Subject: TM Dissenter's FAQ

Subject: TM Dissenter's FAQ Contents: --------- Part 1 - An Overview: The Transcendental Meditation Program Part 2 - The TM and TM-Sidhi programs, mantras and techniques Part 3 - Maharishi Ayur-Veda Part 4 - Other Research on the TM Program Part 5 - The Transcendental Meditation Ex-Members Support Group (TM-EX) Part 6 - Footnotes Maintained by Mike Doughney, mike@access.digex.net Last modified 8/31/94. This and other documents can be found in the TM Dissenter's Archive: ftp.digex.net:/pub/access/tm-dissent Submissions and comments may be mailed anonymously to wi.33@wizvax.com. WARNING: The following document contains mantras as taught in the TM and TM-Sidhi program (in parts 2 and 3). Meditators may wish to consider whether or not they care to see their mantra in print before proceeding to read. Part 1 - An Overview: The Transcendental Meditation Program ----------------------------------------------------------- From: TM-EX Bulletin, November, 1991 HISTORY: Transcendental Meditation (TM), was initiated in India, October 1955, by the then called Maharishi Bala Brahmachari Mahesh Yogi Maharaj (life long celibate student and great seer), now called Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (great seer). When asked about his wealth, Maharishi claims to be only a simple monk without pockets. He lives in TM facilities with silk-lined walls, flies in personal helicopters and has had a private 707 jet. His teaching evolved from an overtly religious one; admitting the mantras (word used to meditate upon) are "personal gods" with the practice called "Spiritual Sadhana," "Deep Meditation," or the cleverly disguised trademarked brand "Transcendental Meditation Program." MARKETING: TM is now marketed under many front groups and names such as: Corporate Development Program, Science of Creative Intelligence, Technology of the Unified Field and the current approach of the Maharishi Ayur-Veda health program/centers. RELIGION: Although TM publicly denies its religious nature, the U.S. Court of Appeals declared TM to be a religion and not suitable for the public schools. The original TM incorporation in the U.S. was as a religious entity. Maharishi teaches that God will not listen to your prayers without TM. MANTRAS: The mantras are chosen based upon secret criteria of "neurophysiological specificity." Court documents reveal that they are chosen on the basis of age and/or age and sex. The highly secret words are the names associated with Hindu deities (Shyama = Krishna). "We select only mantras of personal gods... such mantras fetch to us the grace of personal gods" -- Maharishi. Mantras are given in a candlelit incense-filled room, during an initiation ceremony where the teacher encourages the student to bow before the picture of Maharishi's dead teacher. SUPERNORMAL POWERS: The movement claims its followers will develop powers of: levitation, invisibility, reading minds, perfect health, immortality and more. WORLD PEACE: Maharishi's World Peace Projects have been instituted in many countries, including Israel. Maharishi teaches that one meditator is powerful enough to reduce the crime rate. The movement claims a group of 7000 meditating levitators or "Sidhas" assembled in one location will create world peace and economic stability. Research on the Israel project has been found to be deceptive and lacking scientific credibility. POLITICS: The Maharishi's Absolute Theory of Government holds "a government is just the innocent reflection of the consciousness of its people." In 1976, Maharishi formed the "World Government" to handle the "consciousness" of the world. Phillippine president Marcos took the Maharishi's offer to heart and the Age of Enlightenment Foundation nearly succeeded in acquiring the largest university in Asia. Action from church groups, the Vatican and former members stopped the takeover. Currently the government of Zambia has taken the Maharishi's offer to heart and has pledged 44 million acres of land (one-fourth of the land mass) to the Age of Enlightenment Foundation. [The government of Zambia, after elections, has terminated this deal and Maharishi's representatives have left the country. See TM-EX Newsletter, Summer 1992 -ed] MONEY: Involvement in TM is not cheap. Organized as a non-profit educational organization, the TM movement is valued between $2 and $3 BILLION dollars. Initiation starts at $390 [now $1000 -ed], followed by advanced mantras at $390, health mantras at $700, psychophysiological techniques at $700, herbs for $1000 per year, cleansing programs from $2700 - $6600, yagyas (religious ceremonies performed to solicit the aid of one or more Hindu deities), Jyotish (Hindu astrology TM-style), Ayur-Veda prescribed gems, Maharishi school and university education, and more. To pursue TM to its end can cost over $10,000 per year. RETREATS: Advanced courses often taught in remote locations. Contact with outsiders, newspapers and television are highly discouraged. LANGUAGE: TM courses and literature are filled with buzz words and cliches that serve the function of stopping the critical thought processes ("unstressing," "support of nature," "karma"). ISRAEL: TM has targeted Israel during the past few years including initiating a program entitled "Bring Invincibility to Israel" which has brought American Jews to Israel to learn to levitate for $2500 per participant. In 1980, Hararit became the first TM communal settlement in israel, located at Mount Netufa in Galilee. TM since has made inroads in Kibbutzim throughout Galilee. HARMFUL EFFECTS: Studies have found TM results in tiredness, anxiety, depression, regression, suicidal tendencies, headaches, sleeping difficulties, neck pain and involuntary twitching for many. The German government studies found that the teachers of TM were not qualified to deal with the problems associated with its practice. WARNINGS: Warnings have been issued about the dangers of TM by the German government, the Vatican, the Cult Awareness Network, the Task Force on Missionaries and Cults, the Interfaith Coalition of Concern about Cults and various professional organizations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Part 2 - The TM and TM-Sidhi programs, mantras and techniques ------------------------------------------------------------- Transcendental Meditation program --------------------------------- From: TM-EX Newsletter, Spring, 1991 MANTRAS: Separating Fact from Fiction According to the TM doctrine, the mantra is a critical part of learning the meditation process. A mantra must be selected for the individual by a qualified teacher. ``It becomes extremely important that the correct sound be selected for each individual.'' They claim the mantras used in TM come from an ancient Indian tradition known as the ``Vedic Shankaracharya Tradition.'' According to TM publications, the ``Shankaracharya tradition has preserved not only these sounds, but also a system of rules or formulae by which they are to be assigned to individuals.'' At the introductory lecture, the mantras are said to be ``meaningless sounds whose effects are known'' that are chosen for the individual based upon a trade secret formula. A search of TM documents has uncovered the following statement by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of TM: WE CAN TAKE ANY WORD. EVEN THE WORD ``MIKE'' CAN BE TAKEN . . . THUS WE FIND THAT ANY SOUND CAN SERVE OUR PURPOSE OF TRAINING THE MIND TO BECOME SHARP. He goes on to say: FOR OUR PRACTICE, WE SELECT ONLY THE SUITABLE MANTRAS OF PERSONAL GODS. SUCH MANTRAS FETCH TO US THE GRACE OF PERSONAL GODS AND MAKE US HAPPIER IN EVERY WALK OF LIFE. How are the TM mantras given? The mantras is given in a private ``initiation'' ceremony, or ``puja,'' in which the initiate brings fresh fruit, flowers and a new handkerchief, to be offered to a picture of Maharishi's deceased ``Master'' in an incense-filled, candlelit room. The recruit is warned not to reveal the mantra because it is destructive of the teaching and will weaken the process of TM. The puja is said to protect the teaching so that nothing is added or subtracted. Its performance is said to insure that TM is taught without change, as purportedly it has been taught for the last 5000 years. Court documents reveal that many methods for choosing mantras have been used by the TM movement for the past 30 years. The mantras are chosen on the basis of age, and/or age and sex, depending on the particular teacher training course the initiator [TM-teacher] was trained. [see box] A psychologist's explanation of the initiation process is called ``hypnotic trance induction.''~ [List of mantras follows.] 1961 1976 1977 1978 ---- 3-10 ENG 3-10 ING 3-10 ENG MALE -- RAM 10-12 EM 10-12 IN 10-12 EM 12-14 ENGA 12-14 INGA 12-14 EMGA 1969 14-16 EMA 14-16 INA 14-16 EMA ---- 16-18 AENG 16-18 AING 16-18 AENG MALE 18-20 AEM 18-20 AIM 18-20 AEM 0-15 ING 20-22 AENGA 20-22 AINGA 20-22 AENGA 15-30 AING 22-24 AEMA 22-24 AIMA 22-24 AEMA 30-45 SHRING 24-30 SHIRING 24-30 SHIRING 24-30 SHIRING 46+ SHIAM 30-35 SHIRIM 30-35 SHIRIM 30-35 SHIRIM FEMALE 35-40 HIRING 35-40 HIRING 35-40 HIRING 0-15 IM 40-45 HIRIM 40-45 HIRIM 40-45 HIRIM 15-30 AIM 45-50 KIRING 45-50 KIRING 45-50 KIRING 30-45 SHRIM 50-55 KIRIM 50-55 KIRIN 50-55 KIRIM 46+ SHIAMA 55-60 SHIAM 55-60 SHIAM 55-60 SHIAM 60+ SHIAMA 60+ SHIAMA 60+ SHIAMA From: Reid J Mullen There are only six main sounds used in Tm. They are: e, ai, shiri, hiri, kiri, and sham. Next, there are only five possible endings for any of the Tm mantras. Those endings are: m, n, ng, nga, and ma. By combining the six root sounds with the five en- dings, you come up with the 16 mantras used in Tm. Since all of Tm's mantras are assigned on the basis of age. Let me give you an updated list (as of 1987). Here now is the list: Age: Mantra: Age: Mantra: 0-11 Eng 26-29 Shiring 12-13 Em 30-34 Shirim 14-15 Enga 35-39 Hiring 16-17 Ema 40-44 Hirim 18-19 Aing 45-49 Kiring 20-21 Aim 50-54 Kirim 22-23 Ainga 55-59 Sham 24-25 Aima 60-on Shama From: Cindy Boin When I was first made an initiator, I was 19 years old. I was made a junior initiator (and boy, was I pissed! :-)) This meant, I was only allowed to initiate people who were 21 and younger. So I was given mantras suitable for people up to that age. Later, on an ATR course, I was made a full initiator (on the phone, by MMY). My instruction? To use the mantra I'd been given for 18-21 year olds for everyone above that age, as well. So any adult I initiated got the same mantra. [ATR - advanced training in residence. MMY - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. -ed] From: Pat Ryan (jk840@delphi.com) ... The technique is simple (it really is hypnosis): close your eyes - wait about half a minute, then start thinking the mantra over and over again. At the end of meditation stop thinking the mantra and wait about 2 minutes before opening the eyes. Some notes on correct meditation (from the TM Checking notes): :: In this meditation, we do not concentrate, we do not try to say the :: mantra clearly. Mental repetition is not a clear pronunciation, it is :: just a faint idea. :: We don't try to make a rhythm of the mantra. We don't try to control :: thoughts. If a thought comes, we do not try to push it out. When we :: become aware that we are not thinking the mantra, then we quietly come :: back to the mantra. :: Very easily we think the mantra and if at any moment we feel that we :: are forgetting it, we should not try to persist in repeating it or try :: to keep on remembering it. Only very easily we start and take it as :: it comes and do not hold the mantra if it tends to slip away. The :: mantra may change in different ways. It can get faster or slower, :: louder or softer, clearer or fainter. Its pronunciation may change, :: lengthen or shorten or even may appear to be distorted or it may not :: appear to change at all. In every case, we take it as it comes, :: neither anticipating nor resisting change, just simple innocence. From: Reid J Mullen - The mantra is [ not ] repeated over and over during the prac- tice of the Tm technique. Rather it is (heard). We think the mantra once at the beginning of meditation and then we let it go. As has been stated already: We allow the mantra to change in any way it wants. It can get louder, softer or fainter. It also says in the checking notes that its pronunciation is sub- ject to change. The mantra may speed up or slow down. Whatever the case is, we don't mind. We just take it as it comes. This bit of instruction is very important. To repeat something ov- er and over is to (chant), or otherwise manipulate the mantra in some way. Any manipulation of the mantra is incorrect prac- tice of the technique and will not produce the soothing an re- juvenating experience of settling down into pure consciousness and experiencing that profound state of deep rest. The key to practicing the Tm technique properly is to remember four basic things: 1. Hearing is a form of thinking. By introducing the mantra an then letting it go, hearing it in whatever state its in, we are thinking the mantra effortlessly. This effortless think- ing of the mantra is the correct practice of Tm. 2. Thoughts should be allowed to come and go (naturally) along with the mantra. We should in no way (try) to push thoughts out of our mind or use the mantra to override them. They are a natural part of the Tm technique. 3. When the mantra disappears and the mind goes off on thoughts we quietly come back to it. This means that all we have to do is become (aware) that we are no longer: (hearing the mantra in whatever state its in) and the awareness of that, will be quite sufficient to bring the mantra back to us. 4. Finally, if we should find that the mantra is vague and un- clear when it returns, we let it be as it is. We make abso- lutely no attempt to make it clear. From: Pat Ryan (jk840@delphi.com) A word of warning: Many studies (the movement has tried to suppress) have found that approximately 40% of the people who practice TM develop adverse effects. If it helps do it, if you have any problems S T O P. Because TM is a religion (The courts in the US have ruled it to be) for a TM teacher to admit that TM is not good for you would be like a Christian saying belief in Jesus is not good for you, it will never happen. Well, you just saved $1000. Most TM'ers get advanced techniques of TM about every 18 months. They also cost $1000. The advanced techniques of TM are as follows. 1st Aing Namah 2nd Shri Aing Namah 3rd Shri Aing Namah Namah 4th Shri Shri Aing Namah Namah 5th Shri Shri Aing Aing Namah Namah 6th Shri Shri Aing Aing Namah Namah (The mantra is thought in the heart area of the body). Shri = oh most beautiful Aing = Hindu goddess saraswati Namah = I bow down TM-Sidhi program ---------------- From: Pat Ryan (jk840@delphi.com) In the court transcripts of Kropinski vs Yogi and in public domain the TM-Sidhi program has been published. During one court hearing the *movement* attempted to acquire a temporary restraining order - to stop former members from revealing the program. They argued that former members had signed agreement forms not to disclose the program. The judge did not agree with the movement's argument. So here is the program for free: The TM-Sidhi program is nothing other than a set of sutras (words or phrases), mentally repeated every fifteen seconds after doing a twenty minute session of TM. Each sutra is mentally repeated twice (if time allows 4 times) - a 15 second pause in between each repetition. The sutras used in the TM-Sidhi program are: Friendliness, Compassion, Happiness, Strength of an elephant, Bronchial tube, Inner light, Sun, Moon, Polestar, Trachea, Navel, Distinction between intellect and transcendence, Transcendence intuition, Transcendence finest hearing, Transcendence finest sight, Transcendence finest taste, Transcendence finest smell. The much touted *levitation* or yogic flying technique is a sutra repeated in the same way as other sutras: :: RELATIONSHIP OF BODY AND AKASHA - LIGHTNESS OF COTTON FIBER. After doing the flying sutra for 5-30 minutes, the instruction is to rest for 10-30 minutes and then read the Hindu Scriptures for 5 minutes. An example of the readings (from the Ninth Mandala of Rig Veda): :: "Flow Soma, in a most sweet and exhilarating stream, effused for Indra :: to drink. The all-beholding destroyer of Rakshasas has stepped upon :: his gold-smitten birthplace, united with the wooden cask. Be the :: lavish giver of wealth, most bounteous, the destroyer of enemies; :: bestow on us the riches of the affluent. Come with food to the :: sacrifice of the mighty gods, and bring us strength and sustenance. :: To thee we come, O dropping (Soma); for thee only is this our worship :: day by day, our prayers are to thee, none other." For more information on Maharishi's movement contact TM-EX POB 2520 Philadelphia, PA 19147. I spent seven years hopping around in a trance state, save your money, save your time, save your ability to think, don't bother with TM. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Part 3 - Maharishi Ayur-Veda ---------------------------- Excerpted from TM-EX Newsletter, Summer 1991 TWENTY APPROACHES TO MAHARISHI AYUR-VEDA: THEIR COSTS, GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND EXPLANATION: To achieve this state of perfect balance, Maharishi Ayur-Veda [now] advocates 20 complementary approaches. When used together, the 20 approaches of Maharishi Ayur-Veda ensure perfect health for the individual, the family, the nation, and the world. /52 1. Approaches from Consciousness: Development of higher states of consciousness through Maharishi's Transcendental Meditation [TM], its Advanced Techniques, and the TM-Sidhi Programme. /53 Individuals not practicing the TM program are expected to learn this as part of their Maharishi Ayurveda Health program. /54 The TM technique is a simple mental repetition of a sound or "mantra." /55 The TM movement claims that only specific "sounds" can be used, and that the selection of sounds is based upon a trade secret. /56 The mantra is given in a private "initiation" ceremony, or "puja," [worship to Lord Narayana, the lotus born Brahma, the creator... the whole galaxy of gods pray for perfection... guru is god] in which the initiate brings fresh fruit, flowers and a new handkerchief, to be offered to a picture of Maharishi's deceased "Master" in an incense-filled, candlelit room. /57 The recruit is warned not to reveal the mantra because it is destructive of the teaching and will weaken the process of TM. A similar degree of secrecy is found throughout Maharishi's teachings. /58 /59 The instructor, or "initiator" who has signed an oath of loyalty to Maharishi, gives the deliberate impression that there are very large numbers of mantras, and that each meditator receives a mantra which is uniquely suited to his personality, health, feelings, education, profession and marital status. /60 /61 Court documents have shown that the "secret" mantra formula consists of a limited number of words associated with Hindu deities, including: Shiama=Krishna, Aing=Sarasvati, Hiring=Shiva, Kiring=Kali, and given out by age, and/or age and sex depending upon the criteria used at the time the TM teacher was "given" the mantras. /62 In an internal document Maharishi says: "For training the mind through sound we can take any word, even the word 'mike.' For our purpose we select only the suitable mantras of personal gods." /63 Many scholars verify that TM is a religion. /64 /65 /66 /67 COST: $390 /68 (now $1,000 -ed) TM Advanced Techniques add the words 'shri' [O most beautiful] and 'namah' [I bow down] as prefix and/or suffix to the basic mantra. COST: $390 (now $1,000 -ed) The TM-Sidhi program is mental repetition of "sutras" (words or phrases) after a twenty minute session of TM. Examples of the sutras used in the TM-Sidhi program include: 'friendliness,' 'strength of an elephant,' 'sun,' and 'navel.' The levitation "flying" sutra: "Relationship of body and akasha, lightness of cotton fiber." /69 This practice is followed by readings of Hindu scriptures, i.e.: "Flow, Soma, in a most sweet and exhilarating stream, effused for Indra to drink. To thee we come, O dropping (Soma); for thee only is this our worship day by day, our prayers are to thee, none other..." /70 COST: $3,000 (Transportation and hotel additional) TM Residence Courses and "World Peace Assemblies" are in-residence courses where the amount of time spent in meditation or "flying" is increased. Maharishi philosophy and lifestyle is taught at these courses. COSTS Residence courses, $195 (3 day weekend); World Peace Assembly, $895 (week long courses should be taken four times a year) 2. Primordial Sound: Use of the primordial sounds of the Samhita of the four aspects of the Ved and their Ved-Angas and Up-Angas to eliminate imbalances in the functioning of human nature and nature as a whole. /71 The word "Amrita," which is Sanskrit for "the nectar of immortality" is mentally repeated. "A unique program offered as a professional medical service." COST $700 3. Intellect: To correct the mistake of the intellect, Pragya-aparadha, so that the totality of the unified structure of life is perceived while one is perceiving the diversified structure. In this state of knowledge, the Self, disease cannot flourish because life is intimately connected with the source of natural law. /72 The ultimate root of every disease is ignorance. /73 This is accomplished through exposure to Maharishi's teachings, including formal schooling, courses, and written, audio and video materials. /74 /75 /76 COSTS Maharishi Children's School, $3,800, elementary/$4,200, middle school. Maharishi International University, $7,080/year. The Science of Creative Intelligence, $270. TM Teacher Training Course, $8,000. (Teachers who practice the TM-Sidhi course can become "Governors of the Age of Enlightenment.") 4. Emotions: Strengthening of the finest level of feeling to develop the emotions fully. /77 This is also a claim of the TM and TM-Sidhi program. 5. Language: Using Vedic principles of the structure of language to promote balance, bliss and integrity in the mind and body. /78 COST $99, Sanskrit Course, Upanishads 1 and Instruction in Sanskrit 6. Maharishi Gandharva-Veda: Traditional music therapy using sound and melody to restore harmony in the physiology and eliminate the imbalances responsible for disease, prescribed by your doctor. /79 Music to be listened to at specified times of the day and night. COST Varies. (i.e., $60, Set of eight tapes, instrumental flute) 7. Senses: Vedic procedures to enliven, through the senses, perfect balance in all areas of life. /80 COSTS Home Aroma $200 / Return visits $155, Home Marma Therapy $200, Aroma Oils, Aroma Diffusers, Color Therapy 8. Psycho-Physiological Integration: Restoration of homeostatic balance and acceleration of neuromuscular coordination and balance in the physiology and psychology. /81 This technique, known also as the psycho-physiological or "bliss" technique is taught by Dr. Chopra, and involves putting one's "attention" in the heart area while thinking one's TM mantra. COST $700 9. Neuro-Muscular Integration: Vedic exercises [Salutation to the Sun] to restore mind-body coordination and the integrated functioning of all levels of life. These are yoga postures. /83 10. Neuro-Respiratory Integrations: Vedic exercises pertaining to the physiology of breathing to restore integrated functioning to all levels of mind and body. /84 Breathing techniques or "pranayama" that can cause individuals to hyperventilate. COST: $295, Home course. 11. Physiological Purification: Purification procedures applied at regular intervals to eliminate and prevent the accumulation of physiological impurities due to faulty dietary and behavioral patterns. /85 These "panchakarma" procedures include massage with herbalized oils, heat treatments, herbalized steam, oil treatments, enema, and purgatives, recommended four times a year. COST $2,000 (7 day standard program), $2,700 (7 day deluxe program), $3,900 (7 day royal program). 12. Diet: Appropriate dietary measures to support the restoration of physiological balance for prevention and treatment of disease. /86 For pita types: Use ghee instead of butter, turmeric should be included in your cooking, sprinkle churna on your food. COST: $495 Blissfully Thin: Maharishi Ayurvedic Approach to Effortless Weight Loss /87 13. Herbs and Minerals: Medicinal flora and minerals from every country to bring perfect balance to the functioning of mind and body. /88 Herbs are among the precious first experience of nature's intelligence, the manifesting of the primordial sounds of Veda into forms. /89 COSTS Various: Blissful Rest One/Two $12.95, MAV Vitality Mix $9.95, MAV Rose Petal Conserve $9.95, MAV Herbal Teas $3.75, Vata, Pitta, or Kapha Seasonal Teas $3.75, The Raja's Cup (Coffee Substitute) $4.95, MAV Ghee $10.95, Cashew, Almond, Nectar Delights $4.95 14. Rasayana: Herbal and mineral preparation formulated for the prevention and cure of disease and the promotion of longevity and immortality. /90 Dr. V.M. Dwivedi, deceased, whose picture adorns "Amrit Kalash" was President of Maharishi Vedic University and Chairman of Maharishi Ayur-Ved Corporation of America, Scientific Advisory Board. COSTS Varies. Amrit Kalash Nectar (M4-Paste), $40. Ingredients: Raw sugar, clarified butter, Indian gall nut, Indian gooseberry, dried catkins, Indian pennywort, honey, nutgrass, white sandalwood, butterfly pea, shoeflower aloewood, licorice, cardamom, cinnamon, cyperus, turmeric. No preservatives. /91 15. Behavior: Bringing behavior into accord with natural law through daily and seasonal routines. /92 Instruction in Vedic womanhood, ideal relationships, parenting, Ayurvedic exercise program, hygiene, sleeping on the right side with emphasis on the head facing east. /93 /94 COSTS Varies. i.e. Maharishi Ayur-Veda Health and Beauty Line; Heaven on Earth for Every Woman course. 16. Pulse Diagnosis: Detecting any existing or forthcoming imbalance simply by feeling the pulse. /95 COST $295 (Self Pulse Diagnosis) 17. Maharishi Jyotish: Securing perfect health for the future; /96 mathematical prediction of environmental influences on health. /97 Chart preparation and individual consultation on health, business, and relationships. /98 Maharishi Jyotish is Hindu Astrology. Maharishi Jyotish Gemstones are also recommended. COSTS from $150 /99 18. Maharishi Yagya: Vedic performances to restore environmental balance and promote individual and collective health. /100 Sacrificial ceremonies to please different Vedic gods and win their blessings and train the mind to contact higher powers and receive their blessings. /101 COSTS Various Yagyas are available: $3,300, $8,500, $11,500. /102 19. Environment: Creating collective health through the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programme so that society provides a nourishing and strengthening environment for the individual to rise to perfect health. /103 Group practice of TM and TM-Sidhi program; intensive practice is called "rounding" or "C.C.P." [Creating Coherence Program]. COSTS $35, Monthly dues for group practice. $200, Monthly fees for C.C.P. (Room and board additional.) 20. World Health / World Peace: Group performance by 7,000 experts in Maharishi's Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programme to create coherence in world consciousness, the basis of world peace and collective health on a global scale. /104 Living in a TM community, ideally Fairfield, Iowa. COST $35, Monthly dues. Relocation expenses. CAUSES AND TREATMENTS ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA DIAGNOSIS: Alcoholism, anorexia, nausea, poor digestion, advanced ascites, edema and indigestion. TREATMENT: Goat feces prepared by washing with urine. /11 DIAGNOSIS: Constipation. TREATMENT: Milk mixed with urine. /12 DIAGNOSIS: Improvement of male potency. TREATMENT: 216 different kinds of enemas, including the testicles of peacocks, swans and turtles. These, mixed with honey, make a man superbly potent. If these enemas don't return, follow immediately with enema of urine. /13 DIAGNOSIS: Insanity, epilepsy, internal hemmorage, piles and defective breast milk. TREATMENT: Emesis. /14 DIAGNOSIS: Wound inflammation. TREATMENT: Bloodletting. /15 DIAGNOSIS: Hemmorage. TREATMENT: Enema with fresh blood of a rabbit, deer, cock, cat, buffalo, sheep or goat. /16 DIAGNOSIS: Intra-uterine fetal death. TREATMENT: Incantation of mantras. DIAGNOSIS: Natural calamities. TREATMENT: Use of umbrella, provides strength, protection, covering, well-being and guards against the sun, wind, dust and rain. DIAGNOSIS: Alcoholism. TREATMENT: Massage, hot baths, merciless embracing of women with warmth of usefulness, loads of hips, thighs, breasts which are warm and pleasing due to holding up warm beddings and covering with warm and comfortable inner chambers. /19 DIAGNOSIS: Epilepsy, insanity or seizures. TREATMENT: Ass urine. /20 DIAGNOSIS: Constipation or retained urine. TREATMENT: Elephant urine. /21 CAUSE of insanity: Insults to gods. /22 CAUSE of chest pain: Unsuitable food, excessive sexual intercourse, irregular meals, suppression of urges. /23 CAUSE of impotency: Uncooked food, suspicion, ignorance of the taste for women, drinking too much water, intercourse with quadripeds, wounds in penis by sharp instrument, teeth or nails, striking with wooden stick, excessive use of awny insects (in order to elongate the organ). CURES: Castration, local anointment, sprinkling or bloodletting. /25 CAUSE of abcesses: Fatigue, sexual intercourse, giddiness and yawning. CAUSE of ammennorhea: Evil spirits or intake of hot food and drinks. /26 CAUSE of threatened abortion: Anger, grief, jealousy, terror, sexual intercourse, physical exercise or dirty food. /27 CAUSE of intra-uterine fetal death: Excessive use of sharp and hot things, suppression of urges of wind, urine and feces, use of uneven bed or seat, looking at ditches and waterfalls. /28 CAUSE of deformed baby: Pushing too soon in labor. /29 CAUSE of nucal cord (cord around baby's neck): Supine lying. /30 GUIDELINES for Physicians: Sneezing, crying, slipping, falling, angry expression, beating, refutation, despising; fall or defecting of cloth, turban, upper garment, umbrella and shoes; coming across the people afflicted due to the death of somebody, falling down of sacred tree, flagstaff, flag or pitcher full of water; talking about death or inauspicious things, pollution with ashes or dust, crossing of road by cat, dog or serpent; cries of cruel animals and birds facing south, seeing cot, chair and vehicles stretched out - these have been said as inauspicious by the learned. The wise physician seeing or hearing these in the way should not proceed to the patient's house. /30.1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Part 4 - Other Research on the Transcendental Meditation Program Susan Blackmore. Is meditation good for you? New Scientist, July 6, 1991. Richard J. Castillo. Depersonalization and Meditation. _Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes_, Vol. 53, May, 1990 pp. 158-168. Bernard C. Glueck and Charles F. Stroebel. Meditation in the Treatment of Psychiatric Illness. _Meditation: Classic and Contemporary Perspectives_. New York: Alden Publications, 1984, p. 150. Arnold A. Lazarus. Meditation: The Problems of Unimodal Technique. _Meditation: Classic and Contemporary Perspectives_ New York: Alden Publications 1984, p. 691. Arnold A. Lazarus. Psychiatric Problems Precipitated by Transcendental Meditation. _Psychological Report_, 1976, 39, pp. 601-602. Leon S. Otis. Adverse Effects of Transcendental Meditation. _Meditation: Classic and Contemporary Perspectives_, Alden Publications, 1984, p. 204. Frederick J. Heide and T.D. Borkovec. Relaxation-Induced Anxiety: Paradoxi Anxiety Enhancement due to Relaxation Training. _Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology_, 1983, pp. 171-182. Frederick J. Heide and T.D. Borkovec. Relaxation-Induced Anxiety: Mechanism and Theoretical Implications. _Behavioral Research Therapy_, 1984, pp. 1-12. Margaret T. Singer and Richard Ofshe. Thought Reform Programs and the Production of Psychiatric Casualties. _Psychiatric Annals_, April 1990, p. 188-193. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Part 5 - The Transcendental Meditation Ex-Members Support Group (TM-EX) WHAT IS TM-EX? Transcendental Meditation Ex-Members Support Group (TM-EX) was founded by former Maharishi International University (MIU) faculty, students, TM teachers, sidhas, meditators, and caring relatives of members of the TM movement. TM-EX is a support network to help former and current members of the TM movement in making the transition to life outside the TM movement. As former members, we have experienced the transition and are available to assist you. WHAT DO WE DO? We are a referral network and source of information to movement members, former members, exit counselors, family members and experienced therapists and professionals. TM-EX does not represent any particular philosophy, opinion or lifestyle. Although numerous religious based groups have challenged TM in the past, TM-EX is not affiliated with any of these. Its members come from a wide variety of religious and philosophical backgrounds. What we do have in common, is our desire to assist those leaving the movement; to make the public aware of the fraud within the movement; and the physical and psychological harm, that has resulted for many, from the practices of the TM Program. We welcome your input: comments, articles, letters, help with printing and postage. Call or write TM-EX: P.O. Box 7565, Arlington, VA 22207 (202) 728-7580 [All telephone calls will be returned collect.] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Part 6 - Footnotes ------------------ /11: Caraka Samhita, P.V. Sharma Editor-Translator, Varanassi, India, Vol. I, p. 220. [This is the seminal Ayurvedic text. --ed] /12: Ibid, Vol. I, p. 221. /13: Ibid, Vol. II, p. 680. /14: Ibid, Vol. II, p. 598. /15: Ibid, Vol. I, p. 412. /16: Ibid, Vol. II, p. 661. /17: Ibid, Vol. I, p. 472. /18: Ibid, Vol. I, p. 41. /19: Ibid, Vol. II, p. 401. /20: Ibid, Vol. I, p. 12. /21: Ibid, Vol. I, p. 12. /22: Ibid, Vol. II, p. 160. /23: Ibid, Vol. II, p. 303. /24: Ibid, Vol. II, pp. 518-19. /25: Ibid, Vol. II, pp. 520-21. /26: Ibid, Vol. I, p. 413. /27: Ibid, Vol. I, p. 469. /28: Ibid, Vol. I, p. 468. /29: Ibid, Vol. I, p. 477. /30: Ibid, Vol. I, p. 468. /30.1: Ibid, Vol. I, p. 525. /52: Maharishi Ayur-Ved in the USSR, March 22-24, 1989, p. 25. /53: The Twenty Approaches of Maharishi Ayur-Ved to Create Perfect Health, Maharishi Ayur-Ved in the USSR, 1986, pp. 24-25; The ILA MA (International Ladies Association of Maharishi Ayur-Veda) Handbook: A Celebration of Vedic Knowledge, 1990; Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center Program Descriptions, P.O. Box 344, Lancaster, MA. Deepak Chopra, M.D., Director. /54: Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center Program Descriptions, P.O. Box 344, Lancaster, MA. Deepak Chopra, M.D., Director. /55: Scientific Research on the Transcendental Meditation Program, Collected Papers, Vol. 1, MERU Press, 1977, pp. 19-20. /56: Affidavit of Dell Abrams, Kropinski v. Yogi, U.S. Dist. Ct. D.C., Civ. Nos. 85-2848, 2849, 2850, 2851, 2852, 2853, 2854, June 21, 1986. /57: Affidavit of Richard D. Scott, Malnak v. Yogi, 44 F.Supp. 1284 (1977). /58: Affidavit of Jerome W. Jarvis, President of World Plan Executive Council-U.S., Malnak v. Yogi, 440 F.Supp. 1284 (1977) /59: Affidavit of Linda Whipple Kehl, Krpoinski v. Yogi, Y.S. Dist. Ct. D.C., Civ. Nos. 85-2848, 2849, 2850, 2851, 2852, 2853, 2854, July 14, 1986. /60: LIFE magazine, The Return of Mister Bliss, Wainwright, Nov. 10, 1967, p. 26. /61: Affidavit of Gregory J. Randolph, Malnak v. Yogi, 440 F.Supp. 1284 (1977). /62: Statement of James W. Proctor. /63: Beacon Light of the Himalayas: The Dawn of a Happy New Era in the Field of Spiritual Practices: Mind Control, Peace & Atmananda, Maharishi Bala Bramachari Mahesh Yogi Maharaj, Oct. 1955. /64: Opinion of Judge H. Curtis Neanor, Malnak v. Yogi, 440 F.Supp. 1284 (1977). /65: Affidavit of Robert N. Bellah, Professor of Sociology and Comparative Studies, University of California, Berkeley. Malnak v. Yogi, 440 F. Supp. 1284 (1977). /66: Affidavit of Gerald J. Larson, Malnak v. Yogi, 440 F.Supp. 1284 (1977). /67: Affidavit of Rabindranath Maharaj, Malnak v. Yogi, 440 F. Supp. 1284 (1977). /68: Prices continually change: references here are from advertisements in the Fairfield Source: Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center price list, 1990-91. /69: Age of Enlightenment Press, Four new "siddha" posters, July 1977. /70: Rig Veda translation, Ninth Mandala, given to participants on TM-Sidhi courses. /71: The Twenty Approaches of Maharishi Ayur-Ved to Create Perfect Health, Maharishi Ayur-Ved in the USSR, 1986, pp. 24-25; The ILA MA (International Ladies Association of Maharishi Ayur-Veda) Handbook: A Celebration of Vedic Knowledge, 1990; Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center Program Descriptions, P.O. Box 344, Lancaster, MA. Deepak Chopra, M.D., Director. /72: Ibid. /73: Dr. Richard Averbach, Maharishi Ayurveda, Fairfield Source, July/Aug. 1987, p. 24. /74: BOOKS (examples): Bhagavad-Gita, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi; The Science of Being and Art of Living, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi; Love and God, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi; Enlightenment to Every Individual Invincibility to Every Nation; Return of the Rishi, D. Chopra, M.D.; Creating Health, D. Chopra, M.D.; Perfect Health, D. Chopra, M.D.; Quantum HEaling, D. Chopra, M.D.; Maharishi Transcendental Meditation, R. Roth; Ayur Veda Cook Book; Introduction to Sanskrit; Creating Heaven on Earth, R. Oates; Modern Science and Vedic Science: The Neurophysiology of Enlightenment, R. Wallace, Ph.D.; Enlightenment Management. AUDIOTAPES (examples): Quantum Healing; Sama Veda; Maharishi Ayur-Ved Primordial Sound; Rig Veda, Tenth Mandala, read by Deepak Chopra, M.D.; MIU Audio Magazine. /75: COURSES (examples): Vedic Science 1: Living Immortality; Vedic Science 2: Immortality; Maharishi Ayur-Veda (MAV) Blissfully Thin Teacher Training Course; Maharishi Jyotish Teacher Training Course; Bhagavad Gita 1 (For Governors and Sidhas); MAV Neuromuscular Integrations Teacher Training; Maharishi Gandharva Veda 1: Advanced Training. /76: Maharishi International Institute of Vedic Sciences, P.O. Box 374, Lancaster, MA 01523, 508/368-7472. /77: The Twenty Approaches of Maharishi Ayur-Ved to Create Perfect Health, Maharishi Ayur-Ved in the USSR, 1986, pp. 24-25; The ILA MA (International Ladies Association of Maharishi Ayur-Veda) Handbook: A Celebration of Vedic Knowledge, 1990; Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center Program Descriptions, P.O. Box 344, Lancaster, MA. Deepak Chopra, M.D., Director. /78: Ibid. /79: Ibid. /80: Ibid. /81: Ibid. /82: Ibid. /83: Blissfully Thin, Lesson Three, p. 11, Maharishi Ayurveda Corporation of America, 1987. /84: The Twenty Approaches of Maharishi Ayur-Ved to Create Perfect Health, Maharishi Ayur-Ved in the USSR, 1986, pp. 24-25; The ILA MA (International Ladies Association of Maharishi Ayur-Veda) Handbook: A Celebration of Vedic Knowledge, 1990; Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center Program Descriptions, P.O. Box 344, Lancaster, MA. Deepak Chopra, M.D., Director. /85: Ibid. /86: Ibid. /87: Maharishi Ayurveda Corporation of America, 1987. /88: The Twenty Approaches of Maharishi Ayur-Ved to Create Perfect Health, Maharishi Ayur-Ved in the USSR, 1986, pp. 24-25; The ILA MA (International Ladies Association of Maharishi Ayur-Veda) Handbook: A Celebration of Vedic Knowledge, 1990; Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center Program Descriptions, P.O. Box 344, Lancaster, MA. Deepak Chopra, M.D., Director. /89: Dr. Stuart Rothenberg, Maharishi Ayurveda, Fairfield Source, July/Aug. 1987, p. 26. /90: The Twenty Approaches of Maharishi Ayur-Ved to Create Perfect Health, Maharishi Ayur-Ved in the USSR, 1986, pp. 24-25; The ILA MA (International Ladies Association of Maharishi Ayur-Veda) Handbook: A Celebration of Vedic Knowledge, 1990; Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center Program Descriptions, P.O. Box 344, Lancaster, MA. Deepak Chopra, M.D., Director. /91: PRODUCTS (examples): AMRIT KALASH These two formulas comprise Maharishi Amrit Kalash: Food for Perfection in Life and work best when taken together: Amrit Kalash Ambrosia (M5 tablets) $45.00/mo.; Maharishi Amrit Kalash Nectar (fruit concentrate) $49.50/mo. (Refer friends and receive 10% product credit; refer 500 people and receive a check for $10,000.) Maharishi Amrit Kalash Container (A beautiful reminder of perfect health and longevity) $30.00. RASANAYAS: Rasayana One $19.95; Rasayana Two $19.95; Rasayana Three (Designed for clarity of mind) $19.95; MAV Rasayana for Women $19.50/mo.; MAV Rasayana for Men $28.50/mo.; MAV Rasayana for Students (for students of any age) $14.95/mo. /92: The Twenty Approaches of Maharishi Ayur-Ved to Create Perfect Health, Maharishi Ayur-Ved in the USSR, 1986, pp. 24-25; The ILA MA (International Ladies Association of Maharishi Ayur-Veda) Handbook: A Celebration of Vedic Knowledge, 1990; Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center Program Descriptions, P.O. Box 344, Lancaster, MA. Deepak Chopra, M.D., Director. /93: PRODUCTS AND COURSES (examples): The ILA MA (Vedic Woman) Handbook; ILA MA: Perfection for Every Woman; Ideal Relationships and The Vedic Woman (tape); Blissful Baby Video; MAV Mother-Baby Technician Training Course; MAV For Parents; MAV Fitness Program. /94: Maharishi International Institute of Vedic Sciences, P.O. Box 374, Lancaster, MA 01523, 508/368-7472. /95: The Twenty Approaches of Maharishi Ayur-Ved to Create Perfect Health, Maharishi Ayur-Ved in the USSR, 1986, pp. 24-25; The ILA MA (International Ladies Association of Maharishi Ayur-Veda) Handbook: A Celebration of Vedic Knowledge, 1990; Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center Program Descriptions, P.O. Box 344, Lancaster, MA. Deepak Chopra, M.D., Director. /96: Ibid. /97: Ibid. /98: [Above signature line]: I understand my chart or analysis only comments on the trends of the future according to the principles of Maharishi Jyotish. These trends can be influenced by many factors and can change at any time. I understand that Maharishi Jyotish disclaims any responsibility for consequences resulting from any action based on the analysis of my chart. NOTE: Accurate Birth Time is of utmost importance. Maharishi Jyotish Programs Confidential Application Form, Feb. 1, 1987, Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center, P.O. Box 344, Lancaster, MA 01523. /99: PRODUCTS (examples): Maharishi Jyotish Natal Chart/Mail; Maharishi Jyotish Natal Chart/Private; Maharishi Jyotish Compatibility Analysis/Mail; Maharishi Jyotish Progression Profile/Private; Maharishi Jyotish Company/Project Profile; Maharishi Jyotish: Advanced Course for Beginners; Jyotish Consolations; Maharishi Jyotish Gemstones. /100: The Twenty Approaches of Maharishi Ayur-Ved to Create Perfect Health, Maharishi Ayur-Ved in the USSR, 1986, pp. 24-25; The ILA MA (International Ladies Association of Maharishi Ayur-Veda) Handbook: A Celebration of Vedic Knowledge, 1990; Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center Program Descriptions, P.O. Box 344, Lancaster, MA. Deepak Chopra, M.D., Director. /101: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Bhagavad Gita, New Translation and Commentary, Chapters 1-6, MIU Press, 1976, p. 142. /102: Letter from the Dakshina Fund, circulated through the TM community, Nov. 21, 1989. /103: The Twenty Approaches of Maharishi Ayur-Ved to Create Perfect Health, Maharishi Ayur-Ved in the USSR, 1986, pp. 24-25; The ILA MA (International Ladies Association of Maharishi Ayur-Veda) Handbook: A Celebration of Vedic Knowledge, 1990; Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center Program Descriptions, P.O. Box 344, Lancaster, MA. Deepak Chopra, M.D., Director.