Taking Responsibility vs. Moving On

We at TM-Free have been working on a big project this past week that we hope will bear global fruit soon. In the process of doing so, we have been in touch with a number of well-known voices from the history of the Transcendental Meditation Movement. Many are excited about our project -- and about TM-Free Blog itself.

But one by one, despite their initial excitement about getting involved, they have backed out.

This has got me to thinking about those who don't choose to come forward and tell what they know about the operations of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and his TM Org -- as well as those who do.

Some are honestly triggered by recalling memories from their TM involvement. I certainly don't wish these people any more pain.

But there are so many who are not willing to take responsibility for their involvement in the Movement -- and the impact that it had on others' lives. They are filled with reasons. They feel they must protect the Maharishi. They don't want to cut ties to people they know and love. They experience embarrassment. They don't want their new lives compromised. They want to honor their special memories of a good time in their life. They are over all that now and have moved on. They don't want to violate the terms of an out-of-court settlement.

Whatever.

Relatively few take the steps that others feel are necessary: owning up to what happened, stopping our involvement, apologizing for what we did in the Maharishi's name, and making amends as far as we are able.

This post is a simple appreciation for those who have taken those hard steps. And risked reputation and career.

Some of their names are mentioned in posts here, such as the "Sexy Sadie File." Some do battle in their own ways on other forums, such as Yahoo Groups Fairfield Life. Many are listed in our links. Many more are not.

But the thousands who have gotten out of TM to lead their own lives owe them a debt of gratitude.

It's a spiritual work we do. Sans gurus and sutras.

J.