Consciousness-Based Education - Maharishi University of ...

consciousness-based education and governmentConflict Resolution in the Middle EastIn a study conducted in the Middle East in 1983, war deaths decreased76% (p =. 019) and war intensity decreased 45% (p = .0045) in the Lebanonwar when the number of individuals practicing the TM-Sidhiprogram together in neighboring Israel reached a threshold of about197. Time series transfer function analysis also showed that crimedecreased by 7.4% in Jerusalem (p = .023) when a threshold of 65 practitionerswas reached. Crime decreased by 4.1% in Israel (p = .022) whena threshold of 122 practitioners was reached. Other possible causes(weekends, holidays, weather, etc.) were statistically controlled for. Thepredicted changes in experimental variables were lodged in advance ofthe experiment. The authors recognized that this approach is novel andthat its explanation requires “an entirely new field theoretic orientationto international relations.” The authors suggested that social scientistsand policy makers investigate the “large-scale application of this simpleand non intrusive technology to resolving international conflicts overextended periods of time.” 41Violent Death Rates in USAA study in the United States (1979-1985) assessed the influence of alarge group practicing the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhiprograms in Fairfield, Iowa (Maharishi University of Management formerlycalled Maharishi International University, USA) on rates of violentdeaths (composite of homicide, motor vehicle accidents, and suiciderates) in the USA. Box-Jenkins time-series analysis showed 31 fewerviolent deaths per week (p < .0001) once the group of TranscendentalMeditation and TM-Sidhi participants exceeded the square root of 1%of the U.S. population (1,500 in 1979 and 1,550 by the end of 1985).When the number of participants in the group was treated as a continuousvariable, time-series transfer function analysis showed a 5.5%decrease of US violent deaths when the TM-Sidhi group exceeded thethreshold. Violent death is a stark expression of social stress and a majorthreat to human security. 4268