and Pelletier[120] showing greater autonomy, innovative thought, and increases in creativity, general intelligence and moral reasoning in those who practice the Transcendental Meditation technique. According to Orme-Johnson, cult followers are said to operate on blind faith and adherence to arbitrary rules and authority, while these studies would indicate the ability of those who practice the Transcendental Meditation technique to make mature, independent, principle-based judgments.[121] Marc Galanter, writes in his book Cults: Faith, Healing and Coercion that TM "evolved into something of a charismatic movement, with a belief system that transcended the domain of its practice". He notes how a variety of unreasonable beliefs came to be seen as literally true by its "more committed members". He cites an "unlikely set of beliefs" that includes the ability to levitate and reduce traffic accidents and conflicts in the Middle East through the practice of meditation.[122] In his book Soul snatchers: the mechanics of cults, Jean-Marie Abgrall describes how Altered States Of Consciousness (ASCs) are used in many cults to make the initiate more susceptible to the group will and world view. He cites research by Barmark and Gautnitz which showed the similarities between the states obtained by Transcendental Meditation and ASCs.[123] In this way not only does the subject become more reliant on the ASC but it allows for a weakening of criticism of the cult and increase in faith therein. Abgrall goes on to note that the use of mantras is one of the most widespread techniques in cults, noting in TM this mantra is produced mentally.[124] He says that a guru is usually central to a cult and that its success will rely on how effective that guru is. Among the common characteristics of a guru he notes paraphrenia, a mental illness that completely cuts the individual from reality. In regard to this he notes for example, that Maharishi recommended the TM-Sidhi program including 'yogic flying' as a way to reduce crime.[125] In his book The Elementary Forms of The New Religious Life, Roy Wallis describes TM as having moved beyond being a cult to a "Sect". He notes similarities between progression in TM and progression within Scientology (In Scientology progression from "Basic" to "Operating Theten" and in TM from basic TM instruction to the TM-Sidhi program). He notes that whereas once the initiatory stage was important and the "goal", this now becomes simply a prerequisite for training to higher "powers" or abilities. He argues that this helps facilitate group control over members rather that allowing them to come to their own judgment. Thus this progression becomes a strong form of social control.[126] Reporter Michael D’Antonio wrote in his book, Heaven on Earth – Dispatches from America’s Spiritual Frontier that, as practiced at Maharishi International University, Transcendental Meditation is "a cult, not a culture".[127] D'Antonio wrote that Transcendental Meditation was like the worst of religion: rigid, unreasonable, repressive, and authoritarian, characterized by overt manipulation, a disregard for serious scholarship, and an unwillingness to question authority. For the first time in his travels he found people he believed to be truly deluded, and a physics department teaching theories that were dead wrong.[128] D'Antonio charges that they have taken Transcendental Meditiation and transformed it "into a grandiose narcissistic dream, a form of intellectual bondage, that they call enlightenment".[129] Clarke and Linzey argue that for the ordinary membership of TM their lives and daily concerns are little — if at all — affected by its cult nature. Instead, as is the case for Scientology, it is only the core membership, who must give total dedication to the movement.[130] Former TM teacher John Knapp states that 90% of meditators take an introductory course only, but that for the 10% who become more involved, the members are subject to intense pressure in training centers, MUM and other official venues, where they are tightly controlled, isolated from family and society, and not permitted dissent.[115] In 2009, Asian News International reported that the Maharishi had 4 million followers worldwide.[131] [edit] References
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