Over 500 studies have been completed on the physiological, psychological, and sociological effects of the Maharishi Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programmes, making it perhaps the most intensively studied technology in the field of human development. These studies have been conducted at 210 different universities and research institutions in 27 countries, and articles have now appeared in more than 100 scientific journals. These studies have been gathered in Scientific Research on the Maharishi Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programmes, Volumes 1-6, containing over 4,000 pages of scientific papers and appear below in the Bibliography of 508 TM programme studies.
Listed below are some of the findings on this technology relevant to education:
Improved Mental Abilities: Increased intelligence, increased creativity, improved learning ability, improved memory, improved reaction time, higher levels of moral reasoning, improved academic achievement, greater orderliness of brain functioning, increased self-actualization.
Improved Health: Reduced stress and anxiety, reduced hospitalization, reduced incidence of disease, reduced need for out-patient medical care, reduced health care costs, reduced use of alcohol and drugs, improved cardiovascular health, reduced physical complaints, increased longevity.
Improved Social Behavior: Improved self-confidence, reduced anxiety, improved family life, improved relationships at home and at work, increased tolerance, improved job performance, increased job satisfaction.
The Transcendental Meditation programme
The Transcendental Meditation technique is a simple, natural, effortless procedure practiced for 15-20 minutes in the morning and afternoon while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. During this technique the individual's awareness settles down and experiences the simplest form of human awareness -- Transcendental Consciousness--where consciousness is open to itself.
Transcendental Consciousness has been found by physiological research to be a fourth major state of consciousness, a state of restful alertness, distinct from the commonly experienced states of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.
The experience of Transcendental Consciousness develops the individual's latent creative potential while dissolving accumulated stress and fatigue through the deep rest gained during the practice. This experience enlivens creativity, dynamism, orderliness, and organizing power in one's awareness, which results in increasing effectiveness and success in daily life.
In the past four decades the Transcendental Meditation programme has been learned by over four million people of all cultures, religions, and educational backgrounds worldwide. It has been implemented in universities and schools in many countries, including Maharishi University of Management in the U.S.A. (formerly Maharishi International University); and Maharishi Schools of the Age of Enlightenment (primary and secondary schools). In any setting, with any population, this technology has been found to produce the same holistic and beneficial results.
The TM-Sidhi programme
The TM-Sidhi programme, which includes "Yogic Flying," trains the individual to think and act from the level of Transcendental Consciousness, greatly enhancing the coordination between mind and body, between intention and its actualization. The practice of Yogic Flying has been found to optimize coherence in brain functioning while producing the inner experience of "bubbling bliss."
Technology for World Peace
Research has further confirmed that large groups practicing the TM-Sidhi programme together in one place-approximately the square root of one percent of the population-radiate an influence of orderliness and harmony in the society at large. This influence has been measured by a wide range of social variables, such as reduced crime, accidents, sickness, violence, and war casualties; improved economic trends; and enhanced quality of life. Validated by more than 40 studies in the past 20 years at the city, state, national and international levels, this phenomenon is called the Extended Maharishi Effect.
Through the group practice of these technologies of consciousness, the faculty and students of Maharishi Vedic University will generate an influence of positivity and harmony that will be reflected in positive trends throughout the community--and, depending on the size of the group, throughout the state and nation.
"Results published in today's issue of the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, showed that the Transcendental Meditation technique significantly lowered blood pressure in older African American men and women who were at high risk for five major risk factor groups." (August 5, 1996)
Related Stories in the Media:
Summary of Research On the Transcendental Meditation Programme
Selection of charts showing research results (Large files! over 120K each):
For more information:
- in New Zealand contact your nearest Maharishi Health Education Centre, or
Maharishi Foundation of New Zealand (Inc), phone: (09) 426 4567, E-Mail: gcwpnz@gmail.com.- For the rest of the world please see our TM Links page.
- If you have a question, try our FAQ.
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