| In 1959, Maharishi began teaching the TM technique to individuals throughout the world, and for several years remained the only teacher. He began a series of courses in 1966 to train TM teachers in order that the technique could be made available more widely. BASIC BELIEFS: The World Plan Executive Council offers teachings in two areas: theoretical (the Science of Creative Intelligence, or SCI) and practical (the Transcendental Meditation, or TM, program). SCI was founded upon the basis of the practice of the TM technique, the means for regularly contacting the limitless source of energy and intelligence within. Not a religion, philosophy, or belief system, the TM technique is a procedure for allowing the mind gradually to settle down until the least excited state of mind is reached. This is a state of inner wakefulness, of pure consciousness aware of its own unbounded nature. It is wholeness, beyond the division of subject and object transcendental consciousness. It is a field of all possibilities, where all creative potentialities exist. The mind is able to reach this state naturally and effortlessly due to a tendency inherent in the human thinking process. Thus the technique works automatically for everyone who learns it in the proper way. No intellectual understanding is required because the TM technique is not an intellectual practice. As the mind reaches this least excited state, the activity of the nervous system also settles down to an unprecedented level of rest, allowing deeply rooted stresses to be released, which strengthens the entire system. Through the regular alternation of the TM technique with activity, this state of inner wakefulness becomes stabilized; the nervous system gains the ability to maintain unbounded awareness even during the activity of daily life. The orderliness and stability that characterize consciousness in its least excited state begin to shine through every thought and action. Mind and body become more integrated; inner and outer conflicts cease; knowledge is given and gained with comparatively little effort; and intention flows unrestricted toward the desired goal. Throughout all the changes of life, the stability and authority of the most silent level of consciousness are maintained, one remains awake to oneself. From the earliest days of the TM movement, it was predicted that the increased orderliness, stability, intelligence and strength in the individuals practicing the TM technique would inevitably produce a similar influence on the environment. Preliminary research indicates lower crime, sickness and accident rates in areas where 1% of the population practices the TM program. There is a standard seven step program for learning the TM techniques, including lectures, personal instruction, and meetings. Follow up meetings and courses are optional. PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: The TM program requires no specific faith, belief, acceptance of a creed, changes in affiliations, or modification of diet, posture or personal preferences. The only instruction with regard to practice is to meditate for 20 minutes twice a day. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: In the U.S., World Plan Executive Council (a nonprofit, educational corporation) is responsible for supervising the activities of the TM movement. There are over 7,000 TM teachers and about 400 teaching centers located throughout the United States. The organization offers instruction in the TM technique but the individuals who receive such instruction need not devote time to furthering the growth of the organization. In addition to the World Plan Executive Council, there is a four year liberal arts university in Fairfield, Iowa. Maharishi International University (a separate corporation) offers the traditional academic disciplines from the unifying perspective of the Science of Creative Intelligence, the theoretical framework for study of the origin and growth of creative intelligence in the individual and in the environment (see "Basic Beliefs.") ROLE OF TEACHERS: The TM movement is staffed primarily by volunteers who usually receive a very small salary or living stipend. Generally a person becomes involved in the movement after personally experiencing the benefits of the TM technique. The role of the TM teacher is to teach the TM technique itself and to provide intellectual experiences during the practice of the technique. Teachers present introductory programs, teach the basic TM course, and offer follow up programs and weekend residential courses. WORSHIP: None. DIETARY LAWS OR RESTRICTIONS: None. FUNERAL AND BURIAL REQUIREMENTS: None. MEDICAL TREATMENT: No restrictions. OTHER: TM does not consider itself a religion, and hence is compatible with all religions and faiths. GENERAL SOURCE BOOKS: Bloomfield, Harold H., Michael Peter Cain, and Dennis T. Jaffe. TM, Discovering Inner Energy and Overcoming Stress. New York: Delacorte Press, 1975. 290pp. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The Science of Being and the Art of Living London: International SRM Publications, 1966. 335pp. World Plan: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Thirty Yeras Around the World: Dawn of the Age of Enlightenment. Vol. One, 1957 1964. N.p.: MUU Press, 1986. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: World Plan Executive Council 5000 14th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20011 Fax: (202) 291-2472 |
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| Black Rose Spiritual Center, Inc : Belief Systems |
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| World Plan Executive Council |
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| OTHER NAMES BY WHICH KNOWN: Transcendental Meditation; TM ADDRESS: National Administrative Centre for TM 5000 14th Street N.W. Washington, D.C., 20011 LEADERSHIP: The International Association for the Advancement of the Science of Creative Intelligence supervises the Transcendental Meditation movement's activities throughout the world. The association is a nonprofit organization which acts through a Board of Directors. On teaching related matters, it received guidance from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. MEMBERSHIP: Not reported. HISTORICAL ORIGIN: The Transcendental Meditation (TM) program features the use of the TM technique, a newly rediscovered method for expanding the use of the mind and refining the physiology to the extent that it can support the neurophysiological state of enlightenment. The introduction of the technique was the work of an Indian scholar and teacher, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who did not invent the technique, but rather, revived it. Maharishi's special contribution is not only in making the TM technique available for the first time to large numbers of people in the world, but also in making it available in a form suitable for precise objective investigation. Studies have verified many physiological, psychological, and sociological benefits from the TM technique.« |
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