Consciousness-Based Education - Maharishi University of ...

Harnessing the laws of nature—maximum success to governmentbeen a reduction of violent crime by more than 40%, with an annual costsavings to the District government of nearly half a billion dollars.Also, as discussed in Chapter IV (Hagelin, 1998), by effectivelyreducing social stress, this approach breaks the vicious cycle in whichthe violation of natural law leads to stress, and in which stress leadsto further violations of natural law. It therefore provides governmentsa practical means to reverse the current dangerous slide in collectiveconsciousness, with its associated crime, domestic violence, family disintegration,and social decay.By forming coherence-creating groups in major cities, or one or morenational coherence-creating groups, any government can stem the tideof crime, and save the nation billions of dollars in crime-related costs.2. Effective Prison RehabilitationOne of the most cost-effective prevention strategies is to target thoseindividuals who are at highest risk for crime. At highest risk is thecurrent prison inmate population. Approximately, 90% of inmates arereleased from prison; of these approximately two-thirds are convictedof further crimes within the following three years (Wilson, 1994). Todate, the most effective prison rehabilitation program is TranscendentalMeditation. A five-year Harvard study found that inmates in a maximumsecurity prison who learned the practice decreased significantlyin stress, aggression, and mental disorders (Alexander, 1982). Violencethroughout the prison decreased, and the rate of return to prison amongparticipating inmates was 30–35% less than for four other treatmentgroups. Similar studies in 28 other maximum security prisons haveshown equally impressive results (Bleick & Abrams, 1987; Dillbeck &Abrams, 1987). Many rehabilitation strategies fail because they try tore-educate and reform inmates without first changing inmates fromwithin—without ridding them of the stress that makes them uninterestedin education and incapable of being reformed.3. Urban RevitalizationToday’s overcrowded, decaying urban centers contribute significantly tothe rise of stress and crime. Any comprehensive program to reduce crimemust involve a plan to revitalize the inner cities. This plan should includethe following:203