Consciousness-Based Education - Maharishi University of ...

Ideal Government in the Vålm⁄ki RåmåyaÔHeaven on EarthThe practical outcome of Maharishi’s Absolute Theory of Government isthe unfoldment of “Heaven on Earth,” which Maharishi describes asperfection in all areas of individual and collective life (Maharishi VedicUniversity, 1991, p. 4). Heaven on Earth is the result of an entire societyliving fully in accord with natural law, resulting in perfect health,long life in bliss, and the ability to fulfill desires (1988, p. 3); it describesa society that enjoys positivity, harmony, and peace on all levels of collectivelife—family, community, nation, and the world (p. 3). Maharishifurther explains that Heaven on Earth meansperfect health, a perfect way of thinking, a perfect way of doing. Aperfect way of thinking means every thought will be appropriate forthe thinker and his surroundings, and appropriate thought results inappropriate action and appropriate behavior. (p. 1)Maharishi presents a beautiful vision of ideal life that is well supportedby the empirical research on his programs. Indeed, practitioners of histechnologies experience improved health, unfoldment of mental potential,and improved social behavior; and the above-mentioned researchon the Maharishi Effect provides strong support for Maharishi’s plan toeliminate negative trends and establish an ideal society.It is significant that we find a remarkably similar description of RāmRāj, the rule of Rām. In this context we again look to the interpretationof Rām as an ideal king, whose citizens enjoyed an ideal life, free fromsickness and sorrow, abounding in wealth and food, with no crime oraccident to dampen the quality of life. For example:n;k;le i[myte kiĵn Vy;i/ [p;i5n;' tq;n;nqoR iv´te kiÄ:;me r;Jy' [px;sitNākāle mriyate kashchin na vyādhi prāԗināԥ tathānānartho vidyate kashchid Rāme rājyaԥ prashāsati(Uttara Kāԗd, 99.14)During the reign of Rāma, no one died prematurely, no onesuffered from disease, and there were no calamities.171