Transcendental Meditation (Maharishi Movement)

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, born Mahesh Prasad Varma in India around 1911, was a prominent philosopher and teacher known for developing and popularizing Transcendental Meditation (TM) [1, 7]. He became an assistant and disciple of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, also known as Guru Dev, under whom he studied for 13 years in the Himalayas [4, 5]. From the late 1950s, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi transformed the general understanding of meditation, and TM originated with him [6]. He died on February 5, 2008, and leadership of the global Transcendental Meditation movement passed to Maharaja Adhiraj Rajaraam [2, 3]. Deepak Chopra was one of Maharishi's top assistants before launching his own career [1].

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is viewed by scholars as having elements of both therapy and religion, though it "has no designated scripture, no set of doctrinal requirements, no ongoing ritualistic obligations" [2]. Committed, long-term meditators often adopt some of Maharishi's "Vedic" belief system, which is largely founded upon Advaita Vedanta [4]. Maharishi taught the unity of all things, that the universe and all existence are of one impersonal essence or nature [6]. In his book 'The Science of Being and Art of Living,' Maharishi stated that through the practice of TM, the conscious mind gains familiarity with a quieter state over time [1]. The practice involves the silent repetition of a mantra, which is a sacred sound or word, often personally fitted to the individual [2, 8]. Sanskrit sounds used as mantras are described as the closest human imitation of natural vibrations produced by the unified field [6]. While not initially requiring doctrinal commitment, practitioners often adopt Maharishi's belief system [3, 5]. Maharishi spent 13 years learning from his "enlightened master," a custodian of ancient Vedic wisdom, who inspired him to share the technique with the world [7].

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's mission was to spiritually regenerate the world by sharing the knowledge of Transcendental Meditation (TM) [3]. He sought the "widespread adoption of TM to improve societal well-being," a plan known as Maharishi's World Plan, which he ambitiously pursued in the 1970s [7]. Followers, particularly disaffected youth in the 1960s, were drawn to the promise of attaining "200 percent of life" in return for their devotion and sacrifice [2]. The TM technique is described as a simple, natural method for the mind to transcend thought and access a silent inner field of creativity, energy, and peace [5]. Researchers have concluded that TM produces a fourth major state of consciousness, "Transcendental Consciousness," a state of restful alertness distinct from waking, dreaming, or deep sleep [6]. Maharishi established the Maharishi European Research University in Switzerland in 1975 with the aim of advancing scientific understanding of consciousness [4]. Despite challenges in fully realizing his goals, Maharishi's global vision aimed to improve quality of life by reducing crime and conflict through collective meditation [7, 8].

TM is a meditation technique where an individual transcends thought, reason, and the consciousness of their individuality to become aware of "Creative Intelligence or God" [7]. The technique involves the silent repetition of a mantra, a Sanskrit word or sound, which acts as a vehicle for the individual's attention to travel to a quieter mental state [4, 5, 8]. Maharishi coined the term Transcendental Meditation to distinguish it from other practices and emphasize its independence from Hinduism [8]. While the ethos is described as "individual self-realization," there is an inner core of committed members who practice more advanced techniques [2, 3]. Endorsements by celebrities and claims of scientific validation helped popularize TM, especially in the 1960s and 1970s [1]. TM proponents maintain that achieving transcendental consciousness through the practice influences collective consciousness and can help solve social problems [6].

Ex-members have reported social isolation from non-TM contacts [1]. The TM organization is described as shrouded in secrecy, and adherents are sometimes required to cloak their spiritual journey in a level of secrecy, similar to Scientology [2, 5]. Critics have noted that aspects of the practice can foster emotional dependency among practitioners [1].

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of silent meditation developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, involving the silent repetition of a mantra or sound [2, 3]. The mantras used are Sanskrit sounds, described as the closest human imitation of natural vibrations produced by the unified field [5]. A TM mantra is a simple mental repetition of a word or phrase, often described as a meaningless sound that facilitates the mind's journey to a quieter state [2, 6]. Maharishi described the process as "bubbles of thought" being produced in a stream, and the TM technique involves [1]. The practice is typically for 15-20 minutes twice a day [4].

The Transcendental Meditation movement (TM) has attracted followers but also faced opposition and criticism from various groups [1, 6, 7]. Critics in Fairfield, Iowa, organized community meetings to voice their concerns about the group [1]. Some opponents view Maharishi's philosophy, a modified form of Advaita Vedanta, as having the characteristics of a religion [2]. TM proponents have spoken of the "Maharishi Effect," which they claim improves quality of life by reducing crime and conflict, suggesting a dichotomy between those who practice TM and the societal problems they aim to solve [8]. TM is described as a form of silent meditation developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi [3, 4]. The technique involves the silent repetition of a mantra [3, 4].

The Transcendental Meditation (TM) organization has been involved in legal disputes, with some former associates suing the organization, which then chose to settle for large sums [2, 3, 5]. One facility, located in New York, housed a hotel, a printing press, and video/sound-recording studios, managed by a sublicensee [1]. The Maharishi Foundation was founded in 1959 to promote TM and maintain its authenticity [6]. Legal disputes have also arisen over trademark rights and the teaching of the TM technique [4, 6].

Members who "waver" from the TM program can be branded as outcasts and shunned from the community, implying high social exit costs [4]. Individuals who leave the TM movement may experience negative psychological effects [1]. Some individuals who questioned the leader or the organization faced shunning or blacklisting [5]. Legal disputes have also occurred between the TM organization and former associates who have left the movement, with the organization filing lawsuits to enforce trademark rights [3, 5].

Civil suits were filed against the World Plan Executive Council and MIU in 1985 by Robert Kropinski, Jane Greene, Patrick Ryan, and Diane Hendel, claiming fraud, psychological, and physical harm [7]. Some members who left TM to join an ashram in Philadelphia later sued Maharishi for millions [2]. The Maharishi Foundation has filed lawsuits to enforce its trademark rights against supporters of rival movements [5]. Claims that large numbers of people meditating can reduce crime and war by creating a unified field of consciousness have been called "foolishness" [3].