Maharishi Open University

Technologies for Systematically Developing Consciousness

The foundation of the programmes of Maharishi Open University is the study of consciousness and the direct experience of consciousness. This direct experience is gained through the technologies of Maharishi's Vedic Science — the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi Programme, including Yogic Flying — which effortlessly, spontaneously enliven Total Knowledge of Natural Law in human consciousness.

These simple, natural, effortless technologies of consciousness are uniquely effective in enabling individuals to rise above problems and fulfil their desires in every aspect of life. More than 600 scientific research studies conducted at over 200 universities in 30 countries validate a wide range of benefits for mind, body, behaviour, and society. Taken together these scientific findings show that through Maharishi's Technologies of Consciousness life becomes increasingly happy, healthy, and progressive — increasingly in harmony with Natural Law.

Sample Scientific Research Findings on the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi Programme

Decreased Stress

Plasma cortisol is a stress hormone. The study shows that plasma cortisol decreased during the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, whereas it did not change significantly in control subjects during ordinary relaxation.

Reference: Adrenocortical activity during meditation, Hormones and Behavior 10(1): 54-60, 1978.

Increased Intelligence

Students at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, USA, who regularly practiced the Transcendental Meditation technique, increased significantly in intelligence over a 2-year period, compared to control subjects from another Iowa university. This finding corroborates the results of two other studies showing increased IQ in Maharishi University of Management students.

Reference I: Transcendental Meditation and improved performance on intelligence-related measures: A longitudinal study, Personality and Individual Differences 12: 1105-1116, 1991. Reference II: Longitudinal effects of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi Programme on cognitive ability and cognitive style, Perceptual and Motor Skills 62: 731-738, 1986.

Broader Comprehension and the Ability to Focus
(Increased Field Independence)

Field independence has been associated with a greater ability to assimilate and structure experience, greater organization of mind and cognitive clarity, improved memory, greater creative expression, and a stable internal frame of reference. The results show that practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique develops greater field independence. This improvement in people practicing the Transcendental Meditation program is remarkable because it was previously thought that these basic perceptual abilities do not improve beyond early adulthood.

Reference I: Influence of Transcendental Meditation upon autokinetic perception, Perceptual Motor Skills 39: 1031-1034, 1974. Reference II: Longitudinal effects of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi Programme on cognitive ability and cognitive style, Perceptual and Motor Skills 62: 731-738, 1986.

Other research findings include:

Increased creativity
Improved memory
Greater orderliness of brain functioning
Reversal of the aging process
Reduced stress and anxiety Improved self-confidence
Improved relationships at home and work

The results of these studies taken together indicate that Maharishi's Technologies of Consciousness can solve the problems found in all areas of society-including education, health, business and industry, government, and defence. Let me give a few examples of findings in each of these areas.

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Decreased Stress

Increased Intelligence

Broader Comprehension and the Ability to Focus (Increased Field Independence)

Broader Comprehension and the Ability to Focus
(Increased Field Independence)