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The TM movement maintains a number of websites. Providing basic information for the general public is <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mou.org/ |title=Maharishi Open University |accessdate=2007-03-16 |format= |work= }}</ref>, which hosts Maharishi's weekly webcast press-conferences that are also broadcast by satellite. Information is also available on what he has named "Consciousness Based Education"
The TM movement maintains a number of websites. Providing basic information for the general public is <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mou.org/ |title=Maharishi Open University |accessdate=2007-03-16 |format= |work= }}</ref>, which hosts Maharishi's weekly webcast press-conferences that are also broadcast by satellite. Information is also available on what he has named "Consciousness Based Education"
<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbeprograms.org/programs/index.html |title=Consciousness-Based Education Association |accessdate=2007-03-16 |format= |work= }}</ref>, the [[Maharishi University of Management]] and the K-12 school, <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.maharishischooliowa.org/ |title=Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment |accessdate=2007-03-17 |format= |work= }}</ref>.
<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbeprograms.org/programs/index.html |title=Consciousness-Based Education Association |accessdate=2007-03-16 |format= |work= }}</ref>, the [[Maharishi University of Management]], the American K-12 school, Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.maharishischooliowa.org/ |title=Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment |accessdate=2007-03-17 |format= |work= }}</ref>, and what is claimed to be the largest chain of privately owned schools in India, Maharishi Vidya Mandir <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.maharishividyamandir.com |title=Maharishi Vidya Mandir |format= |work= }}</ref>.


During the 1960s and early 1970s the TM Movement became seen as part of the then current "counter-culture" phenomenon, at which time a number of celebrities learned TM. Celebrity students at that time included [[The Beatles]], the [[Beach Boys]] (including singer [[Mike Love]]
During the 1960s and early 1970s the TM Movement became seen as part of the then current "counter-culture" phenomenon, at which time a number of celebrities learned TM. Celebrity students at that time included [[The Beatles]], the [[Beach Boys]] (including singer [[Mike Love]]

Revision as of 18:38, 18 March 2007

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
OccupationTranscendental Meditation

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (b. Mahesh Prasad Varma on January 12, 1917) is the founder of Transcendental Meditation and the Transcendental Meditation Movement. Maharishi states that his teachings are based on the principles espoused by the Adi Shankara (c. 788-820 AD)[1], and taught by his own master, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati. His meditation techniques have been taught to millions[2] of people around the world.

Biography

Early life

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was born on January 12, 1917 [3] to a Hindu family living in the small village of Chichli, Madhya Pradesh, India. His name at birth was Mahesh Prasad Varma. He earned the equivalent of a master's degree in physics at Allahabad University, graduating in 1940.

After completing his studies, he became a disciple and secretary to the Hindu Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, who gave him the name Bal Brahmacharya Mahesh, from 1941 to 1953. He then practiced meditation in retreat for long periods during the year or so that he stayed near Uttarkashi in the Himalayan foothills.

In 1955, he assumed the title "Maharishi" (Great Sage or Great Seer) and began publicly teaching what he states is a traditional meditation technique which he later renamed Transcendental Meditation. In 1957 he founded The Spiritual Regeneration Movement in India, the first of his many organizations that are informally referred to as the TM Movement, and began the first of many tours to bring Transcendental Meditation and related programs around the world.

File:Maharishi Mahesh Yogi 2.jpg
Maharishi on the front cover of Time Magazine on October 13, 1975

The Transcendental Meditation Movement

Maharishi's Transcendental Meditation program has been taught worldwide to over 5 million people [4]. The number of TM teachers trained to teach meditation since the beginning of the movement is reported to be in the tens of thousands, of those, the number who continue to practice and teach meditation today may still be more than a thousand. Over its fifty-year history the TM Movement has gone through many phases of reorganization.

The TM movement maintains a number of websites. Providing basic information for the general public is [5], which hosts Maharishi's weekly webcast press-conferences that are also broadcast by satellite. Information is also available on what he has named "Consciousness Based Education" [6], the Maharishi University of Management, the American K-12 school, Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment [7], and what is claimed to be the largest chain of privately owned schools in India, Maharishi Vidya Mandir [8].

During the 1960s and early 1970s the TM Movement became seen as part of the then current "counter-culture" phenomenon, at which time a number of celebrities learned TM. Celebrity students at that time included The Beatles, the Beach Boys (including singer Mike Love [9] who became a TM teacher) and singer-songwriter Donovan, who befriended Maharishi and put his picture on the back cover of his A Gift from a Flower to a Garden album. Comedian Andy Kaufman and magician Doug Henning were also students of Maharishi, while Clint Eastwood [10] and David Lynch are two notable directors who have practiced TM. Lynch is currently involved in an effort to raise $7 billion to teach TM to all students in the USA, via his David Lynch Foundation. [11]

Today

After the September 11, 2001 attacks Maharishi started issuing cautions, in weekly satellite press-conference and webcasts, about the prevailing directions of societal change in the world. As a solution to current world problems he proposed creating large permanent groups of TM-Sidhi practitioners performing their programs to create the claimed Maharishi Effect.

With reference to an on-going project to create an alleged but unproven Maharishi Effect for the Netherlands, where he has lived since the early 1990s, he stated on June 21, 2006 that what "is unfolding right now is the 'supreme level of evolvement of life on earth". [12]

In 2005 Maharishi said he was starting a trillion dollar program to eliminate poverty and bring world peace. [13]

In February 2007 Maharishi initiated a 6-point program to create invincibility for every nation through: 1. Vedic Defence - creating an influence of positivity and coherence in collective consciousness through practice of Yogic Flying in large groups; 2. City and country planning in accord with the principles of Vedic Architecture; 3. Establishment of Vedic Medical Colleges to produce healthy medicines; 4. Establishment of Consciousness-based education; 5. Production of Vedic Organic Agriculture; 6. Elmination of poverty through the support of adequate wages, housing, and education for those living in scarcity and suffering. [14]

Transcendental Meditation

Main article: Transcendental Meditation

Practicing Transcendental Meditation involves the use of a mantra, or sound, and the proper technique of how to use it. Some TM practitioners report that during the practice their mind becomes very alert but their body receives deep rest, and these effects continue afterward. Maharishi calls this state "Transcendental Consciousness" or restful alertness. He says that mantras come from the age-old Vedic tradition[15], and are just sounds designed as vehicles for the mind to settle down to the quieter states of awareness at its finer levels. The practice is done for 20 minutes, twice a day, while sitting in a relaxed but upright posture with eyes closed. Certain studies have shown that TM and other meditation techniques can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and other physiological measures.(Psychosomatic Medicine 46: 267–276, 1984; American Psychologist 42: 879–881, 1987; Hypertension 26: 820–827, 1995; Journal of Human Stress 5: 24-27, 1979.)

How Maharishi and the TM organization view his role

In the introduction to the 1955 book the Beacon Light of the Himalayas, Maharishi makes the following offer to humanity: "Oh ye of the peaceless and suffering humanity! My happiness desires to root out your suffering. Will you extend your arm and allow me to lift you up from the mire of misery and peacelessness?" [16]

TM literature states "Maharishi in the world today is a Cosmic figure, caring for the well-being of all mankind.... a quiet guardian of all nations." (Maharishi's Absoute Theory of Government 555-556). Another TM publication says that his achievements are "unequaled today or at any time in recorded history." (Maharishi Vedic University 255).

In 1959 Maharishi stated that he would "Fill the Earth with love and create Heaven on Earth." [17]

The Beatles

The Beatles spent the early part of 1968 in Rishikesh, Uttar Pradesh, India, studying transcendental meditation with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. [18] While none of them ever followed Maharishi Mahesh Yogi again after the public split, they discussed their memories of this time in The Beatles Anthology, and at that time, neither George Harrison or Paul McCartney said they believed the sexual allegations were true. [19]

This period in India and their apparent disillusionment with Maharishi was described in a book by Paul Salzmann, The Beatles in India, who was there at that time, and who met with and photographed the Beatles, Mia Farrow, Donovan and Mike Love of the Beachboys while there. He reports that: "To the Beatles, the Maharishi's apparent sexuality [20], was the heavy straw that broke the camel's back. They had earlier been concerned about two things: the Maharishi using them to promote himself, and what seemed to be his focus on money, unexpected by them in a spiritual teacher or holy man." [21]

Mia Farrow described what she interpreted to be a sexual advance during that visit by Maharishi in her book, What Falls Away.

According to the Canadian sociologist Stephen A. Kent, John Lennon and George Harrison became disillusioned with him after "they discovered that their spiritual (and supposedly vegetarian) guide was serving chicken to select women and often making sexual advances toward them."[22]

Deepak Chopra, a friend of the Marharshi, claims that the split with Maharishi occurred because the Beatles began using drugs again while they were at his ashram. [23]

Books

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is credited as the author of more than 16 books.

  • ISBN 8175230150 Celebrating Perfection in Administration
  • ISBN 8175230134 Celebrating Perfection in Education: Dawn of Total Knowledge
  • ISBN 8175230045 Constitution of India Fulfilled through Maharishi's Transcendental Meditation
  • ISBN 9991160892 Enlightenment and Invincibility
  • ISBN 9080600512 Ideal India-the Lighthouse of Peace on Earth
  • ISBN 8175230061 Inaugurating Maharishi Vedic University
  • ISBN 8175230037 Maharishi Forum of Natural Law and National Law for Doctors - Perfect Health for Everyone
  • ISBN 0140192476 Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad-Gita: A New Translation and Commentary, Chapters 1-6
  • ISBN 8175230088 Maharishi Speaks to Educators - Mastery Over Natural Law
  • ISBN 8175230126 Maharishi Speaks to Students - Mastery Over Natural Law
  • ISBN 8175230010 Maharishi University of Management - Wholeness on the Move
  • ISBN 9071750175 Maharishi Vedic University - Introduction
  • ISBN 8175230002 Maharishi's Absolute Theory of Defence - Sovereignty in Invincibility
  • ISBN 8175230029 Maharishi's Absolute Theory of Government-Automation in Administration
  • ISBN 0452282667 Science of Being and Art of Living: Transcendental Meditation

See also

References

  1. ^ Tapasyananda, Swami (2002). Sankara-Dig-Vijaya. pp. xv–xxiv. gives this date. However there have been other dates proposed also. See above
  2. ^ Bhagavad-Gita, Ch. 1-6, in the Light of Maharishi's Transcendental Meditation, Scientific Research Results, p. 298
  3. ^ "Religious Movements Homepage: Transcendental Meditation". Retrieved 2007-03-16.
  4. ^ "Maharishi's Message to America — Life is Bliss through Transcendental Meditation". Retrieved 2007-03-16.
  5. ^ "Maharishi Open University". Retrieved 2007-03-16.
  6. ^ "Consciousness-Based Education Association". Retrieved 2007-03-16.
  7. ^ "Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment". Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  8. ^ "Maharishi Vidya Mandir".
  9. ^ Lovett, Michael (May 25, 2006). "The Beach Boys' Mike Love: From 'Good Vibrations' to transcendental meditation". Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  10. ^ Sullivan, Robert. "TLGolf.com: Clint Eastwood Profile". TLGolf. Retrieved 2007-03-17. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  11. ^ "Transcendental Meditation : Education : David Lynch Foundation". Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  12. ^ "Maharishi Press Conference Highlights" (Press release). Global Good News. June 21, 2006. Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  13. ^ "Maharishi Press Conference Highlights" (Press release). Global Good News. November 16, 2005. Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  14. ^ "Global Financial Capital of New York". Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  15. ^ Human Physiology - Expression of Veda and the Vedic Literature, p. 472
  16. ^ "'Beacon Light of the Himalayas' Kerala, October 1955- www.paulmason.info". Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  17. ^ "Creating Heaven on Earth: A Transcendental Meditation (TM) portal for teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi". Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  18. ^ Miles, Barry (1998), before a very public split with the teacher. Many Years From Now pp.397, Vintage-Random House. ISBN 0-7493-8658-4.
  19. ^ The Beatles Anthology, Chronicle Books, 2000, pp. pp. 285-86
  20. ^ "Beatles in Rishikesh - Additional Stories, Mia Farrow". Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  21. ^ "Beatles in Rishikesh - Additional Stories, The Beatles, The Maharishi, Sex & Money". Retrieved 2007-03-17.
  22. ^ Kent, Stephen A. From slogans to mantras: social protest and religious conversion in the late Vietnam war era, Syracuse University press, 2001, ISBN 0-8156-2948-6 page 19-20
  23. ^ Orr, David (March 6, 2006). "Guru upset by Beatles' drug use". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2007-03-16. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  • Deans, Ashley, PhD (2005) A Record of Excellence: The Remarkable Success of Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment
  • Miles, Barry (1998) Paul McCartney : Many Years from Now, ISBN 0-7493-8658-4
  • Spitz, Bob (2006) The Beatles -- The Biography, Aurum Press, ISBN 1-84513-160-6
  • Lennon, Cynthia (1978) A Twist of Lennon, W. H. Allen, ISBN 0-352-30196-1
  • Mason, Paul (1994, revised 2005), The Maharishi -- The Biography of the Man Who Gave Transcendental Meditation to the World
  • Farrow, Mia (1997) What Falls Away
  • Wynn, Ned (1993), We Will Always Live in Beverly Hills; Random House Value Publishing, ISBN 0-517-10885-2
Official TM sites
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