Consciousness-Based Education - Maharishi University of ...

consciousness-based education and governmentBackground Research on the Transcendental MeditationProgram: Implications for CorrectionsThe Transcendental Meditation program is a simple and effortless technique,which is taught in a systematic and uniform manner world-wide,and is practiced for 15-20 minutes twice daily (Maharishi MaheshYogi, 1977; Cox, 1972). As a systematic subjective technique, it requiresno change in lifestyle or beliefs. It is important to keep in mind that thetechnique itself is not a rehabilitative program; rather it is a program forthe full development of individual potential (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi,1977). The positive effects of the technique in rehabilitation settings areattributed to its success in the unfolding of this potential.According to the theoretical framework of the TranscendentalMeditation technique, the basis of developing the ability to act in aspontaneously law-abiding manner is to develop the basis of actionand thought which is consciousness. One whose consciousness is morecomprehensive will be more able to maintain a broad frame of referencewhich takes into account the needs of others when acting to fulfillhis or her own desires. The quality of consciousness is also directlydependent upon the degree of psychophysiological integration of theindividual. The Transcendental Meditation technique is predicted tosimultaneously develop the breadth of comprehension of the participantas well as the degree of integration of mind and body. The mechanismfor doing so is to alternate with the individual’s usual daily activitythe regular twice-daily experience of a state of less excitation of mindand body gained during the Transcendental Meditation technique. TheTranscendental Meditation technique allows the mind to experienceincreasingly refined or silent levels of mental activity until the uniqueleast excited state of awareness is experienced; this least excited state,termed “pure consciousness,” is described as a silent inner state ofpure wakefulness without any mental activity of thought or feeling(Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, 1977).Physiological research has supported the prediction that the TranscendentalMeditation technique is associated with a unique state ofdeep rest and greater alertness. The physiological changes found duringthe technique include decreased oxygen consumption, increased skinresistance, specific biochemical changes, and increased EEG coherencein frontal brain areas, a measure of orderliness of brain activity268