Posted for Sue
You share in your book, “Catching the Big Fish,” a conviction that TM enhances your creative process.
BUT, I did NOT have the same experience with enhancing my creativity with Transcendental Meditation! As a young art student, at the California College of Arts in Oakland, I got into TM. The year was 1971. Immediately I felt a riff with my art! I began to sleep in later in the mornings in order to have the subjective “clear” experience of “transcendiing.”
My attitude toward myself, my body, and people changed. I learned a new concept: “stress.” I learned another new concept: “energy.” I learned that “stress” and “energy” were realities that effected my daily life. I thought about how much sleep I got and became concerned that I got enough for my “evolution.” I felt my body resting in a new way and I felt a new sense of peace.
I absorbed a whole new mentality. I learned that this feeling of peacefuness was due to contact with the “Field of Creative Intelligence.” I learned that Cosmic Consciousness came from contact with this inner experience, and the inner experience
was PEACEFUL. I began to attribute good things happening to me to my meditating. My whole concept of life changed.
I was no longer a free agent diving into my classes with the enthusiasm of a new 18 year old freshman in college.
It was only because a teacher, the English teacher, suggested the TM lecture to the class that I even attended the lecture. I was not particularly interested in Eastern religions; I was interested in drawing and painting and being in college. I was happy!
But after I absorbed the TM philosophy and practice with the rigid discipline of twice a day meditation, I was not the same person.
I no longer felt interested in art. It happened very quickly for me. I came late to class. I got a “D” in Art History. I felt that TM held the keys to the kingdom so to speak, and everything else was not important. I sought other TMers for compamionship and a feeling of connection.
I dropped out of college by the Spring and sought work to cover the cost of a TM teacher training course. By the following Fall, one year after my TM initiation ceremony, I boarded a chartered plane from LAX to Luxembourg, and bus ride to La Antilla, Spain to learn the secrets to becoming a TM teacher. I learned how to do the initaion ceremony, puja, and experienced a lot more meditation.
When I returned home to Oakland one year later, the sights and smells overwhelmed me. Life had been speeding up while I was on another planet. I had lost the feel for my home town; I was a stranger in a strange land. My younger brother took one look at me
and went back to what he was doing. I wasn't the same. I thought I would be filled with a glow that attracts people; there wasn't a good glow!
I attended classes at another college; I couldn't connect with the classes or the people. One person mocked my religious conviction that TM was the way to release stress by declaring out loud “I go to the beach to relax!” I was a freak.
I no longer spoke the same language as people about me. I felt above them; I felt deep inside that I knew something that they didn't. I believed another new concept; “nature supports.” This meant that events in daily life would line up in support of us who meditated regularly and we didn't have to worry about our safety or our wellbeing, as “nature” would support us. I lost reasonableness.
TM philosophy and practice had taken over my mind. I sought refuge back in Switzerland in Maharishi's group-rented off-season hotels FOR TWO MORE YEARS. Finally, my family required I rejoin the fold and come home in December 1975. Back again...........
My mother got the creeps when I closed my door for my Transcendental Deep Meditation (the original name given the practice by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in about 1965). Soon, my mother, the gatekeeper, with the blessing of my father, the reasonable, dismissed me from the family home. I was old enough by then, 22, but entirely without real world skills or even the focus to get them in school.
My point is that I lost my entire artistic focus due my my practicing Transcendental Meditaion as taught by Maharish Mahesh Yogi.
When strictly practiced, one is not supposed to pay attention to thoughts during a TM meditation. One is supposed to ignore thoughts during TM!
This was the way I practiced TM.
BUT, you have divulged that you glean ideas during a meditation, and “catch fish” so to speak; this might be called the David Lynch lynchpin!
I think you have discovered a way of making TM useful to people! Pay attention to thoughts during a meditation! Oh my God!
Why not teach YOUR version to the kids in schools? It would be much cheaper; just hold a group meeting with the kids, give them all mantras (be sure to tell them where the mantras come from and that they are NOT meaningless), and let them learn to drift into daydreaming and be aloud to pick up ideas as you do! Otherwise by introducing TM in the schools, you may be introducing a method of disconnection to the kids. You may be introducing them to something that keeps them FROM their creativity! Wouldn't it feel awful to realize that that is what you have given the kids in schools by promoting TM? If such a thing happened to a single child, how would you feel?
I have a question for any artistic TM meditator besides David Lynch; HAS IT HELPED YOUR CREATIVITY?
My opinion is that David Lynch is an outrageously creative soul TO BEGIN WITH, with or without his version of TM.
Friday, February 09, 2007
THINK FREE: 02/09/07
THINK FREE is a regular feature of TM-Free Blog. It features a summary of news about TM and other orgs labeled "cults" by critics.
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
- Minister Claims Scientology Is World's Fastest-Growing Religion Albany Times Union [Does that Mean They Have Greater "Support of Nature" than the Maharishi?]
- Five Nigerians Charged with Arson, Cult Activities The Tide
- Arizona to Extradite Scientology Protester Inland News
- David Lynch Talks Movies and Meditation -- Yet Again San Jose Mercury News
- Police Manhunt for "Black Jesus" Who Eats Girls This London
- The Science of Evil and Its Use for Political Purposes Atlantic Free Press
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
OFF TOPIC: A Word about Us as Contributors
Some readers have commented that they are confused by differences between the viewpoints of our various contributors.
I've been meaning to post something about our editorial policies for some time. Unfortunately, despite diligent work on our Mission Statement, we don't have formal editorial guidelines to share with you yet. But I can give you some idea of what we're about.
Some of us think meditation is a bad idea. Some of us continue to meditate. Some think the TM Org must be destroyed to end its damaging effects. At least one of us believes the organization could be reformed. At least one of us believes that it is desirable to resurrect what the Maharishi's master, Guru Dev, once taught. At least one of us believe that Guru Dev, as it is possible to know him, is for all intents and purposes a mythical figure whose mind is unknowable.
Our lack of agreement goes on and on.
In point of fact, this post can't really be said to be written on behalf of the other editors at all. This is my take on what we are trying to achieve. There's a good chance that my fellow editors disagree with some or all of what you are reading.
Our grand strategy could be termed "planned disorganization." Each author here has total freedom to post whatever she or he wants – without interference from any other author. What keeps the contents of TM-Free Blog from disintegrating into total chaos is what we have in general agreement: The policies, practices, and actions of the TM Org and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi are dangerous and destructive.
Now, I have great difficulty managing disagreement and confrontation. I think this has to do with my TM Org experiences as well as my upbringing. I'm an adult child of an alcoholic. Confrontation -- albeit one-sided -- was a large part of my childhood.
I think that's why striving for respectful disagreement is so important to me. I believe that it's an issue that cult members in general, and former TMers in particular, need to work through.
I also think that we tend to have difficulty agreeing. For myself, I resent so strongly what we used to call "group consciousness" and "coherence" in the TM Org that I have trouble being in groups that agree too much. I can get the heebie-jeebies just attending church with my sainted Irish Catholic mother.
I'm reasonably certain that at least part of my motivation for founding trancenet.net, instead of working more closely with Mike Doughney on his excellent minet.org, had to do with my need to strike out on my own, develop my independence. I think it's quite possible that other former cult members have trouble collaborating for some of these reasons. I'm really proud that we TM-Free editors are working through our issues with collaboration so gracefully.
We editors don't speak with one voice. We may from time to time disagree on some points, while remaining united in believing the TM Org is disastrously wrong.
I think allowing ourselves to avoid collaborating because we disagreed would be to continue to give the TM Org way too much power over us. I also think it's one of the reasons that cults experience relatively little criticism. We critics, with the possible exception of TM-Free Blog, remain too disorganized because collaboration is difficult for us.
I strongly believe it will be healthy for our Blog and for us as individuals to disagree! I think our readers will gain from our role modeling that we can disagree yet remain friends and work on a project together because we focus on the few things we agree on.
We can show our little corner of the world that we can discuss and disagree without recreating the wasteland of alt.meditation.transcendental (the Usenet news group).
One last note. Some have questioned contributors' tone on the Blog. Specifically, they question "bitterness" and "anger."
I believe anger is a valuable feeling. Like any feeling, God, Nature, or Whoever put it there for a reason. And, like any feeling, it can be perverted. Love, generally considered a "positive" feeling, can easily become obsession in its perverted form.
Anger is there to tell us something is not right. Generally we get angry because we are in pain, because we fear being placed in pain, or because of frustration. All those seem operative and appropriate among Transcendental Meditation critics.
Anger is the feeling that gives us the strength to change. My favorite example is the civil rights movement of the 60s. African Americans recognized injustice -- and got angry. They channeled their anger as an energy to effect change. And the result, while not perfect, offered a greater measure of freedom for all Americans.
Our anger at the Movement, if not overindulged can work similar wonders.
I've been meaning to post something about our editorial policies for some time. Unfortunately, despite diligent work on our Mission Statement, we don't have formal editorial guidelines to share with you yet. But I can give you some idea of what we're about.
Some of us think meditation is a bad idea. Some of us continue to meditate. Some think the TM Org must be destroyed to end its damaging effects. At least one of us believes the organization could be reformed. At least one of us believes that it is desirable to resurrect what the Maharishi's master, Guru Dev, once taught. At least one of us believe that Guru Dev, as it is possible to know him, is for all intents and purposes a mythical figure whose mind is unknowable.
Our lack of agreement goes on and on.
In point of fact, this post can't really be said to be written on behalf of the other editors at all. This is my take on what we are trying to achieve. There's a good chance that my fellow editors disagree with some or all of what you are reading.
Our grand strategy could be termed "planned disorganization." Each author here has total freedom to post whatever she or he wants – without interference from any other author. What keeps the contents of TM-Free Blog from disintegrating into total chaos is what we have in general agreement: The policies, practices, and actions of the TM Org and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi are dangerous and destructive.
Now, I have great difficulty managing disagreement and confrontation. I think this has to do with my TM Org experiences as well as my upbringing. I'm an adult child of an alcoholic. Confrontation -- albeit one-sided -- was a large part of my childhood.
I think that's why striving for respectful disagreement is so important to me. I believe that it's an issue that cult members in general, and former TMers in particular, need to work through.
I also think that we tend to have difficulty agreeing. For myself, I resent so strongly what we used to call "group consciousness" and "coherence" in the TM Org that I have trouble being in groups that agree too much. I can get the heebie-jeebies just attending church with my sainted Irish Catholic mother.
I'm reasonably certain that at least part of my motivation for founding trancenet.net, instead of working more closely with Mike Doughney on his excellent minet.org, had to do with my need to strike out on my own, develop my independence. I think it's quite possible that other former cult members have trouble collaborating for some of these reasons. I'm really proud that we TM-Free editors are working through our issues with collaboration so gracefully.
We editors don't speak with one voice. We may from time to time disagree on some points, while remaining united in believing the TM Org is disastrously wrong.
I think allowing ourselves to avoid collaborating because we disagreed would be to continue to give the TM Org way too much power over us. I also think it's one of the reasons that cults experience relatively little criticism. We critics, with the possible exception of TM-Free Blog, remain too disorganized because collaboration is difficult for us.
I strongly believe it will be healthy for our Blog and for us as individuals to disagree! I think our readers will gain from our role modeling that we can disagree yet remain friends and work on a project together because we focus on the few things we agree on.
We can show our little corner of the world that we can discuss and disagree without recreating the wasteland of alt.meditation.transcendental (the Usenet news group).
One last note. Some have questioned contributors' tone on the Blog. Specifically, they question "bitterness" and "anger."
I believe anger is a valuable feeling. Like any feeling, God, Nature, or Whoever put it there for a reason. And, like any feeling, it can be perverted. Love, generally considered a "positive" feeling, can easily become obsession in its perverted form.
Anger is there to tell us something is not right. Generally we get angry because we are in pain, because we fear being placed in pain, or because of frustration. All those seem operative and appropriate among Transcendental Meditation critics.
Anger is the feeling that gives us the strength to change. My favorite example is the civil rights movement of the 60s. African Americans recognized injustice -- and got angry. They channeled their anger as an energy to effect change. And the result, while not perfect, offered a greater measure of freedom for all Americans.
Our anger at the Movement, if not overindulged can work similar wonders.
THINK FREE: 02/08/07
THINK FREE is a regular feature of TM-Free Blog. It features a summary of news about TM and other orgs labeled "cults" by critics.
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
- Meditation and Movies Collide in David Lynch Duke Chronicle [Finally, Someone Notes the Contradictions in Lynch's Work]
- Actor Simon Pegg Says Cruise Not Obsessed with Scientology StarPulse.com [Well, That's a Relief]
- Mormon Romney Braces for Religion as an Issue New York Times
- Nigerian University Expels 100 for Cult Involvement All Africa
- Jonestown Revisited Falls Church News Press
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
THINK FREE: 02/07/07
THINK FREE is a regular feature of TM-Free Blog. It features a summary of news about TM and other orgs labeled "cults" by critics.
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
- Scientology's Anti-Psychiatry Exhibit Goes Too Far? Rocky Mountain News [Is the Pope Catholic?]
- Raelians Revive Swastica/Star of David Symbol Canadian Jewish News [Nazis from Space?]
- Death Tied to Alleged Cult KMBC TV
- Child's Death Laid at Alleged Cult's Door WBIR TV
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
THINK FREE: 02/06/07
THINK FREE is a regular feature of TM-Free Blog. It features a summary of news about TM and other orgs labeled "cults" by critics.
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
- Zambian Archbishop Involved with Unification Church? Ecumenical News International
- Former Mormon Warns Christians Not to Support Romney Journal Chretien
- Najaf Massacre Divides Iraq Azzaman.com
- Sacramento Prosecuter Accuses Wife of Plot to Murder Him in Satanic Cult Plot ABCNews.go.com
- Continuing Persecution of ISKCON in Kazakhstan Alleged Daily India
- Doomsday Cult Declares Pope John Paul II to Return as Anti-Christ USA Regligious News
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Former TMer visits modern Rishikesh
An anonymous 20-something reader, former MUM student, sent this with permission to post.
Hey Gina,
How have you been? Good stuff here. So much to see - I can't wait to dive in and read more. I find it funny that the web page uses keywords from the site for the Google ads, and so it is actually promoting Maharishi's products at the same time the words are critical of him. The movement pays top dollar to Google for that. If they only knew where it's ending up ;P
Did you hear they are paying people to take their siddhis and to go to the domes?
You won't believe this, but I just got back from India. I've been wanting to go to India for over a decade. I did manage to take a few days in Rishikesh.
In Rishikesh, I found the original ashram where the Beatles stayed with Maharishi in '68. Have you ever been there? It was actually a little sad because it was abandoned and dilapidated. The entire trip was very educational to see how scamming is really part of the culture in India, from the highest political level, to the bicycle rickshaw driver, to the sadhus by the river. I dropped in on a few yoga classes here and there.
I talked with one 20 year old teacher that's been doing yoga for 8 months. He said he wants to be a famous guru like Maharishi when he grows up. Poverty combined with corruption - just add the cultural gift of Vedanta and a little bit of
smarts. It really made me understand Maharishi better. Scamming white people is a tradition there, and still very active.
Locals either didn't know much about him, or they just knew that Maharishi had a bad reputation. I did hear from one guy that he thought Maharishi built the ashram on state forest land and wouldn't pay for it, or did eventually, but wouldn't renew the lease. Something like that. So it looks like it was fishy from the start.
Some locals told me that people come there to go "yoga shopping". There are indeed lots of little stores that line the river to stock up on Ganeshas, Oms, and other collectables.
There is probably something genuine still there somewhere, but it's either unidentifiable because it's buried in the tourism/commercialism - or it simply moved up river to where it's less populated. Interestingly, Rishikesh is now a hot spot for whitewater rafting and hiking too. I was surprised at how it felt a little like the Colorado foothills. One river guide I spoke
with told me to be careful of some guides. To some, it's just another job to try because they either failed at many others, or they just can't find another job due to lack of opportunity. Made me think of Maharishi getting his physics degree and not being able to find a job with it, then finding SOMETHING, that being a swami's secretary.
Since coming back I tried doing a little research on the web and found this really good site. Very interesting reading about how Maharishi was less than monk-like from the early days with trying to extort and manipulate the Beatles and his other celebrity friends, then giggle it off. What a prick. Check it out:
http://www.thebeatlesinindia.com/
Click on photo collection, then stories.
(personal conversation omitted)
Hope all has been well with you and that you have a great new year.
All my best,
(anonymous)
Hey Gina,
How have you been? Good stuff here. So much to see - I can't wait to dive in and read more. I find it funny that the web page uses keywords from the site for the Google ads, and so it is actually promoting Maharishi's products at the same time the words are critical of him. The movement pays top dollar to Google for that. If they only knew where it's ending up ;P
Did you hear they are paying people to take their siddhis and to go to the domes?
You won't believe this, but I just got back from India. I've been wanting to go to India for over a decade. I did manage to take a few days in Rishikesh.
In Rishikesh, I found the original ashram where the Beatles stayed with Maharishi in '68. Have you ever been there? It was actually a little sad because it was abandoned and dilapidated. The entire trip was very educational to see how scamming is really part of the culture in India, from the highest political level, to the bicycle rickshaw driver, to the sadhus by the river. I dropped in on a few yoga classes here and there.
I talked with one 20 year old teacher that's been doing yoga for 8 months. He said he wants to be a famous guru like Maharishi when he grows up. Poverty combined with corruption - just add the cultural gift of Vedanta and a little bit of
smarts. It really made me understand Maharishi better. Scamming white people is a tradition there, and still very active.
Locals either didn't know much about him, or they just knew that Maharishi had a bad reputation. I did hear from one guy that he thought Maharishi built the ashram on state forest land and wouldn't pay for it, or did eventually, but wouldn't renew the lease. Something like that. So it looks like it was fishy from the start.
Some locals told me that people come there to go "yoga shopping". There are indeed lots of little stores that line the river to stock up on Ganeshas, Oms, and other collectables.
There is probably something genuine still there somewhere, but it's either unidentifiable because it's buried in the tourism/commercialism - or it simply moved up river to where it's less populated. Interestingly, Rishikesh is now a hot spot for whitewater rafting and hiking too. I was surprised at how it felt a little like the Colorado foothills. One river guide I spoke
with told me to be careful of some guides. To some, it's just another job to try because they either failed at many others, or they just can't find another job due to lack of opportunity. Made me think of Maharishi getting his physics degree and not being able to find a job with it, then finding SOMETHING, that being a swami's secretary.
Since coming back I tried doing a little research on the web and found this really good site. Very interesting reading about how Maharishi was less than monk-like from the early days with trying to extort and manipulate the Beatles and his other celebrity friends, then giggle it off. What a prick. Check it out:
http://www.thebeatlesinindia.com/
Click on photo collection, then stories.
(personal conversation omitted)
Hope all has been well with you and that you have a great new year.
All my best,
(anonymous)
Monday, February 05, 2007
THINK FREE: 02/05/07
THINK FREE is a regular feature of TM-Free Blog. It features a summary of news about TM and other orgs labeled "cults" by critics.
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
- Scientology Critic Arrested after 6 Years Slashdot.org
- Sudan: Jim Jones-style Cult Sudan Tribune
- Mental Techniques – Including Transcendental Meditation – for Pain Control Charlotte Observer
- Alleged Cult Connection to Parents Charged with Murder Ashland City Times
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Lifton's Thought Reform Criteria Applied to TM. Part Three of Eight.
Lifton’s Criteria of Thought Reform (1) - Part Three
As applied to Transcendental MeditationTM
Gina Catena, M.S.
You may read Part One of this series by clicking here.
Part Two is available by clicking here.
Lifton’s third criteria for thought reform is “The Demand for Purity.” (2)
THE DEMAND FOR PURITY
For those who succumb to living within the TM Movement full time,
“The world becomes sharply divided into the pure and the impure, the absolutely good (the group/ideology) and the absolutely evil (everything outside the group).” (3)
Once having embraced the TM community mentality, anything outside the TM world may be perceived as a threat. It was frightening for me to consider leaving the TM community many years ago. I was afraid of the “negativity” and “ignorance” of the world. I received praise and validation within the Movement. The “purity” of our devoted community felt safe, despite regimentation, dogma, professional struggles, repressed stories of child neglect and abuse.
I was even more anxious because I lacked (professional and social) skills for the real world, after a lifetime within the Movement. My exhusband, children and I eventually left, stumbled, then thrived.
On a recent phone call, one TM acquaintance expressed fears, “I don’t know how you live out there, Gina. Your spiritual evolution is hindered from being surrounded by so much negtivity. This must be so hard for you. I know how evil the world is out there. I have a cousin strung out on cocaine in San Diego.”
When I explained that her cousin is an exception to the norm, she refused to consider otherwise, insisting, “No, there are rakshasas (evil demons) lurking everywhere out there. Anyone can succumb at any time, just like my cousin. We have the finest purity here. I could never go anywhere else, despite our problems.”
Another middle-aged devotee, also raised in the Movement, traveled the world within the Movement’s echelons for decades. In her fifties, upon returning from her first solo weekend journey exclaimed, “It’s scary out there!” She perceived the world as threatening.
Believing in the power of pure “Vastu architecture”, some TM devotees refuse to enter a building with a south-facing entrance, because it would bring mystical evil energy. These True Believers will only enter buildings of architectural purity, lest they become spiritually tainted by impure architecture. They state they can "think more clearly", or their "consciousness feels expansive" when inside pure Vastu construction.
Others who cannot afford a custom built Vastu-approved home, or an expensive remodel of their existing home, feel inadequate because their home is not appropriately pure. They avoid their south facing entrances, and apologize for lack of proper alignment of walls and windows.
Should I rejoice that True Believers avoid my home’s south-facing front entrance? In actuality, it saddens me. They could blame my south facing entryway as the evil influence upon my consciousness, inspiring this impure essay!
Each year upon his deemed birthday, January 12th, Maharishi emerges from his annual “period of silence” to inspire the Movement for the coming year’s momentum. Devoted followers “must continually change or conform to the group norm." (4) He announces another standard of inspirational purity with each new year.
The TM group norm continually changes. This keeps everyone striving for the utmost growth in purity. In the 1970’s women were required to dress in casually elegant business attire. Now women often wear sarees regardless of their culture of origin.
In the sixties and seventies, astrology and other esoterica were frowned upon; Maharishi directed us not to dabble in other forms of spirituality. We were to "protect the purity of the teaching." TM followers cheated to study astrology, past lives or other mystical teachings. Seeing a potential customer base, the TM Movement then cornered the market on esoterica with trademarked astrology, music, jyotishi consultants (Hindu mystics), mystical gem sales, architectural styles and expensive yagyas (spiritual ceremonies) to generate higher consciousness, perfect health and prosperity. Outside sources of esoterica are considered not as pure as those promoted by Maharishi’s organization.
Of course, that of the utmost "purity" (from Maharishi) comes with the highest price tag, most exclusive social circles, and greatest restrictions upon outside influence.
“Tendencies towards guilt and shame are used as emotional levers for the group's controlling and manipulative influences.” (5)
The basic concept is if one stays “with the program” he or she will eventually receive the carrot on a stick – pure bliss or enlightenment. If one leaves, he or she risks losing everything.
Another devotee jokes of having been a “rascal on the spiritual path,” as if following inner dictates were inherently impure, rather than a joyous celebration of individuality. Personal directives would deter one from the “Path.” The “Path” as outlined by Maharishi, is the only recognized pure method of spiritual advancement.
How sad to self-judge and restrict oneself, for having an inner sense of purpose.
When my good friend’s son died of an inoperable brain tumor in San Diego, a Maharishi University faculty member told her husband, “Your son died because you left the life supporting influence of our TM community.” In essence, the University faculty member said their son's tragic death was due punishment for having left Fairfield.
True devotees hold themselves to high standards of purity, continually failing to attain perfection. And we thought Catholic guilt was bad!
“Once a person has experienced the totalist polarization of good/evil (black/white thinking), he has great difficulty in regaining a more balanced inner sensitivity to the complexities of human morality.” (6)
Real life has grey zones, where an individual determines one’s own balance among conflicting demands.
When a person bases his or her life upon externally derived definitions of right from wrong, he or she may lose the ability to make personal value-judgments.
Personal self determination is especially difficult for those coming through my home after having been raised within the TM Movement. This difficulty with self-determination may account for the frequency with which many former TMers become guru-hoppers (not levitating, but jumping between various spiritual groups). Many leave TM’s dysfunction, but seek other external directives or group definition.
Even long after leaving the TM community, many individuals continue to judge others as “good” or “bad” according to a pre-measured determination of “spirituality.” Their TM-based internalized idealism continues as the barometer of worthiness.
There is no “all good”, nor “all bad”, even within the TM Movement. Most would agree that those attracted to our cult's idealism are kind, well-intentioned, idealistic individuals. We created a sweet caring community. Our goal was Utopia. In some ways, that was achieved! Many benefited through TM and association with the organization. However, many were seriously damaged.
True devotees were indoctrinated through programmatic thought reform methods (commonly known as “mind control” or “brainwashing”). Not everyone succumbs to full indoctrination, as Joe Kellet describes in his “free fall down TM’s rabbit hole.”
Those who experienced the “free fall down TM’s rabbit hole” are challenged when integrating into society. They must self determine without a spiritual drill-sargent. The challenge lies in the battle within one's own mind. In real life, there is no "absolute purity" for which to strive.
Dedicated in loving memory to: Carolyn, Ana, Doug, Levi, Marsten, Randy, Linda, Kevin and others who no longer are with us in spite of, or because of, their devotion to this “Path to Enlightenment.”
Click here for Parts Four and Five.
1. Lifton, R. (1989) Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism. Chapel Hill. University of North Carolina Press.
2. ibid Lifton
3. ibid Lifton
4. ibid Lifton
5. ibid Lifton
6. ibid Lifton
As applied to Transcendental MeditationTM
Gina Catena, M.S.
You may read Part One of this series by clicking here.
Part Two is available by clicking here.
Lifton’s third criteria for thought reform is “The Demand for Purity.” (2)
THE DEMAND FOR PURITY
For those who succumb to living within the TM Movement full time,
“The world becomes sharply divided into the pure and the impure, the absolutely good (the group/ideology) and the absolutely evil (everything outside the group).” (3)
Once having embraced the TM community mentality, anything outside the TM world may be perceived as a threat. It was frightening for me to consider leaving the TM community many years ago. I was afraid of the “negativity” and “ignorance” of the world. I received praise and validation within the Movement. The “purity” of our devoted community felt safe, despite regimentation, dogma, professional struggles, repressed stories of child neglect and abuse.
I was even more anxious because I lacked (professional and social) skills for the real world, after a lifetime within the Movement. My exhusband, children and I eventually left, stumbled, then thrived.
On a recent phone call, one TM acquaintance expressed fears, “I don’t know how you live out there, Gina. Your spiritual evolution is hindered from being surrounded by so much negtivity. This must be so hard for you. I know how evil the world is out there. I have a cousin strung out on cocaine in San Diego.”
When I explained that her cousin is an exception to the norm, she refused to consider otherwise, insisting, “No, there are rakshasas (evil demons) lurking everywhere out there. Anyone can succumb at any time, just like my cousin. We have the finest purity here. I could never go anywhere else, despite our problems.”
Another middle-aged devotee, also raised in the Movement, traveled the world within the Movement’s echelons for decades. In her fifties, upon returning from her first solo weekend journey exclaimed, “It’s scary out there!” She perceived the world as threatening.
Believing in the power of pure “Vastu architecture”, some TM devotees refuse to enter a building with a south-facing entrance, because it would bring mystical evil energy. These True Believers will only enter buildings of architectural purity, lest they become spiritually tainted by impure architecture. They state they can "think more clearly", or their "consciousness feels expansive" when inside pure Vastu construction.
Others who cannot afford a custom built Vastu-approved home, or an expensive remodel of their existing home, feel inadequate because their home is not appropriately pure. They avoid their south facing entrances, and apologize for lack of proper alignment of walls and windows.
Should I rejoice that True Believers avoid my home’s south-facing front entrance? In actuality, it saddens me. They could blame my south facing entryway as the evil influence upon my consciousness, inspiring this impure essay!
Each year upon his deemed birthday, January 12th, Maharishi emerges from his annual “period of silence” to inspire the Movement for the coming year’s momentum. Devoted followers “must continually change or conform to the group norm." (4) He announces another standard of inspirational purity with each new year.
The TM group norm continually changes. This keeps everyone striving for the utmost growth in purity. In the 1970’s women were required to dress in casually elegant business attire. Now women often wear sarees regardless of their culture of origin.
In the sixties and seventies, astrology and other esoterica were frowned upon; Maharishi directed us not to dabble in other forms of spirituality. We were to "protect the purity of the teaching." TM followers cheated to study astrology, past lives or other mystical teachings. Seeing a potential customer base, the TM Movement then cornered the market on esoterica with trademarked astrology, music, jyotishi consultants (Hindu mystics), mystical gem sales, architectural styles and expensive yagyas (spiritual ceremonies) to generate higher consciousness, perfect health and prosperity. Outside sources of esoterica are considered not as pure as those promoted by Maharishi’s organization.
Of course, that of the utmost "purity" (from Maharishi) comes with the highest price tag, most exclusive social circles, and greatest restrictions upon outside influence.
“Tendencies towards guilt and shame are used as emotional levers for the group's controlling and manipulative influences.” (5)
The basic concept is if one stays “with the program” he or she will eventually receive the carrot on a stick – pure bliss or enlightenment. If one leaves, he or she risks losing everything.
Another devotee jokes of having been a “rascal on the spiritual path,” as if following inner dictates were inherently impure, rather than a joyous celebration of individuality. Personal directives would deter one from the “Path.” The “Path” as outlined by Maharishi, is the only recognized pure method of spiritual advancement.
How sad to self-judge and restrict oneself, for having an inner sense of purpose.
When my good friend’s son died of an inoperable brain tumor in San Diego, a Maharishi University faculty member told her husband, “Your son died because you left the life supporting influence of our TM community.” In essence, the University faculty member said their son's tragic death was due punishment for having left Fairfield.
True devotees hold themselves to high standards of purity, continually failing to attain perfection. And we thought Catholic guilt was bad!
“Once a person has experienced the totalist polarization of good/evil (black/white thinking), he has great difficulty in regaining a more balanced inner sensitivity to the complexities of human morality.” (6)
Real life has grey zones, where an individual determines one’s own balance among conflicting demands.
When a person bases his or her life upon externally derived definitions of right from wrong, he or she may lose the ability to make personal value-judgments.
Personal self determination is especially difficult for those coming through my home after having been raised within the TM Movement. This difficulty with self-determination may account for the frequency with which many former TMers become guru-hoppers (not levitating, but jumping between various spiritual groups). Many leave TM’s dysfunction, but seek other external directives or group definition.
Even long after leaving the TM community, many individuals continue to judge others as “good” or “bad” according to a pre-measured determination of “spirituality.” Their TM-based internalized idealism continues as the barometer of worthiness.
There is no “all good”, nor “all bad”, even within the TM Movement. Most would agree that those attracted to our cult's idealism are kind, well-intentioned, idealistic individuals. We created a sweet caring community. Our goal was Utopia. In some ways, that was achieved! Many benefited through TM and association with the organization. However, many were seriously damaged.
True devotees were indoctrinated through programmatic thought reform methods (commonly known as “mind control” or “brainwashing”). Not everyone succumbs to full indoctrination, as Joe Kellet describes in his “free fall down TM’s rabbit hole.”
Those who experienced the “free fall down TM’s rabbit hole” are challenged when integrating into society. They must self determine without a spiritual drill-sargent. The challenge lies in the battle within one's own mind. In real life, there is no "absolute purity" for which to strive.
Dedicated in loving memory to: Carolyn, Ana, Doug, Levi, Marsten, Randy, Linda, Kevin and others who no longer are with us in spite of, or because of, their devotion to this “Path to Enlightenment.”
Click here for Parts Four and Five.
1. Lifton, R. (1989) Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism. Chapel Hill. University of North Carolina Press.
2. ibid Lifton
3. ibid Lifton
4. ibid Lifton
5. ibid Lifton
6. ibid Lifton
THINK FREE: 02/04/07
THINK FREE is a regular feature of TM-Free Blog. It features a summary of news about TM and other orgs labeled "cults" by critics.
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
- Transcendental Meditation Said to Reduce Perception of Pain Seattle Times [Now, if It Weren't for Those Pesky Side-Effects, Bayer Would Need to Worry!]
- Juliette Lewis, Scientologist Sydney Morning Herald
- San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome Flirting with Scientology? Ventura Country Star
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Welcome, Paul Mason!
TM-Free Blog is very pleased to welcome our newest editor/author, Paul Mason.
Paul is best known for his well-received biography, The Maharishi: the Biography of the Man Who Gave Transcendental Meditation to the World. Paul brings a new perspective to TM-Free Blog with his wealth of knowledge about the Maharishi, and a particular interest in the actual teachings of "Guru Dev," the Maharishi's purported master, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati.
We look forward to his contributions contrasting the Maharishi's teaching with traditional Indian spiritual thought -- including Guru Dev's known teachings. Paul also joins several of our editors in honoring the tradition of meditation, while steadfastly questioning the Maharishi's methods, policiies, and actions.
Please join us in welcoming this exciting new editor on our Blog!
Paul is best known for his well-received biography, The Maharishi: the Biography of the Man Who Gave Transcendental Meditation to the World. Paul brings a new perspective to TM-Free Blog with his wealth of knowledge about the Maharishi, and a particular interest in the actual teachings of "Guru Dev," the Maharishi's purported master, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati.
We look forward to his contributions contrasting the Maharishi's teaching with traditional Indian spiritual thought -- including Guru Dev's known teachings. Paul also joins several of our editors in honoring the tradition of meditation, while steadfastly questioning the Maharishi's methods, policiies, and actions.
Please join us in welcoming this exciting new editor on our Blog!
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