Talk:Transcendental Meditation research/promotion of studies

1980s

1984

• The maharishi added that super radiance not only can prevent nuclear war, by removing the stresses that cause war, but "bring an end to all forms of suffering in one generation." MIU officials have hundreds of charts, graphs and scientific studies to validate such claims.
  • NUCLEAR AGE; A NEW ROUTE TO PEACE?; SUPPORTERS SAY TM COULD END THREAT OR WAR Judith Gaines Special to The Globe. Boston Globe. Boston, Mass.: Feb 12, 1984. pg. 1

1990s

1991

• Your April 17 page-one article "For $1,500 a Head Maharishi Promises Mellower Inmates," on the use of Transcendental Meditation in prisons stated that the 500 studies of TM were "mostly conducted by TM devotees." In fact, these studies were conducted in more than 160 independent universities and research institutions in 23 countries.
  • David Orme-Johnson, Chairman. Psychology Program, Maharishi International University. Letters to the Editor: Turn Prisons Into Think Tanks Wall Street Journal. (Europe). Brussels: Jun 18, 1991. pg. PAGE.15
• Although promoters claim 500 studies back up transcendental meditation, no one has committed money.
  • Authorities asked to give thought to jail meditation; CATHERINE CHRISS. Houston Chronicle Houston, Tex.: Feb 21, 1991. pg. 22

1992

• Dr. Fagan's research has nothing to do with transcendental meditation, but most of what goes on here does. Administrators defensively pull out study after study to bolster their claims about meditation's ability to help people transcend normal states of consciousness and even increase their I.Q. scores. But these studies prove either incomplete or slightly off base.
  • April 29, 1992 University's Degree Comes With a Heavy Dose of Meditation (and Skepticism) By ANTHONY DePALMA, New York Times

1993

• Then there is the question of whether TM is a religion or something else. Rev. Miles Holmes, former president of the Niagara Falls Evangelistic Association, says it is a religion. Mr. Holmes has campaigned against Maharishi Veda Land because TM "is a version of Hinduism that's been dressed up in scientific terms to make it acceptable to the Western mind. So let's just be honest and call it a religion." TM counters with a massive four-volume series of "scientific studies" proving that TM's effects are objectively verifiable, and calls it the Science of Creative Intelligence.
  • VEDA LAND The New Incarnation of the Maharishi REJECTION BY THE VOTERS ONLY SERVES TO MAKE THE NATURAL LAW PARTY'S APPEALS MORE URGENT, ITS PLANS MORE GRANDIOSE, ITS CLAIMS MORE STRIDENT. JACK KAPICA. The Globe and Mail. Toronto, Ont.: Nov 27, 1993. pg. D.3

1995

• With that in mind, researchers at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science are conducting a study to determine if the eastern practice of transcendental meditation, a simple mental technique, is a viable alternative treatment for hypertension. The study focuses on African Americans who have a disproportionately high incidence of high blood pressure. "There have been over 500 studies that show how effective this method is," says Chinelo Haney, project director. He said transcendental meditation has been used to assist in the treatment of a variety of health compromises including cancer and geriatric-related illnesses as well as stress which is a major contributor to high blood pressure. Earlier, unrelated studies have found the TM in addition to reducing stress, improves mental acumen and if practiced regularly considerably slows the aging process. TM, introduced in the United States in the late 1950s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is said to lower the metabolic rate and provide a rest state that is twice as beneficial as normal sleep.
  • Meditation Goes to the Heart: Drew Studies Alternative HBP Treatment Brown, Malaika. Sentinel. Los Angeles, Calif.: Sep 7, 1995. pg. C4

1996

• The [NLP]'s platform calls for "proven solutions for America through prevention-oriented government." The platform is heavily footnoted and notes that more than 500 studies, conducted at more than 200 independent universities and research institutions, have been conducted on the benefits of TM.
  • PARTY HOPES TM PUTS MEMBERS IN POSITION TO LEAD; Darrel Rowland Dispatch Statehouse Reporter. Columbus Dispatch. Columbus, Ohio: Jul 21, 1996. pg. 01.C
• The party says more than 500 studies at 200 universities and research centers have been conducted on the benefits of TM. The Natural Law party, which hopes to be on all 50 ballots this fall, advocates TM because it "has been successfully proven to work."
  • Is government ready for a dose of TM? George Plagenz The Nevada Daily Mail - Sep 4, 1996 p. 3 [1]

1997

• TM practitioners hope to benefit from his endorsement of TM. According to one report, up to 160,000 people in Britain and more than four million people worldwide mantra their way through the day. Ask why, and you'll be told about some 500 studies over the last 20 years, all testifying to the efficacy of TM in relieving anxiety, depression, insomnia and a number of other stress-related conditions. Many of these studies, however, were carried out by scientists within the Maharishi Foundation, and published in journals which do not require comprehensive peer review by independent assessors.
  • Health: Mind over mantra The Beatles did it. And so does the new leader of the Tory party. John Illman reports on the attractions of transcendental meditation JOHN ILLMAN. The Guardian. Manchester (UK): Jun 24, 1997. pg. T.016

• The Maharishi School asserts that it lessens the burdens of government by taking "health, education, and welfare burdens off the government by ministering to the needs of the general public -- both in Minnesota and worldwide." The Maharishi School also contends that tens of thousands of Minnesotans have "transformed their lives as a result of participating in the charitable activities of the School" and that the Maharishi School therefore relieves the burdens of government "by bringing [people's] hearts under the influence of education, relieving their bodies from disease, suffering or constraint, and assisting them to establish themselves for life." The record does not support these assertions. The sparse evidence offered consisted only of anecdotal accounts by a handful of witnesses. While the Maharishi School asserts that more than 500 scientific research studies support the benefits of transcendental meditation and other offerings of the Maharishi School, these studies were not admitted into evidence at the tax court and are therefore not part of this record on appeal. See Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 110.01. [..] (Separate opinion) The School made several assertions about the benefits of its teachings, but failed to introduce any evidence, other than anecdotal accounts, to support these assertions. For example, the School asserted that there were over 500 scientific research studies supporting the benefits of transcendental meditation and other classes offered by the School. However, none of these studies were introduced, nor admitted, into evidence before the tax court. They were therefore not part of the record on appeal. [1] Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 110.01. Had the Maharishi School introduced to the tax court some evidence of the benefits of these teachings, including perhaps some of the alleged 500 reports, I believe they would have made a difference in the outcome of this case.
  • STATE OF MINNESOTA IN SUPREME COURT C4-96-1425 World Plan Executive Council-United States, et al., v. County of Ramsey, Filed March 20, 1997

• The writer also mentioned the "numerous scientific studies by fellow believers" on the Transcendental Meditation program. There are more than 500 studies conducted at 209 independent universities and research institutions published in 120 scientific journals conducted by 360 scientists in 29 countries -- an overwhelming body of research, not to be lightly dismissed. For example, an ongoing $5-million study funded by the National Institutes of Health in the U.S. is showing that the TM program is as effective as the best hypertensive medications in reducing high blood pressure.
  • Natural Law proponents encourage scientific experimentation; Ashley Deans. LTE, The Ottawa Citizen. Ottawa, Ont.: Sep 12, 1997. pg. D.5

1998

• Detailed proof is to be found in six thick volumes of studies. A closer look at the fine print reveals that most of the studies have been ground out the Maharishi's universities in the US and Switzerland.
  • Peace of Mind; Esther Hecht. Jerusalem Post. Jerusalem: Jan 23, 1998. pg. 12

1999

• "It is also the most researched meditation technique in the world," said Lane Wagger, international director of the Maharishi Development Program, which teaches TM to executives. "More than 600 research studies have been done on TM at 200 universities and institutions in 33 countries," he said.
  • The Maharishi at 80: Yogi in the sky with diamonds: A pyramid in India, the tallest building in the world, is among the projects planned by devotees.; Mian Ridge. The Vancouver Sun. Vancouver, B.C.: Aug 6, 1999. pg. A.17

• Maharishi's programmes, Transcendental Meditation (TM) and the TM- Sidhi Programme including Yogic Flying, utilizing the natural tendency of the mind to bring individual awareness in tune with Natural Law, provide the technologies for realizing Atma. By promoting the experience of Transcendental Consciousness from the onset of the practice, they immediately enrich those aspects of human existence that are life supporting, while eliminating that which is damaging to life. While many programmes set the same goals, what has distinguished Maharishi's programmes has been both the quality and quantity of the scientific research evaluating their effectiveness. Over 600 studies conducted at 210 universities and research institutes in over 30 countries and published in leading journals worldwide have measured a strengthening of society and individuals in all aspects of life. Whereas many motivation theories are weakened by a cultural bias, beneficial results from Maharishi's Vedic Technologies of Consciousness do not vary with differences in religion, nationality, gender, age, educational or social background or any other of the factors that tend to divide the family of man. Growth towards higher states of consciousness is a universal goal to life and is the birthright of everyone.
  • Rendering projected HR practices obsolete Ian Brown, The Hindu. Chennai: Sep 29, 1999. pg. 1
• Over 600 research studies conducted during the past 25 years at more than 200 universities and research institutions in 30 countries have investigated the effects of these programs on improving the quality of life in the individual and society (Orme-Johnson and Farrow, 1977; Chalmers et al., 1989a, 1989b, 1990; Wallace et al., 1990, in press). This research has found a broad range of improvements, including reduced stress, improved physical and psychological health, and enhanced learning ability, IQ, and social behavior (for a review of this research, see Alexander, Robinson, Orme-Johnson, et al., 1994; Alexander, Robinson, and Rainforth, 1994; Cranson et al., 1991; also see Orme-Johnson, 1987).
  • Effects of group practice of the Transcendental Meditation program on preventing violent crime in Washington, D.C.: Results of the National Demonstration Project, June-July 1993 Hagelin, John S, Rainforth, Maxwell V, Orme-Johnson, David W, Cavanaugh, Kenneth L, et al. Social Indicators Research. Dordrecht: Jun 1999. Vol. 47, Iss. 2; pg. 153, 49 pgs

2000s

2000

• Over the past 30 years, several hundred studies have been published on the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of individual treatment components of MVM, such as the Transcendental Meditation program and certain herbal preparations.16,17
  • Improvements in chronic diseases with a comprehensive natural medicine approach: A review and case series. Tony Nader, Stuart Rothenberg, Richard Averbach, Barry Charles, et al. Behavioral Medicine. Washington: Spring 2000. Vol. 26, Iss. 1; pg. 34, 13 pgs

2001

• PART OF the problem with determining the legitimate benefits and problems of TM is the conflicts within the scientific community. As with many areas of research, some of the studies offer contradictions. Although the movement quotes the "600 studies" in its favor, some have been criticized for bias and a lack of scientific evidence. For example, a research paper published in June 2007 by the University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center for the US Department of Health and Human Services, stated about meditation research (TM included): "We found the methodological quality of meditation research to be poor, with significant threats to validity in every major category of quality measured, regardless of study design." [..] THOSE WHO do immerse themselves in the movement often go on to become TM teachers and many practice an advanced technique known as "rounding" - intensive meditation that can last for several hours at a time. It is with rounding that more issues reportedly surface with regard to physical and mental side-effects, though the movement officially states there are none, pointing again to its store of 600 studies.
  • Trance 101 Mel Bezalel. Jerusalem Post. Jerusalem: May 1, 2009. pg. 14
• According to the Maharishi and his researchers - who frequently cite published scientific studies - the number of meditators needed for peace is the square root of 1 percent of a given population.
  • Town sees meditation as way to peace Julie Deardorff. The Charleston Gazette. Charleston, W.V.: Dec 12, 2001. pg. 2.D
• A number of personal and social benefits have been claimed as a result of meditating. In fact, the movement has cited 508 individual scientific studies conducted since the 1970s, measuring psychological and physiological differences between meditators and non-meditators. The reports laud the physical and mental benefits of transcendental meditation, citing increased creativity, broader comprehension, improved perception, lowered blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and decreased medical visits among the meditators. In 1977, studies such as those conducted by Fales and Markovsky at the University of Iowa question the validity of claims made by TM studies. Particularly, the analysis examines the phenomenon known as the Maharishi Effect, which asserts the effect advanced TM meditators can exercise over the social serenity of local communities. The scientific work on TM has been criticized within the academic community for methodological flaws, vague definitions, and loose statistical controls.
  • Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology, 5th Ed. p.1583 2001
• More than 500 studies suggest that if military personnel utilized the novel human resource technology known as Maharishi's Supreme Military Science, an ancient tradition re-enlivened by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, their performance levels and quality of life could be greatly enhanced. Research indicates that this non-religious technology produces deep rest, releases deep-rooted stress, and increases dynamism, teamwork, and positive social behavior.
  • Maharishi’s Supreme Military Science — A Revolutionary Change in the Character of Military Intervention, New Delhi, 13 June 2001, David Leffler, et al.
• A new program for the relief of specific diseases, the Maharishi Vedic Vibration Technology (MVVT) has recently been made available by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who more than 40 years ago began teaching the Transcendental Meditation program worldwide. Transcendental Meditation is a technology of consciousness whose benefits have since been validated by over 600 scientific research studies. (11-14)
  • A DOUBLE BLIND RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF MAHARISHI VEDIC VIBRATION TECHNOLOGY IN SUBJECTS WITH ARTHRITIS Tony A. Nader1, D. Edwards Smith 2, Michael C. Dillbeck 1, Volker Schanbacher 1, Susan L. Dillbeck 1, Phillipe Gallois1, Sophie Beall-Rougerie1, Robert H. Schneider3, Sanford I. Nidich3, Gary P. Kaplan4, Steele Belok 5 Frontiers in Bioscience, 2001 April 1; 6: H7-H17

2002

• The school was set up in 1986 by Skelmersdale parents disenchanted with conventional schools. Now it boasts a register of 100 children of which only one in four had heard of the Maharishi before they enrolled. Mr Cassells, who has been headteacher for the past 15 years, added: "It's backed up by research from around the world. Over 600 studies on TM show it provides many benefits which are very relevant to students in school."
  • Children meditate on top class GCSEs; Claire Tolley. Daily Post. Liverpool: Jan 12, 2002. pg. 13
• One of the most well-known forms of meditation is Transcendental Meditation (TM). In the past 30 to 40 years, more than 600 studies have credited it with "developing intelligence, awareness, improving health and relationships and contributing to world peace," says Christine Lekes, TM teacher and director of the Maharishi Vedic College in downtown Toronto.
  • Seeking some peace of mind ; Hardest part of meditation may be deciding which type you want to learn; Margie Rutledge. Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: Apr 7, 2002. pg. F.07
• David Orme-Johnson, Ph.D., a research psychologist in Seagrove Beach who studies transcendental meditation (TM) and follows Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is hoping that the profound changes in attitude after 9-11 might mean more openness toward alternative solutions. "Our view of society is that the deeper causes of war, terrorism and racial hatred are part of the collective consciousness," said Orme-Johnson. "What we've found in more than 600 studies is that individual stress decreases and health improves with transcendental meditation. A lot of what I've done in the past 30 years is collect and edit studies from dissertations and journals on meditation," he added.
  • The outlook afterward ANGIE TOOLE. Northwest Florida Daily News. Fort Walton Beach, Fla.: Sep 9, 2002. pg. C.1

2003

• While we appreciate your interest in transcendental meditation, the article "Say 'Ommmm' (June 16, S.A. Life) was incomplete and misleading. The negative report from 1983 cited in the article was outdated and irrelevant. Transcendental meditation is a scientifically validated technique to release stress, improve health and increase creativity. More than 500 studies at more than 200 universities and research institutions in 33 countries verify the results.
  • LTE Paul and Josephine Fauerso, founding faculty, Maharishi University of Management, YOUR TURN; San Antonio Express-News. San Antonio, Tex.: Jun 24, 2003. pg. 06.B

• They also imply that the more outlandish claims, such as the belief that some music can lead to rain, will soon be verified scientifically. (1) Most of these studies have not been published in peer reviewed journals; those that have are often seriously flawed.
  • Yogis and yagyas: Stephen Makin went to Maharishi School and rebelled by deciding to study medicine. Here, he explains the impact that transcendental meditation has had on his life, Student BMJ, Stephen Makin. 11.(Nov 2003): p.426(1).

• Anatomy of a Peace Palace
• -- A large meditation room, equipped with mats, where users can practice TM and yogic flying.
• -- A lecture hall and a meeting room for classes, seminars and a monthly open house.
• -- A spa that offers massage ($95 for 1 1/2 hours), facials ($125 for 1 1/2 hours) and a "Royal Beauty Treatment" package of massage, facial, steam bath and clay body pack ($375 for 3 1/2 hours).
• -- A library that includes more than 500 studies on the TM technique.
  • Mansions of meditation / Crime-fighting plan: 'Peace Palaces' in Bay Area, across U.S.; Erin Hallissy. San Francisco Chronicle. San Francisco, Calif.: May 10, 2003. pg. A.1

• At least 600 "research studies" into TM have been conducted in the last four decades, according to Maharishi's promotional literature, and published in sober-sounding publications such as The Journal of Mind and Behaviour and Journal of Clinical Psychology. These are offered as proof that TM is valid and its effects measurable.
  • Wasting away in Maharishi-ville:; Brian Hutchinson. National Post. Don Mills, Ont.: Feb 22, 2003. pg. B.1.Fro
• With the establishment of the university and its accompanying elementary and secondary school, the Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment, nearly 3,000 TM practitioners trickled into the area. They were drawn both by the university and by their belief that the calming, success-inducing powers of the discipline -- which they refer to as "technologies" and ardently defend throughout the town as having been proven by a panoply of scientific studies -- are multiplied exponentially when it is conducted in groups.
  • An Unlikely Mix of Mysticism and Marketing Spurs Donors in Iowa Town.(Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ) by Jeffrey Klineman Chronicle of Philanthropy May 1, 2003 v15 i14 pNA Page 1
• Over 600 scientific studies conducted at more than 200 universities and research institutions in 33 countries have documented the benefits of the University’s approach to education for mind, body, behavior, and environment.
  • MUM catalog, 2003-2004
• Given that the present results are cross-validated by over 600 studies showing holistic physiological, psychological, and social development (e.g., Chalmers et al. 1989; Orme-Johnson & Farrow, 1977; Wallace et al., 1990), we recommend that the TM program be implemented and evaluated on a large scale in our criminal justice system.
  • Walpole Study of the Transcendental Meditation Program in Maximum Security Prisoners: Cross-Sectional Differences in Development and Psychopathology. Charles N. Alexander; Kenneth G. Walton; Rachel S. Goodman in Transcendental Meditation in Criminal Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention. Charles Nathaniel Alexander, Kenneth G Walton, David Orme-Johnson Routledge, 2003 ISBN 9780789020376 p. 159

2004

• The Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement routinely claims scientific validation for the benefits of its meditation program. It alleges that some 500 studies, including those from leading universities, have confirmed the positive benefits of TM for individuals and society. [..] “Five hundred studies have proven TM” has been the mantra of TM enthusiasts for many years. TM promoters “often attempt to parlay such [alleged scientific] recognition into research grants, influence upon public policy-makers, and influence with the public at large.”8 That is why this issue is so important: if TM’s claim to scientific validation is not laid to rest, the public will continue to waste resources and be deceived. Do these 500 studies really confirm TM’s claims? TM, like any relaxation program, can produce some relatively minor physical and psychological changes. The question, however, is whether these detected effects are significant. In a critique of TM research up to 1980, Michael A. Persinger, coordinator of the behavioral neuroscience program at Laurentian University, noted, “Frankly, the reported effects of TM upon human behavior are trivial. Considering the alleged potency of the TM procedure, the changes in physiological and behavioral measures are conspicuously minute.”9 The extent of what is claimed and the often poor quality of the research are also important issues when evaluating the significance of these 500 studies. Questions regarding independent validation and impartiality must be raised because, as one researcher notes, “the studies…have been performed primarily by the TM Organization or by people they sponsor at Maharishi University of Management and at other universities.”10 Several independent investigators, in fact, confirm numerous problems with the studies TM cites, having examined the studies, used stricter controls, and found different results.11 Such study problems include “allegations of suppression of negative evidence, of fraud and of ‘gross scientific incompetence,’ lack of double-blind controls, refusal to submit raw data, failure to control for set effects, failure to control for expectancy of relief, failure to control for placebo/suggestible-prone subjects, and others.”12 TM-EX, a group of former TM practitioners, concludes that “Maharishi affiliated researchers consistently use selection bias in collecting their research data…selecting only data that is favorable to the movement claims.”13 In American Behavioral Scientist, distinguished social scientist Daniel Druckman of George Mason University and the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution noted that research indicates TM is ineffectual for improving human performance and found that the often-cited meta-analysis TM researchers put forth as evidence was flawed in its methodology.14 Even Dennis Roark, the former dean of faculty and chairman of the department of physics at Maharishi University of Management (MUM), speaks of the university’s “crackpot science” protocols, it’s meritless claims concerning the relationship between physics and consciousness, and the suppression of negative data in movement-sponsored research that is widely quoted as “scientific” proof of the benefits of TM.15 Chemist and Nobel Prize winner Melvin Calvin of the University of California at Berkeley concludes: “Maharishi’s principle business is collecting money from new acolytes. He doesn’t know anything about science; but does know that cloaking his dogma in scientific jargon is the only way to gain legitimacy.”16
  • TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM Part Two: Does TMReally Work? by John Weldon Christian Research Journal, volume 27, number 6 (2004).

• Torrington said more than 5 million people throughout the world have benefited from TM, a method developed some 40 years ago by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Those benefits, determined in more than 600 studies, have been described in numerous research journals, including the Journal of Cardiology, the International Journal of Neuroscience and American Heart Association publications.
  • People can draw energy from all sorts of outlets Patricia Corrigan. Knight Ridder Tribune News Service. Washington: Jan 9, 2004. pg. 1
• The [Committee for Stress-Free Schools], however, feels Benn's study and other TM research on TM proves its value in schools. The committee's literature states there are more than 500 studies on TM by "200 independent research institutions worldwide." But a large-scale literature review published in 2003 in The Middle European Journal of Medicine found that of 700 studies on TM spanning 40 years, only 10 were conducted in the clinical tradition of using strict control groups, randomization and placebos. Of those 10, four of the studies recruited subjects who had already shown an interest in TM. "My review concludes it seems that there is a strong placebo effect going on which probably works through the expectations being set up," responded Peter Canter via e-mail. He is a researcher from the Peninsula Medical School of the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth in the United Kingdom. The review also stated that many of the authors of the TM studies were connected to one of Mahesh's universities. "In effect, they gatekeep who can and who cannot do research on TM," Canter says.
  • Meditation Controversy The Journal News/May 18, 2004 By Joy Victory
• Physicist and Vedic scholar Maharishi Mahesh Yogi revived these programmes from India's ancient Vedic tradition. Over 600 scientific studies at scientific research institutions all over the world have been conducted on these programmes. This extensive research indicates that these programmes eliminate stress individually and collectively.
  • Leffler, et al., Defence India, November 28, 2004 Homeland Security With Unified Field-Based Defence Technology
• Over 600 research studies have shown that the individual becomes more alert, creative, intelligent, happy, and healthy when the technique is practiced regularly (M.U.M. 2004).
  • Quality of Life and Enhanced Economic Performance Through the Maharishi Effect in New Zealand, Norway, USA, Cambodia, and Mozambique., Guy David Hatchard Ph.D. and Kenneth Cavanaugh Ph.D. [2]

• The sales training concepts presented in this sales training book are supported by over 600 scientific research studies conducted at over 200 universities and research institutes in 33 countries, and published in more than 100 major scientific journals. The days of using high-power razzle-dazzle, motivational hype, gimmickry, pep-talks, and adrenaline-pump sessions, which only temporarily excite and motivate salesmen, is obsolete.
  • FOR SALES SAKE MEDITATE! Vincent J. Daczynski © 2002-2004 sellingsalesmanship.com. http://www.sellingsalesmanship.com/

2005

• A practice popularized 40 years ago by a guru to the Beatles continues to build "med cred" in the 21st century. More than 600 studies have linked Transcendental Meditation to myriad health benefits, including improvements in blood pressure and sleep patterns.
  • STUDY LINKS MEDITATION TO LONGER LIFE; THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH, Dennis Fiely. Columbus Dispatch. Columbus, Ohio: Jul 13, 2005. pg. 04.C
• 7. We say as one of our sentences: “More than 600 scientific research studies, conducted at over 250 universities and research institutes in 30 countries, document the benefits of the Transcendental Meditation program for mind, body, behavior, and society.”
• 8. We show the six volumes of scientific research as a graphic or have them on the table near us.
• 9. We cite scientific research findings in each area, but in brief, not giving details. It’s good to show a few charts.
  • New Points for the Standard Introductory Lecture on the Transcendental Meditation program from the International Course to Recertify Governors April 2005
• Since 1970, over 600 scientific research studies performed at more than 200 universities and research institutes in over 30 countries have reported a wide range of benefits resulting from the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique.
  • Deans, Ashley (2005-01-15). A Record of Excellence: The Remarkable Success of Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment. MUM Press. p. 38. ISBN 0923569375.

2006

• The movement claims more than 600 studies have proven the benefits of TM. Most scientists agree it can ease stress, high blood pressure, pain and insomnia. But some argue it's no more effective than many other mind-body relaxation techniques.
  • A Guru's Goals Still Center on Peace and Love; Arthur Max. The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.: Feb 19, 2006. pg. D.01
• I think I was suffering from severe scientific proof fatigue. From the moment of my arrival, I had been regaled with tales of millions of dollars in research grants from the National Institutes of Health, the findings published in prestigious medical journals, the studies conducted in partnership with major university hospitals. Nearly every conversation, whether it concerned elementary-school academic performance or cholesterol or crime-rate reduction, at some point included the phrase "There was this study.... "
  • A lotus amid the Iowa corn; A new Midwestern town has the teachings of a well-known maharishi at its heart.; Carina Chocano. Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, Calif.: Sep 10, 2006. pg. L.1
• Scientific research in thirty countries: More than 600 Scientific Research Studies on Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi Programme and Maharishi’s Vedic Approach to Health have been conducted at over 200 independent universities and research institutions in 30 countries. Many of these studies have been published in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals around the world, such as Science,Scientific American,International Journal of Neuroscience, Academy of Management Journal and Journal of Conflict Resolution. This research has demonstrated profound benefits in all fields of life—health, education, administration, defence, business and industry, criminal rehabilitation, crime prevention and world peace.
  • Propectus for the issue and offering of three million RAAM. November 14, 2006. Stichting Maharishi Global Financing Research
• Most Vedic architects and builders practice Transcendental Meditation. Jeffrey Ambranson, a partner in the family-owned real estate firm The Tower Companies, says he discovered TM, “When I was 33 years old and read that there were 18 scientific research studies indicating that it promoted creativity, clear decision making, self-actualization, as well as vitality and inner strength (today there are more than 600 studies, conducted in 33 countries at 210 institutions, including Harvard). Since it is an effortless technique, not a philosophy or doctrine, it can be practiced by anyone.”
  • VEDIC Architecture: A millenary practice is reborn. Lillian Delgado de Vecchiarelli, April 2006 House King Magazine
• Fact: Federally funded research: More than 600 studies have been conducted on the benefits of the TM technique, at 200 universities -- including Harvard, Stanford and the University of California at Los Angeles Medical School -- during the past 35 years. The National Institutes of Health has granted $20 million to study the health benefits of transcendental meditation -- in particular, the reduction of heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and stroke effects. This research has been published in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals, including the American Heart Association's Hypertension, the American Medical Association's Archives of Internal Medicine, and the American Journal of Cardiology.
  • Opinion: Bob Roth: Meditating excess stress from the schools 01:00 AM EDT on Friday, June 9, 2006 Providence Journal [3]

2007

• Jeffrey Smith has never published a peer-reviewed scientific article and as a member of the Natural Law Party his past so-called "scientific" statements include "the minds of yogic flyers act like radio transmitters that radiate a positive influence, resonating through the surrounding mental environment. . . Smith presented charts with evidence of a correlation between the presence of yogic flyers and an increase in the quality of life and a decrease in crime. . . Smith said more than 500 studies have shown transcendental meditation has its benefits including more creativity, intelligence and energy, better health and higher IQ over the long term". (Daily Illini, Oct 28th, 1996).
  • Genetically modified crops, SHANE MORRIS B.Sc, LTE, Irish Times. Dublin: Jun 29, 2007. pg. 17
• Working on the Senate campaign of the Maharishi's Natural Law Party in 1996, [Jeffrey Smith] publicly claimed there were 500 studies proving that yogic flying and transcendental meditation cut crime and increased IQ.
  • GM food - you won't end up with two heads By Andrew Bolt From: Herald Sun November 30, 2007 12:00am '[4]

2008

• Free meditation lessons offered: SUMMIT -- Free introductory lectures on the Transcendental Meditation technique at the Maharishi Invincibility Center, 102 Summit Ave., will be given on Saturday, Dec. 27, at 2:30 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 7:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 2:30 p.m.; and at 7:30 p.m. Organizers said more than 600 studies have been done demonstrating the effectiveness of this program in reducing anxiety, insomnia, heart disease and hypertension and in improving memory, self-confidence, energy and productivity. Reserve at 908-522-0820.
  • In The Towns - St. Teresa's hosts bereavement By Barbara Rybolt / Independent Press December 22, 2008, 11:10AM [5]

• Maharishi's technique of Transcendental Meditation is the most extensively researched programme of self-development in the world. Scientific research on Transcendental Meditation comprises more than 600 studies conducted at over 250 independent universities and research institutions in 30 countries. These studies have demonstrated a wide range of benefits for mind, body, behaviour, and society, and have appeared in over 130 scientific, medical, and professional publications including many leading peer-reviewed journals that employ rigorous review by independent experts. None of the studies on TM published in academic scientific journals have demonstrated any harmful effects from the practice. The scientifically documented benefits are clearly in accord with the objectives of the Charity.
  • MAHARISHI FOUNDATION Annual report and financial statements 31 December 2008

• In 1978, an article appeared in Psychology Today reporting that “a substantial number” of individuals develop “anxiety, depression, physical and mental tension and other adverse effects” from meditating. (San Francisco Examiner , 10 September 1989) The scientific criticism was just starting. While over a hundred studies had been done by TM scientists showing outstanding benefits from TM for mind and body, new studies by independent researchers failed to corroborate such claims. Some new studies even suggested adverse mental and physical effects resulting from meditation (depersonalization, the onset of mental difficulties, psychological disorders ). TM was accused of failing to conduct double-blind experiments, and of influencing test results with the prejudice of the tester.
  • Where Have All the Flower Children Gone? Part One, by Bronte Baxter, The Canadian, 2008
• [John Hagelin] said that more than five million people throughout the world have already learnt Maharishi's Transcendental Meditation(TM). The wide-ranging benefits of (TM) have been documented by more than 600 scientific studies conducted at 250 independent universities and research institutes in 33 countries, and published in leading scientific journals. He said, more than 50 studies have demonstrated the society-wide effect of group meditation, which showed that collective meditation effectively defused social stress, and prevented crime, terrorism, violence and warfare.
  • 'Maharishi Invincible Towers to be set up in 192 countries' The Hindustan Times. New Delhi: Feb 10, 2008.
• Sceptics are referred to 50 scientific studies which "show dramatic positive improvements in the entire society" when enough people practice TM. A TM publication says TM programmes "in Manila, New Delhi, Puerto Rico and Washington DC, all corresponded with statistically significant declines in violent crime".
  • Title:Putting Mind to the Fight Against Crime. Africa News Service Detail August 18, 2008
• 1970 Maharishi’s Year of Scientific Research: The first scientific research on Transcendental Meditation is published. (In the years which follow, more than 600 scientific research studies are conducted at over 250 independent universities and research institutes in 33 countries, validating the profound benefits of Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation Programme for the individual and for every area of society, including health, education, business, industry, rehabilitation, defence, agriculture, and government.)
  • Maharishi's Accomplishments, 1957-2008
• Dear Parents, In an increasingly uncertain world, it’s a great comfort to know that Maharishi University of Management is a safe and nourishing haven for your children. Many campuses report serious crimes on a daily basis, and binge drinking and recreational drugs pose major problems – but not here. How can this be? It’s simple, actually. Every student, faculty member, and administrator practices the Transcendental Meditation® technique, which eliminates stress that is the basis of crime and other social problems. As over 600 scientific research studies have shown this technique develops the inner creativity and intelligence of the self, fosters harmonious relationships, and creates a safe, peaceful environment. . . .
  • Richard Neate, Comments from Parents brochure cover letter, quoted in Butler v. MUM 2008
• The primary components of Maharishi’s Vedic system of defence are the Transcendental Meditation (TM) and TM-Sidhi programmes. Over 600 studies conducted at 200 research institutes and universities document the positive benefits gained from the twice daily practice of these programmes. This research indicates that all areas of life are affected in a positive way: mind, body, behaviour, and the environment. Findings published in leading peer-reviewed journals include: improved work relations, increased creativity and intelligence, increased productivity, and improved health, as well as reduced stress-related diseases, and decreases in terrorism, war and crime.
  • Opinion: No One Wants the Nobel War Prize DAVID R LEFFLER 8-Sep-2008 FIJI DAILY POST [6]

2009

• The transcendental meditation technique is backed by 600 research studies, according to [Bob] LoPinto, including the National Institutes of Health.
  • Meditation Retreat Planned for Hampshire County January 1 , 2009 ; By Marla Pisciotta, STATEJOURNAL.com, West Virginia
• In 2007, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services commissioned a study on the effectiveness of a variety of meditation techniques, including TM. The report included a meta-analysis of various studies of meditation over several years. It concluded that most of these studies were of poor quality. "Overall, we found the methodological quality of meditation research to be poor, with significant threats to validity in every major category of quality measured, regardless of study design," asserted the report. [..] TM has also been scored for making hyperbolic, pseudo-scientific claims. Over the years, advocates have insisted that TM can reduce stress, lower the crime rate, bring down high blood pressure, lower the rate of disease, reverse the aging process, end gang violence, lower the number of auto accidents, reduce terrorism, assist people in finding jobs, stop inflation, help cardiac patients recover and foster world peace among other things
  • Levitating Over The Church-State Wall? Rob Boston. Church & State. Silver Springs: Jun 2009. Vol. 62, Iss. 6; pg. 7, 3 pgs
• Question: Is there any scientific evidence to show the technique works? Answer: Yes. More than 600 scientific studies on the benefits of the Transcendental Meditation technique have been conducted at 250 independent universities and research institutions, including Harvard Medical School, Cornell Medical School, University of Michigan Medical School, and UCLA Medical School.
  • Q&A with John Hagelin, 8 Great Reasons to Meditate, Center for Leadership Performance 2009
• In work done at Harvard University, as early as 1970, Robert Keith Wallace found that Transcendental Consciousness is associated with a characteristic set of physiological parameters indicating a fourth major state of consciousness, distinct from waking, dreaming and deep sleep (Wallace 1970, 1995). Since then, more than 600 published research studies, conducted at over 200 independent research institutions in 35 countries, have documented the distinctive physiological correlates and beneficial results of practicing the Transcendental Meditation program. In addition to Wallace, some of the most active researchers have included David Orme-Johnson, Robert Schneider, Charles Alexander, Fred Travis, Ken Walton, Michael Dillbeck, Ken Cavanaugh and Sanford Nidich. For good summaries of the TM research, see: Orme-Johnson (1995), http://www.tm.org/research and www.mum.edu/research.
  • PSEUDOSCIENCE AND VICTOR STENGER’S QUANTUM GODS Mistaken, Misinformed And Misleading by David Scharf, Ph.D. Department of Physics Maharishi University of Management 2009
• There are over 600 published research studies on the TM technique, including: Increased coherence of brain functioning (International Journal of Neuroscience, 1989); holistic improvement in intellectual performance (Intelligence, 2001); increased creativity (The Journal of Creative Behavior, 1979); decreased stress, anxiety, and ADHD symptoms (Current Issues in Education, 2008); increased self-actualization (Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 1991).
  • "Learn the TM® Technique, and Unfold Your Inner Potential". Advertisement, PATHWAYS—Winter 09-10, p. 36
• Dr. Rutherford summarized, “As educators, our responsibility is to change the quality of life of young people, isn’t that true? We should be jumping on whatever program that has research behind it that has proven that it can make a difference,” and referred to some of the 600 studies, including through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which have shown the wide-ranging effects of the technique.
  • Taking Care Of The Student The Forgotten Element In Education, By Cynthia E. Johnson, assisted by Lisa Lindberg., PATHWAYS—Winter 09-10, pp. 58-64

• Vedic economy harnesses the total creative potential of Veda – the infinite power of Natural Law. According to the principles of Natural Law, economy at both levels, individual and national levels, will always enjoy the abundance of cosmic economy, which holds order in the midst of infinite diversity. Such economy, Vedic economy, is the result of immense creativity which is the direct outcome of higher state of consciousness. Parameters of higher state of consciousness of a society depend upon the consciousness of the people or the constituents of the members of the society. Therefore, coherence in the individual, as well as, in the entire society which brings in the full potential of creativity, is important to achieve the basics of Vedic Economy at every level. This arousing of creativity leads to dynamism in the economy, giving it Vedic status, on the level of individual and whole society, has been confirmed by 600 scientific research studies which have been conducted on Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programme at more than 230 universities and research institutes in 33 countries.
  • "Solid foundation of Natural Law", Maha Media 2009-08-23 Brahamchari (Dr.) Girish [7]