Consciousness-Based Education - Maharishi University of ...

consciousness-based approach to human securityPure consciousness can easily be experienced by anyone when attentionis turned inward in a systematic manner. During this experience,even the subtlest level of the thinking process is transcended, and theindividual is awake to the most essential nature of the self, an unboundedfield of awareness. Although many people throughout different culturesand times have reported glimpses of pure consciousness, a procedure forits systematic cultivation has for the most part, been lacking. 8In recent times, Maharishi has brought out a technique that canbe practiced by anyone for systematically locating pure consciousnessin individual awareness. This technique, the Transcendental Meditationtechnique, is profoundly restful for mind and body. Through thenatural mind-body interdependence, the profound settling of the mindduring the Transcendental Meditation technique has been shown toalleviate fatigue and stress-related conditions in both mind and body.Individual practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique istherefore an approach to alleviating stress, and opening the awarenessto a more expanded perception of life. The more expanded natureof consciousness, located during the practice, is stabilized during theactivity of daily life so that the individual begins to feel a profoundsense of inner security, rather than one fraught with limitations andemotional conflict.Several peer-reviewed studies substantiate the effectiveness of thetechnique for stress reduction. Meta-analysis and random-assignmentcontrol studies show that the Transcendental Meditation technique isuniquely effective in treating various conditions associated with stress.For example, a comprehensive statistical meta-analysis of 146 independentstudy results found the Transcendental Meditation program significantlymore effective in reducing trait anxiety than other techniquescommonly used for relaxation or stress reduction. 9 Recent randomizedcontrolled trials report that the Transcendental Meditation techniqueis as effective as anti-hypertensive drugs in reducing mild hypertension;much more effective in reducing high blood pressure than a controltechnique; highly effective in reducing blood pressure in individualswith high levels of stress and multiple risk factors for hypertension. 10In a randomized study of post-traumatic stress disorder, patientswho learned the Transcendental Meditation technique showed markedlydecreased depression, decreased insomnia, and decreased alco-57