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Pundit said...
His lifeless body was taken by train back to Kashi...
So, Paul, you're saying that Mahesh was in Calcutta with the Shankaracharya, Swami Brahmanand Saraswati, when the Guru sat up in bed with his legs crossed and took his last breath.
And, you're saying that after the Swami expired, Mahesh took the body and put it on a train and sent it to Kashi.
Then Mahesh put the upright-sitting body in a concrete trunk and sank it in the Ganges River in front of a large group of people.
And you're saying that after that, the Mahesh took the Guru's sandals, his high chair, his umbrella, and other official accoutrements, including all the land and buildings at Jyotirmath and gave them to Shantanand, who he then installed on the Gaddi at Jyotirmath.
And this was all accomplished by a mere clerk from a family of scribes.
Questions:
What was Mahesh doing down in Calcutta with the Guru instead of performing clerk duties at the Jyotirmath Ashram up in the Himalayas? And how could a mere clerk get ahold of the body of a saint and take it on a train? And for what purpose would the Mahesh send the body to Kashi instead of to the Jyotirmath? And how could the ashram cook get up on the Gaddi in front of all those people anyway?
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 10:25:00 PM
Anonymous said...
Mr Mason
Your blog evidently is a dedicated anti-TM site which you have launched after you have first attempted to create a legend of being a 'researcher' more knowledgeable about the TMO than people who have years of experience from it.
Question: since your anti slant is so strong and your commitment so long-term, do you not feel that in order to keep a least an iota of credibility in the eyes of seasoned internauts that you need to start publish sources for your remarkable claims?
Thursday, February 22, 2007 9:43:00 AM
Anonymous said...
You have raised very interesting questions, Paul.
It is a real blessing that now we can read the full text of the self-serving little used-car salesman's efforts to make a name for himself at the expense of Guru Dev and everything good that Guru Dev once stood for.
Beacon Light casts light in a very different way now than it might have been intended to back then.
Good on you.
aka S
Thursday, February 22, 2007 10:37:00 AM
Anonymous said...
You say, "But what was this desire to live and breathe and attune himself to his master's thoughts, and then to give others to understand he was a 'conduit' to his deceased master? Isn't it akin to claiming to channel a deceased virtuoso musician and then expecting recognition as the living embodiment of the said musician? For me this is decidedly creepy territory, in fact I find it preposterous!"
You find the living Reality of Guru Dev preposterous and creepy?
You live in a smaller box than you have indicated. Poor little man, you and the used car salesman (aka S)who wrote the previous comment.
I hope that you will escape your prison one day into the glorious sunshine of Reality.
Best of Luck.
Thursday, February 22, 2007 10:52:00 AM
Anonymous said...
In chapter 4, verse 34, in the second to last paragraph of his commentary on this verse, Paramahansa Yogananda writes about contacting a master after he has died:
"A disciple residing far away from the guru may practice a spiritual method of communion. The guru, one with God, is present everywhere including the wisdom-center (the point between the eyebrows) of all men. At the end of meditation each day the disciple should concentrate at the point between the eyebrows and visualize his guru. Thinking of him with love and devotion, the disciple should ask the questions he wants answered...In this way the advanced disciple can contact the guru even after the master has left the mortal flesh for invisible Omnipresence."
-Jim
Thursday, February 22, 2007 12:06:00 PM
Sudarsha said...
Hey, Paul -- your insight into Mahesh, like Mahesh himself, raises a lot of questions, as does Beacon.
The more I learn about Mahesh's sources, the more I wonder why he felt he had to bend (ok, distort) those sources. They all seem compatible with what little we know Guru Dev was teaching.
If Beacon is a paean to Mahesh's ego, I guess that that explains everything. He probably felt he deserved credit for all the work everyone else did, because he so brilliantly make it fit his theory (which the TM casualties demonstrate he didn't do so brilliantly). -- Maybe he was never more than Guru Dev's peon and resented it big time. -- A conduit for Guru Dev? yes creepy, delusional, possibly certifyable. More likely a conduit for his own ego needs.
S
Thursday, February 22, 2007 12:15:00 PM
facedog said...
On the idea that disciples can be conduits for their teachers, consider the case of the great Yogi, Shivabalayogi, who never charged a cent for teaching meditation and scorned MMY as a "business man". When he died in 1994, leaving no announced successor, a number of people began to go around saying they had "become" Shivabalayogi through Bhava Samadhi. Two make annual trips to the US, in full Shivabalayogi dress, mimicking his body movements perfectly. One American by the name of Steven S. Sadleir, has decided that he is the real successor and charges $1500 to get Shaktipat over the phone.
Compared to these clowns, MMY isn't so bad :}
Thursday, February 22, 2007 6:54:00 PM
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Pundit's Question for Paul
Another saved run of comments, this time including Pundit's question for Paul Mason.
One of Pundit's Comments Rescued
Below are the comments from one of the posts that Pundit was concerned were lost -- with a question for Sudarsha. Still looking for the others. I note that my implied question to Pundit went unanswered as well.
14 Comments
Anonymous said...
It is ironic that those dissing Maharishi have a cosmic joke played on them by using the name 'Mahesh', which is another name for Shiva, a far greater compliment than referring to Maharishi as Maharishi...
"Adi Sankara interprets the name Shiva meaning "One who purifies everyone by the utterance of His name" or "the Pure One". The name Shiva is the Holiest of Holy names. The Good Lord is beyond and unaffected by the three gunas (characteristics) of Prakrti (matter/nature) namely Satva, Rajas, and Tamas.
Saturday, February 17, 2007 9:25:00 PM
Gina said...
Mahesh is his given name.
Maharishi is a title, meaning "great sage", that he bestowed upon himself.
Gina
Saturday, February 17, 2007 9:29:00 PM
Anonymous said...
The Cosmos is laughing!
Saturday, February 17, 2007 9:48:00 PM
Anonymous said...
When it comes to MMY, the cosmos and a hell of a lot of human beings, including many who practice TM, are laughing so hard they're throwing up!
Sunday, February 18, 2007 10:44:00 AM
Anonymous said...
really? Ew, how unpleasant for you...balance is what is needed.
Sunday, February 18, 2007 11:15:00 AM
Anonymous said...
Balance is needed...Thanks for the sage advice. Maybe someone should have given that to Shuvender Sem...Oh yeah, they did!
Sunday, February 18, 2007 3:21:00 PM
Anonymous said...
"The World Is as You Are. It's a common experience: One morning you wake up as tired as when you went to sleep. The day moves slowly; complications arise; problems seem to be overwhelming. You feel worried, relationships suffer. But the next morning, after a good night rest, you feel fresh and alert. The circumstances of the previous day may remain the same, but your evaluation of them differs dramatically. You are more relaxed, yet more energetic, more productive. Relationships are smoother, more harmonious. Why the difference? Basically, it's because the world is as you are."
-Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Sunday, February 18, 2007 10:54:00 PM
Punditster said...
Did you realize anything or ever think about this?
Yeah, Sudarsha, I just realized that for two years you posted to Usenet, making all kinds of TM status claims, yet you never once mentioned anything about the Maharishi and his secret private sex life. What's up with that and why didn't you mention it before? From what I've read, you spent months alone with Mahesh in his room at TTC.
"I spent a long time with Maharishi..."
http://tinyurl.com/3b9by5
Sunday, February 18, 2007 11:11:00 PM
Vaj said...
It's interesting, the instruction for "feel the body" actually has some parallels in the yogic tradition of the Shankaracharya tradition, but it appears (as with many things in the TM tradition) it was watered down and distorted.
In Sri Vidya there are a series of practices where one progressively relaxes the body by feeling the body with the awareness in a sequence. It's great because it prevents one from having adverse reactions like unstressing. It is extremely relaxing. Unstressing largely is due to insufficient relaxation of certain parts of the body and they send out warning signals that tension still exists.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 7:34:00 AM
John M. Knapp, LMSW said...
Vaj,
I believe this is the practice called Yoga Nidra. It's an important practice in many lineages in India. Interested readers can find CDs and other aids to doing Yoga Nidra by using Google. The Wikipedia also has an article on the practice.
J.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 10:22:00 AM
Vaj said...
Hi John:
I believe this is the practice called Yoga Nidra. It's an important practice in many lineages in India. Interested readers can find CDs and other aids to doing Yoga Nidra by using Google. The Wikipedia also has an article on the practice.
Yoganidra is yogic sleep. In the version taught by the oral tradition of Gaudapada (Shankara's grandmaster), they teach the actual technique of yoganidra and the savayatra, a 61-point exercise, which is a kind "body survey" (lit. "corpse journey") based on the Sri Yantra as the body. It's useful in assuring total relaxation.
-V.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 5:04:00 PM
John M. Knapp, LMSW said...
Vaj,
Thanks for setting me straight. Any chance you have access to the 61-point survey, or can point readers here to it?
J.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 9:36:00 PM
Pundit said...
In Sri Vidya there are a series of practices where one progressively relaxes the body by feeling the body with the awareness in a sequence.
The meditation technique in Sri Vidya is transcendental meditation. There are at least three TM bija mantras listed in the Soundaryalahari composed by Shankaracharya, the founder of the Shankara Order of Dasanami Swamis.
Sri Vidya is Knowledge of the Absolute. The TM technique comes directly from the tantric practices of the Sri Vidya.
Swami Brahmanand Saraswati was a desciple of Swami Krishnanand Saraswati of Sringeri. All the Shankara adherents practice a meditation that is transcendental.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 10:41:00 PM
John M. Knapp, LMSW said...
Pundit,
Thanks for your post. But your understanding differs significantly from mine. Perhaps you can point me in a direction where I can learn more about your views?
The Buddha is not generally considered a "yogin" as far as I know. The Suttas report that he studied with various teachers who taught him various "jhanas", Pali for "dhyans", but the Buddha explicitly rejects all the teachings he learned from them, declaring himself enlightened only by his own efforts. It would seem that there were "yogins" before him -- but he broke with their tradition.
Patanjali is not in the Shankaraya tradition, as far as I know. Although I don't claim to be an expert. I remember when the Maharishi first began teaching the sidhis, that there was consternation among some TM teachers with an esoteric bent, not only because he seemed to be rejecting his principle of "capture the fort," but also because Patanjali was outside of our tradition. Patanjali was definitely not a Buddhist. So it would seem that your feeling that his teachings are Buddhist inspired, because they flow from Patanjali, may be mistaken on two counts.
If my understanding is wrong, which seems likely because I am only lightly read in these traditions, please steer me straight!
J.
Thursday, February 22, 2007 9:42:00 AM
THINK FREE: 02/24/07
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.
- Unconfirmed Blog Rumor: Maharishi Giving Special Instructions on TM-Sidhi Course
- Blogger Article on Beatle George Harrison and Eastern Religions anywherebut.blogspot.com [Imagine the World if Beatles Hadn't Met the Maharishi.... Imagine All the People Living for Today....]
- Becoming a Scientologist The Mac Weekly [It's Easy if You Try....]
- Scientology's Hard Sell New York Inquirer
- Miami Church Brands Members with "666" Tatoos Faux News
- Catholic Ecumenical Expert Cautiously Endorses Easter Meditation Catholic.org
- Overview of Unification Church Courier Press
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Where'd All the Comments Go?
Last night, we upgraded our comments system to Haloscan. The system is more powerful than the vanilla Blogger system, offering new features for readers, such as Trackback. It also offers greater power for us as moderators.
Unfortunately, Haloscan does not offer the ability to import the old Blogger comments into the new system. To my knowledge, no questions were pending answers at the time I made the switch.
As reader Judy Stein points out, it would have been good etiquette to warn readers in advance and offer them an explanation of how they could cut and paste any comments they wish to respond to.
Frankly, I have a lot to learn about Blogging and didn't foresee readers concerns in this matter. My apologies to all. If anyone has a comment that they wish to rescue, drop me a line at jmknapp53.gmail.com, and I'll try to attend to this promptly.
Again, my apologies! Please bear with our growing pains.
J.
Unfortunately, Haloscan does not offer the ability to import the old Blogger comments into the new system. To my knowledge, no questions were pending answers at the time I made the switch.
As reader Judy Stein points out, it would have been good etiquette to warn readers in advance and offer them an explanation of how they could cut and paste any comments they wish to respond to.
Frankly, I have a lot to learn about Blogging and didn't foresee readers concerns in this matter. My apologies to all. If anyone has a comment that they wish to rescue, drop me a line at jmknapp53.gmail.com, and I'll try to attend to this promptly.
Again, my apologies! Please bear with our growing pains.
J.
Friday, February 23, 2007
THINK FREE: 02/23/07
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.
- School Children Learning Meditation to Control Stress dlwjr.zoofer.com [TM Religion in Public Schools -- Again!]
- Yogi Humour zaadz.com [Scroll Down to 1971]
- "Daddy," the Anti-Christ" Canada Free Press [So Little Time, So Many Cult Leaders....]
- Sex Master to Appear in TV Documentary The Northern Echo
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
The Problem with TM Research
Is TM universally benign? Does long-term TM practice cause negative side effects? Why is the scientific research on these issues so contradictory?
There has been some discussion on the TM-Free Blog recently regarding research on Transcendental Meditation and quantum mechanical phenomena.
To further this discussion here are links that discuss research that most TMers are not aware of.
Professor Barry Markovsky, Chair of the Sociology Department at University of South Carolina, talks about the problems facing researchers into consciousness phenomena -- particularly Transcendental Meditation. Also, in a balanced and deeply researched paper, philosopher of science Evan Fales and sociologist Barry Markovsky discuss standards to which exotic scientific theories should be held. Using the "Maharishi Effect" -- Transcendental Meditation's claim that groups of advanced meditators can bring about peace in war- or crime-torn areas -- as an example, they give strong reasons why unusual theories deserve a hearing -- but not necessarily an endorsement -- from serious scientists.
Finally, trancenet.net's research section discusses many research papers that find negative or inconclusive results for practitioners of TM.
If you know of other research that readers should consider, please consider clicking on "Comments" below and pointing us toward it!
There has been some discussion on the TM-Free Blog recently regarding research on Transcendental Meditation and quantum mechanical phenomena.
To further this discussion here are links that discuss research that most TMers are not aware of.
Professor Barry Markovsky, Chair of the Sociology Department at University of South Carolina, talks about the problems facing researchers into consciousness phenomena -- particularly Transcendental Meditation. Also, in a balanced and deeply researched paper, philosopher of science Evan Fales and sociologist Barry Markovsky discuss standards to which exotic scientific theories should be held. Using the "Maharishi Effect" -- Transcendental Meditation's claim that groups of advanced meditators can bring about peace in war- or crime-torn areas -- as an example, they give strong reasons why unusual theories deserve a hearing -- but not necessarily an endorsement -- from serious scientists.
Finally, trancenet.net's research section discusses many research papers that find negative or inconclusive results for practitioners of TM.
If you know of other research that readers should consider, please consider clicking on "Comments" below and pointing us toward it!
Addiction and Transcendental Meditation
by Gina Catena, M.S.
TM has addictive qualities.
Acknowleding the addictive characteristics of TM and other practices, Carol Giambalvo and other cult experts founded ReFOCUS.org to help former cult members break their addiction to trance states.
I'll find my references on autism and endorphins (natural opiates). Some neuroscientists found a connection between autism and high level of endorphins. Limited doses of narcan (an opiate antogonist drug) brought autistic children out of their trance-like introversion, into an interactive state.
I wonder if TM increases endorphin production, creating a semi-dissociative state ("feel the bliss").
Some devout TMers on the monastic Purusha or Mother Divine programs behave as if in an autistic state. These participants meditate for many hours daily, sometimes for years.
On the other hand, this would explain why TM helped some Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) children, according to the David Lynch Foundation. Limited amounts of stimulated endorphins (as in short TM practice) may calm hyperactive children.
Another recent study found that long term TMers had increased pain tolerance. That would imply, once again, there is an increased amount of natural opiates (morphine-like) from TM practice. I used TM to calm myself while awaiting an ambulance when I had multiple injuries in a tragic auto accident. It worked.
Being trained in TM as a young child, over 40 years ago, I know how to make-myself-high in an instant - anytime, anyplace! It feels great. I avoid that state, since it's as useful as the heroin addict sitting on a city street corner. Other TM-kids, now young adults, say the same.
Endorphin-induced trance would explain participants' receptivity to suggestion when attending long meditation courses.
Addiction to endorphins would explain addict-like dysfunctional dynamics seen with some TM families.
This could explain explain why some substance abusers relinquish use of exogenous chemicals after beginning TM. Perhaps they subsitute a self-produced opiate for their street drug?
This could also explain the frequent drug use/abuse by TM kids, as they replace their parental endorphin addiction with their own street drug abuse. Just trading one high for another.
Would anyone like to study us? It would be interesting to measure opiates when we meditate, then see what happens with a narcan injection. My supposition is we would respond exactly as those autistic kids did, instantly being brought out of our trance. (and what about the long term TM celibate program participants who immerse themeselves in that state 24 x 7) It would not surprise me if TM-kids' brains have neuro-pathways allowing us to dissociate more readily than the general population, since our internal dependence on that state was cultivated at a young age.
I would be willing to participte in such a study, in the interest of demonstrating TM's addictive qualities. A few others might be willing also.
Any takers?
Please forgive me for not providing references to the autism research, nor the TM-pain tolerance research. They can be googled.
This is written off the top of my head, not as a scientific abstract.
I will add appropriate references when I have time to find them.
TM has addictive qualities.
Acknowleding the addictive characteristics of TM and other practices, Carol Giambalvo and other cult experts founded ReFOCUS.org to help former cult members break their addiction to trance states.
I'll find my references on autism and endorphins (natural opiates). Some neuroscientists found a connection between autism and high level of endorphins. Limited doses of narcan (an opiate antogonist drug) brought autistic children out of their trance-like introversion, into an interactive state.
I wonder if TM increases endorphin production, creating a semi-dissociative state ("feel the bliss").
Some devout TMers on the monastic Purusha or Mother Divine programs behave as if in an autistic state. These participants meditate for many hours daily, sometimes for years.
On the other hand, this would explain why TM helped some Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) children, according to the David Lynch Foundation. Limited amounts of stimulated endorphins (as in short TM practice) may calm hyperactive children.
Another recent study found that long term TMers had increased pain tolerance. That would imply, once again, there is an increased amount of natural opiates (morphine-like) from TM practice. I used TM to calm myself while awaiting an ambulance when I had multiple injuries in a tragic auto accident. It worked.
Being trained in TM as a young child, over 40 years ago, I know how to make-myself-high in an instant - anytime, anyplace! It feels great. I avoid that state, since it's as useful as the heroin addict sitting on a city street corner. Other TM-kids, now young adults, say the same.
Endorphin-induced trance would explain participants' receptivity to suggestion when attending long meditation courses.
Addiction to endorphins would explain addict-like dysfunctional dynamics seen with some TM families.
This could explain explain why some substance abusers relinquish use of exogenous chemicals after beginning TM. Perhaps they subsitute a self-produced opiate for their street drug?
This could also explain the frequent drug use/abuse by TM kids, as they replace their parental endorphin addiction with their own street drug abuse. Just trading one high for another.
Would anyone like to study us? It would be interesting to measure opiates when we meditate, then see what happens with a narcan injection. My supposition is we would respond exactly as those autistic kids did, instantly being brought out of our trance. (and what about the long term TM celibate program participants who immerse themeselves in that state 24 x 7) It would not surprise me if TM-kids' brains have neuro-pathways allowing us to dissociate more readily than the general population, since our internal dependence on that state was cultivated at a young age.
I would be willing to participte in such a study, in the interest of demonstrating TM's addictive qualities. A few others might be willing also.
Any takers?
Please forgive me for not providing references to the autism research, nor the TM-pain tolerance research. They can be googled.
This is written off the top of my head, not as a scientific abstract.
I will add appropriate references when I have time to find them.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Comment Rescue
From time to time, a commenter makes a point so clearly that we want to showcase it in the main TM-Free Blog. Commenter "Boaz" discusses the need for "warning labels" for Transcendental Meditation -- and truth in advertising. Below is an anonymous post, followed by Boaz's response. Way to go, Boaz!
Anonymous said:
A warning label for learning TM?
Are you joking? I've bought sets of kitchen knives, which I've occasionally nicked myself on, and automobiles which I've had fender benders in, and neither came with a warning label.
I've also learned TM, and over the decades of regular use have nary a scratch or odd occurence to show for it. It works exactly as promised.
So, relax your anti-TM agenda for a moment, grow up, and get real.
Thanks, you'll like it.
Boaz said...
There's a difference between a knife or car and a meditation technique. For the knife or car, its clear what its supposed to do, and the risks are relatively well known, because most people are pretty familiar with these things.
On the other hand, a meditation technique, or a drug is not so clear as to what its supposed to do, at least to the consumer. You rely on the advertising to understand what the basic function is.
You are like someone who took a drug and it helped them talking to someone who had a very bad reaction to that drug and saying that they should be quiet because you were helped by the drug. I suggest you grow up and realize that just because you had a good response to TM doesn't mean that others will as well.
This is an important point about truth in advertising. TM does offer benefits to some, but not all. Both from the perspective of the technique itself and the community/philosophy aspects.
Its unfortunate that websites like these are necessary to provide the appropriate warning label, that could be coming from the TM organization itself.
-Boaz
THINK FREE: 02/22/07
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.
- Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to Purchase Land near Hollis for TM Center Mathetria Blog [I Thought He Was Broke and Seeking Donations to Pay Mortgages on What He Already Owns?]
- David Lynch Talks Transcendental Meditation on Texas Monthly Talks Tonight The Austiinist [Lot o' Hot Air Deep in the Heart of Texas]
- The "Secret," It's Out, It's Old, and It's Obvious HuffingtonPost.com [Tony Robbins and Deepak Chopra Rolled into One]
- "Anti-Sect" Campaigner Calls for More Restrictive Religion Law FSU Monitor [Laws against Psychological Violence -- Worth Considering?]
- Help for Polygamists' Children Abandoned in Colorado City ABC4 News
- Scientology-Based Drug Rehab Seeks Millions from Nevada KRQE News [Replacing One Addiction with Another?]
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Physicists vs. Salesmen
by Gina Catena, M.S.
In the TM Movement,and other New Age circles we hear frequent reference to the much touted films "What the Bleep Do We Know?" and The Secret." These films blend pseudo-science, mysticism, faux "experts" and psychics for a sharp presentation on the power of the mind. Those without scientific training often succumb to deemed "truths" of these movies.
Our TM background accostomed us to scientific terms misapplied to pseudo Eastern philosophy.
The following scientific conference abstract comes from a practicing physicist tired of charlatans misapplying his profession:
The Contribution of Quantum Mechanics to the Physics of Consciousness and the Rise of Mind-Body Complementary and Alternative Therapies: Quackeries from New Age Movements or a New Medical Science?
Unfortunately, most practicing physicists lack the time to demonstrate ineptitude of those twisting science to advance their own interests.
I hope the above link provides some awareness of real physics, vs TM's false physics.
As to deemed physiologic benefits of TM, the same benefits can be obtained by low dose morphine, certain antidepressants, regular practice of other forms of meditation (not linked to wealth building advanced courses), or regular exercise.
Pharmacology research is required to address adverse effects of exogenous chemicals introduced to the body. TM researchers are not required to reveal potential negative effects of TM, even if they are aware of such, because their research does not involve pharmaceuticals.
That is why negative effects of TM are not discussed by TM's research scientists. They neither seek nor measure negative effects, thus they are not reported. No need to measure adverse effects, since no foreign substance is introduced into the body, right?
WRONG!
If one scratches the surface, with a little understanding of statistics or physics, it is easy to question the validity and usefulness of TM's deemed-scientific research.
Transcendental Meditation, as taught 20 minutes twice per day, may offer benefits.
There is a down side that new initiates should be aware of, prior to "investing $2500 to learn a scientificly proven method for deep rest and release of stress."
The warning label should read, "TM, the cult, may be hazardous to your health, your emotional, psychological, financial and familial well being. Many teachings are taught by deceived, but sincere, individuals. Others methods offer similar or identical benefits for less cost and no risk of cult persuasion."
With appropriate warning applied to TM's marketing, I would have no objection. Truth in Advertising.
In the TM Movement,and other New Age circles we hear frequent reference to the much touted films "What the Bleep Do We Know?" and The Secret." These films blend pseudo-science, mysticism, faux "experts" and psychics for a sharp presentation on the power of the mind. Those without scientific training often succumb to deemed "truths" of these movies.
Our TM background accostomed us to scientific terms misapplied to pseudo Eastern philosophy.
The following scientific conference abstract comes from a practicing physicist tired of charlatans misapplying his profession:
The Contribution of Quantum Mechanics to the Physics of Consciousness and the Rise of Mind-Body Complementary and Alternative Therapies: Quackeries from New Age Movements or a New Medical Science?
Unfortunately, most practicing physicists lack the time to demonstrate ineptitude of those twisting science to advance their own interests.
I hope the above link provides some awareness of real physics, vs TM's false physics.
As to deemed physiologic benefits of TM, the same benefits can be obtained by low dose morphine, certain antidepressants, regular practice of other forms of meditation (not linked to wealth building advanced courses), or regular exercise.
Pharmacology research is required to address adverse effects of exogenous chemicals introduced to the body. TM researchers are not required to reveal potential negative effects of TM, even if they are aware of such, because their research does not involve pharmaceuticals.
That is why negative effects of TM are not discussed by TM's research scientists. They neither seek nor measure negative effects, thus they are not reported. No need to measure adverse effects, since no foreign substance is introduced into the body, right?
WRONG!
If one scratches the surface, with a little understanding of statistics or physics, it is easy to question the validity and usefulness of TM's deemed-scientific research.
Transcendental Meditation, as taught 20 minutes twice per day, may offer benefits.
There is a down side that new initiates should be aware of, prior to "investing $2500 to learn a scientificly proven method for deep rest and release of stress."
The warning label should read, "TM, the cult, may be hazardous to your health, your emotional, psychological, financial and familial well being. Many teachings are taught by deceived, but sincere, individuals. Others methods offer similar or identical benefits for less cost and no risk of cult persuasion."
With appropriate warning applied to TM's marketing, I would have no objection. Truth in Advertising.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
THINK FREE: 02/21/07
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.
- 10 Students Die in Nigerian Cult Clash Nigerian Tribune
- No More Free Pass for Faith-Based Campaigners Atlantic Free Press [Get a Few Members, You're a Cult. A Few Milliion, You're a Religion]
- "Jonestown: Paradise Lost" to Air on Canadian TV CNW Group Newswire
- Newspaper Wins Award for Exposing Sex Slave Cult The Northern Echo
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Message to "Annie"
"Annie," I am trying to reach you regarding a private matter. Please email me at jmknapp53@gmail.com. As always your confidentiality is assured.
J.
J.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
What Were You Thinkin'?
As TMers, whether current or former, we share many common experiences. How about sharing some of yours?
Each of us was drawn to Transcendental Meditation and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi for individual reasons. I, for instance, was having difficulty in a calculus class during my freshman year in college. When I saw the scientific research that suggested that TM boosted IQ, I thought "Why not give it a shot for $25?" Twenty-three years later when I left the TM Movement, my IQ still hadn't improved -- and I never did finish the calculus course.
What was your reason for starting TM? Please take a second, click on "Comments" below, and share your personal reason for starting TM. Then tell us if your expectations were met.
Each of us was drawn to Transcendental Meditation and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi for individual reasons. I, for instance, was having difficulty in a calculus class during my freshman year in college. When I saw the scientific research that suggested that TM boosted IQ, I thought "Why not give it a shot for $25?" Twenty-three years later when I left the TM Movement, my IQ still hadn't improved -- and I never did finish the calculus course.
What was your reason for starting TM? Please take a second, click on "Comments" below, and share your personal reason for starting TM. Then tell us if your expectations were met.
THINK FREE: 02/20/07
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.
- A Downbeat Carrey Talks Sanity, Stardom and Scientology The Chronicle Herald [Is He Cathcing Any of Lynch's Big Fish?]
- Students in Edinburgh "Test" Scientology Student Newspaper [Through the Eyes of Babes….]
- Inmate Sues for "Religious" Items Rapid City Journal [Search for "Cult" in Comments]
- An Afternoon of Scientology: No Money, No Xenu New York Inquirer [2 Reporters Go Undercover]
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Do TMers Have Real Spiritual Experiences?
An important question. And one I believe readers must answer for themselves. I know that I experienced things I can't explain, but which appeared to meet the criteria for spiritual experiences as related in the Indian scriptures.
But I also know that the Transcendental Meditation Orgs – and their master, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi – consistently fail to live up to the simplest spiritual truths of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, even Hinduism.
This remains a mystery to me. Please take a moment to share your thoughts on this topic by clicking on "Comments" below.
But I also know that the Transcendental Meditation Orgs – and their master, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi – consistently fail to live up to the simplest spiritual truths of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, even Hinduism.
This remains a mystery to me. Please take a moment to share your thoughts on this topic by clicking on "Comments" below.
[A] bad guru can be extremely good for a sincere devotee…. It's the main reason so many bad gurus do good business. They are merely idols upon which sincere devotees project their own divinity, with sometimes seemingly miraculous results.
--Jody R, Guruphiliac Blog
Our Mission Statement
We are 5 weeks into this project. We are running over 1,000 visitors and nearly 3,000 pageviews a week. And we are just getting around to publishing our Mission Statement. Please understand that this is a living document, still growing and changing. But we hope this first incarnation meets with your approval. Please click on "Comments" below and let us know what your think.
TM-Free Blog is an educative tool for those determined to live Transcendental–Meditation- and cult-free. It is the project of a small group of former TM Teachers and veterans.
We intend this blog to be a resource for people considering starting the practice of TM, as well as those leaving -- or who have already left -- any of the Transcendental Meditation Organizations founded by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. We also offer information we hope will help therapists understand their TM-affected clients.
Trained in a variety of professions, coming from differing backgrounds, we contributors embrace a variety of viewpoints and disagree freely on the best ways to support those who use us as a resource. But we remain united in our support for the community we serve.
Our experience tells us that leaving TM challenged us in all areas of life, including friendships, love relationships, finances, community, law, spirituality, recreation, physical well-being, and mental well-being. We hope to offer insight and support in all these areas -- from our differing perspectives.
Our postings may contain humor, at times, directed toward what we perceive as the hypocrisy of public figures – including the Maharishi. But we intend to always respect the experiences and feelings of individuals who practice TM – or any spiritual path or discipline.
We intend to shed light on aspects of TM life that the TM Organizations have concealed from the public.
In summary, we offer our forum as a safe place to share our points of view for the benefit of others -- and ourselves.
THINK FREE: 02/19/07
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.
- L. Ron's Angels TMZ.com [Why Can't TM Get Any Spokespeople Who Are Easy on the Eyes?]
- Pastor with 666 Tattoo Claims to Be Christ CNN.com [Maybe Those Awful Omen Movies Were Right!]
- New Zealand Cult Alleges Persecution New Zealand Herald [Yeah, Cults' Rights! Cults' Rights!]
- Scientology and Modern Depictions of the Divine Faux News
- Moon/Bush 'Ongoing Crime Enterprise' Baltimore Chronicle
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
THINK FREE: 02/18/07
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.
- TM Re-Certified Teacher Frank Lotz's Mahashivaratri Celebration Google Video [Yes, We Are Still No Religion!]
- IRS & FBI Charge Individuals Over Cult-Like Investment Scheme Law Fuel [Making Money the Old-Fashioned Way]
- J. Lo Believes 400 Women Victims of Grisly Cult in Juarez Sunday Mirror
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Lifton's Criteria of Thought Reform applied to TM. Parts Six and Seven of Eight
by Gina Catena, M.S.
This is a continuation of an essay series. This blogpost addresses how Lifton's sixth and seventh criteria of thought reform apply to the Transcendental Mediation program.
You may begin Part One of this series by clicking here.
LOADING THE LANGUAGE
“The language of the totalist environment is characterized by the thought-terminating cliché (thought-stoppers) Repetitiously centered on all-encompassing jargon, The language of non-thought. Words are given new meanings -- the outside world does not use the words or phrases in the same way -- it becomes a "group" word or phrase.” (1)
Loaded language isolates a person from meaningful communication with others who do use words in the same way. The classic TM thought-stopping cliché is the attribution of any sadness or anxiety to “unstressing.” A person will discredit discomfort or doubts by believing they are “unstressing.”
Another thought stopping cliché is taught during the TM-checking procedure “if you experience any roughness, pay it no mind and gently return awareness to the mantra.” In that one sentence, TM teachings acknowledge that some individuals may experience anxiety or "roughness" in response to this meditation practice, and simultaneously denies the validity of inner conflict by directing a person to return to their hypnotic mantra-repitition. Many currently practicing TMers, and former TMers, say they automaticly return to the mantra, even involuntarily, during times of stress.
Other altered terms are common to TM-speak such as gaining "Spontaneous Support of the Laws of Nature" when things fall into place in one's life solely because they meditate. “Bliss” refers to experiencing the “transcendent” or the source of all thought within ourselves. The physics term “Unified Field” refers alternately to “transcendental consciousness,” “God,” “Being,” or “the Absolute.” “Ignorance” refers to that state of not having learned TM, such as that of any outsider. "Group concsiousness" or "coherence" refers to the power of the group process. More specific Vedic-derived terms apply to minutiae of lifestyle guidelines for diet, dress, architecture, food supplements, music, astrology and gemstone therapies.
Upon leaving the TM community, I struggled to integrate into my present community (family suburbia). It was difficult to eliminate the loaded language from my thoughts and speech. It was more difficult to extricate TM’s loaded language from my thought processes, than it was to learn two foreign languages. Others raised in the TM movement, but younger than me in age, verify the same experience.
One young woman said, "those thoughts and directions keep coming in my head. They get in the way of everything. It's hard to shake off those inner life cliche's and focus on tasks in front of me. Some things are good, but others just prevent me from thinking properly. And that mantra! It still keeps coming in my head. What the f**k is THAT about? I just want it to go away!"
DOCTRINE OVER PERSON
“Every issue in one's life can be reduced to a single set of principles.” (2)
When in the TM mindset, The Science of Creative Intelligence (SCI) and Maharishi Ayur-Ved are the only accepted sources of truth and life principles. Maharishi taught us the 33 lesson course of SCI encompasses all the "Laws of Nature."
“If one questions the beliefs of the group or the leaders of the group, one is made to feel that there is something inherently wrong with them to even question -- it is always "turned around" on them and the questioner/criticizer is questioned rather than the questions answered directly. The underlying assumption is that doctrine/ideology is ultimately more valid, true and real than any aspect of actual human character or human experience and one must subject one's experience to that "truth."(3)
To be truly on the TM path to enlightenment, there is limited acceptable variation of individual thought or expression. Maharishi taught us that doubting (him) could jeopardize our chances to enlightenment. He threatened with, “If you doubt, the doubt will manifest. Never doubt.” We were afraid to question.
The experience of contradiction can be immediately associated with guilt. One is made to feel that doubts are reflections of one's own evil. When doubt arises, conflicts become intense.” (4)
Many who leave the TM organization do not tell old friends, or family members, of their decsions to live outside the TM paradigm after moving away. Current True Believers (TBs) attempt to reconvert us back to TM. The thoughtful person who left the TM program, is deemed misguided at best, and evil at worst. (I am officially a lost cause now!)
Speaking against the TM organization risks losing our loved ones, and being ostracized for ever. Prior posts on this blog, and some comments, express the knee-jerk defensive response that many devout TMers have to our online discussion and analysis. It is sad to read vehement attacks on us here and elsewhere on the internet, in defense of threatened ingrained beliefs. We once also believed that those who spoke against TM were "lost in ignorance," or erroneously directing their "unstressing." We thought, "If only they would meditate again, their anxiety would leave and they would see the light again."
“The pattern of doctrine over person occurs when there is a conflict between what one feels oneself experiencing and what the doctrine or ideology says one should experience.” (5)
Inner conflict between doctrine and personal thinking, as described by Lifton, may be the cause of TM-related psychosis and suicides. Since most of those who committed suicide did not leave notes behind, we cannot know with certainty.
When inner thoughts conflict with the deemed-to-be-ultimate-truth, one’s community, and everything one loves, an existential crises may ensue. The TM solution to this “experience of intense unstressing” would be to return to meditate and calm oneself. This silences disquieting thoughts by returning to transcendence, or a self induced inner trance.
“Witnessing” in TM refers to the state of observing oneself as if an outsider, ostensibly because one is grounded in the “Absolute” (God) and experiences even their own existence as cosmically inconsequential. The doctrine and inner experience is more important than any individual. The ultimate goal of TM's "transcendence" is "Cosmic Consciousness."
TM teaches that in Cosmic Consciouisness (CC), one observes even themselves as if from the outside, twenty-four hours per day. This constant separation of self is the goal. The individuality leaves and all creation is ultimately connected as one in the highest state of Unity Consciousness (UC). In UC the ultimate dimunition of personhood would be exalted, as individual personhood disappears. Unity Consciousness is the extreme valuation of "doctrine over person," since personal idenity ceases.
The final segment may be read by clicking here.
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
This is a continuation of an essay series. This blogpost addresses how Lifton's sixth and seventh criteria of thought reform apply to the Transcendental Mediation program.
You may begin Part One of this series by clicking here.
LOADING THE LANGUAGE
“The language of the totalist environment is characterized by the thought-terminating cliché (thought-stoppers) Repetitiously centered on all-encompassing jargon, The language of non-thought. Words are given new meanings -- the outside world does not use the words or phrases in the same way -- it becomes a "group" word or phrase.” (1)
Loaded language isolates a person from meaningful communication with others who do use words in the same way. The classic TM thought-stopping cliché is the attribution of any sadness or anxiety to “unstressing.” A person will discredit discomfort or doubts by believing they are “unstressing.”
Another thought stopping cliché is taught during the TM-checking procedure “if you experience any roughness, pay it no mind and gently return awareness to the mantra.” In that one sentence, TM teachings acknowledge that some individuals may experience anxiety or "roughness" in response to this meditation practice, and simultaneously denies the validity of inner conflict by directing a person to return to their hypnotic mantra-repitition. Many currently practicing TMers, and former TMers, say they automaticly return to the mantra, even involuntarily, during times of stress.
Other altered terms are common to TM-speak such as gaining "Spontaneous Support of the Laws of Nature" when things fall into place in one's life solely because they meditate. “Bliss” refers to experiencing the “transcendent” or the source of all thought within ourselves. The physics term “Unified Field” refers alternately to “transcendental consciousness,” “God,” “Being,” or “the Absolute.” “Ignorance” refers to that state of not having learned TM, such as that of any outsider. "Group concsiousness" or "coherence" refers to the power of the group process. More specific Vedic-derived terms apply to minutiae of lifestyle guidelines for diet, dress, architecture, food supplements, music, astrology and gemstone therapies.
Upon leaving the TM community, I struggled to integrate into my present community (family suburbia). It was difficult to eliminate the loaded language from my thoughts and speech. It was more difficult to extricate TM’s loaded language from my thought processes, than it was to learn two foreign languages. Others raised in the TM movement, but younger than me in age, verify the same experience.
One young woman said, "those thoughts and directions keep coming in my head. They get in the way of everything. It's hard to shake off those inner life cliche's and focus on tasks in front of me. Some things are good, but others just prevent me from thinking properly. And that mantra! It still keeps coming in my head. What the f**k is THAT about? I just want it to go away!"
DOCTRINE OVER PERSON
“Every issue in one's life can be reduced to a single set of principles.” (2)
When in the TM mindset, The Science of Creative Intelligence (SCI) and Maharishi Ayur-Ved are the only accepted sources of truth and life principles. Maharishi taught us the 33 lesson course of SCI encompasses all the "Laws of Nature."
“If one questions the beliefs of the group or the leaders of the group, one is made to feel that there is something inherently wrong with them to even question -- it is always "turned around" on them and the questioner/criticizer is questioned rather than the questions answered directly. The underlying assumption is that doctrine/ideology is ultimately more valid, true and real than any aspect of actual human character or human experience and one must subject one's experience to that "truth."(3)
To be truly on the TM path to enlightenment, there is limited acceptable variation of individual thought or expression. Maharishi taught us that doubting (him) could jeopardize our chances to enlightenment. He threatened with, “If you doubt, the doubt will manifest. Never doubt.” We were afraid to question.
The experience of contradiction can be immediately associated with guilt. One is made to feel that doubts are reflections of one's own evil. When doubt arises, conflicts become intense.” (4)
Many who leave the TM organization do not tell old friends, or family members, of their decsions to live outside the TM paradigm after moving away. Current True Believers (TBs) attempt to reconvert us back to TM. The thoughtful person who left the TM program, is deemed misguided at best, and evil at worst. (I am officially a lost cause now!)
Speaking against the TM organization risks losing our loved ones, and being ostracized for ever. Prior posts on this blog, and some comments, express the knee-jerk defensive response that many devout TMers have to our online discussion and analysis. It is sad to read vehement attacks on us here and elsewhere on the internet, in defense of threatened ingrained beliefs. We once also believed that those who spoke against TM were "lost in ignorance," or erroneously directing their "unstressing." We thought, "If only they would meditate again, their anxiety would leave and they would see the light again."
“The pattern of doctrine over person occurs when there is a conflict between what one feels oneself experiencing and what the doctrine or ideology says one should experience.” (5)
Inner conflict between doctrine and personal thinking, as described by Lifton, may be the cause of TM-related psychosis and suicides. Since most of those who committed suicide did not leave notes behind, we cannot know with certainty.
When inner thoughts conflict with the deemed-to-be-ultimate-truth, one’s community, and everything one loves, an existential crises may ensue. The TM solution to this “experience of intense unstressing” would be to return to meditate and calm oneself. This silences disquieting thoughts by returning to transcendence, or a self induced inner trance.
“Witnessing” in TM refers to the state of observing oneself as if an outsider, ostensibly because one is grounded in the “Absolute” (God) and experiences even their own existence as cosmically inconsequential. The doctrine and inner experience is more important than any individual. The ultimate goal of TM's "transcendence" is "Cosmic Consciousness."
TM teaches that in Cosmic Consciouisness (CC), one observes even themselves as if from the outside, twenty-four hours per day. This constant separation of self is the goal. The individuality leaves and all creation is ultimately connected as one in the highest state of Unity Consciousness (UC). In UC the ultimate dimunition of personhood would be exalted, as individual personhood disappears. Unity Consciousness is the extreme valuation of "doctrine over person," since personal idenity ceases.
The final segment may be read by clicking here.
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
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