Maharishi: A rare glimpse into the message of meditation from 40 years ago

There are literally tens of thousands of hours of audiotape and videotape footage of Maharishi speaking: on the unbounded nature of human consciousness, on the wide-ranging benefits and subtle mechanics of the Transcendental Meditation technique, on the unity of life that underlies within both man and nature. Much of the videotapes come from Maharishi’s keynote addresses over 50 years to government conferences, science symposiums, education seminars, and business meetings in virtually all countries.

There are also countless hours of videotape of Maharishi talking to the press.

n 1968, at the height of one of many spikes of interest in the Transcendental Meditation technique over the past five decades, Maharishi was interviewed by the Canadian Broadcast Corp (CBC) Television while in the midst of leading an advanced meditation course at Lake Louise in Canada. As Maharishi walked along the banks of the lake, he spoke about the inner nature of life and how meditation allows any individual to unfold the limitless energy, creativity, and power that lies, latent, within every human being.

In 1968, the word “meditation” was still an oddity, research on the Transcendental Meditation technique was just in its early stages at Harvard and UCLA medical schools, and there were just a few hundred thousand people meditating around the world.

Today, everything has changed. Just take a look at the content of this blog and the TM.org website.

This classic video provides a rare glimpse into Maharishi’s message from over 40 years ago—a message that inspired a generation of young people, that captured the interest of researchers, and that led Time magazine, in a cover story on “The Science of Meditation” in 2004, to proclaim Maharishi as the teacher most responsible for the upsurge of interest in meditation in the West.

The video is just six minutes, but it tells the whole story.

Transcript:

Maharishi: “The depth of the lake, and the ripples, and the beautiful reflection of the glacier, reminds me of the story of inner life. The mind is deep like a lake, the ripples on the surface represent the conscious mind, the activity of the mind on the surface. And the whole depth of the lake is silent and that is the sub conscious mind which is not used by the wave. But if, the wave could deepen, and incorporate more silent levels of the water, the waves could become the waves of the ocean – the mighty waves.

This is what happens in Transcendental Meditation. The surface activity of the conscious mind deepens and incorporates within its fold the depth of the sub conscious. Nothing remains sub conscious the whole sub conscious becomes conscious and a man starts using the full potential of the mind. And the reflection of the glacier on the water is like the impression that the objects of the mind perceives and as long as the mind is not capable of maintaining its essential nature which is bliss consciousness, so long the mind gets imprinted by the perceptions of the objects and this is called the bondage of the mind…”

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi goes on to say: “…Such a life where the value of the matter dominates is called material life and the spirit gets annihilated. But when through the practice of Transcendental Meditation the mind goes deep within to the source of thought, transcends the thought and gains bliss consciousness and is capable of maintaining that, even when it comes out into the worldly experiences of objective nature, then it is called spiritual life. That the spirit is not capable of being overshadowed anymore by the objective experience and this is spiritual life, this is life in eternal liberation and without this life is in bondage…”

Maharishi: “…What is needed is the bliss out of Transcendental Meditation, the joy, the happy mood. If all the population of the people could practice Transcendental Meditation they will enjoy all this nature to the maximum. We are going to create a society free from suffering and stress and strain and then really the gift of God on Earth, such pretty nature, will be enjoyed by everyone.”

Lake Louise, Canada was a very beautiful place for Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to give this profound lecture…

*Documentary by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) 1968

Exclusive Video of David Lynch’s New Film – Jyotir Math, India

David Lynch in India, working on his film on Maharishi Mahesh Yogi the founder of Transcendental Meditation, Davids report comes to DLF.TV from Jyotir Math, India. More reports from David to follow.

David Lynch in India, working on his film on Maharishi Mahesh Yogithe founder of Transcendental Meditation, Davids first report comes to DLF.TV from high in the Himalayas, in the small town of Uttarkashi, known as the Valley of the Saints, where for thousands of years, seekers of truth have gathered to meditate and rise to enlightenment. Maharishi spent two years in silence in Uttarkashi, from 1953 to 1955, following the passing of his teacher, Guru Dev. More reports from David to follow.

David Lynch interviews Paul McCartney about Meditation and Maharishi

David Lynch: First of all its a real big honor to interview you, to talk to you Paul, and I’ve got to tell you I am not a professional interviewer. But I’m curious. So I’ll just ask you some things. And I’m curious– I assume some time in the sixties, set the stage, when did you first hear the word meditation and what did you make of it?

Paul McCartney: It was actually George Harrisons wife, Pattie, who had heard that Maharishi was coming to town. And she said we should all go. It was one of those things. And I was personally not in a good place. I think you know just over doing it in the sixties. So I was just not very–sort of –centered and I was looking for something. I think we all were. So we heard that Maharishi was going to have a meeting and give a lecture.

So that was the first time Id heard about meditation. But we’d actually seen him when we were kids growing up in Liverpool. Because as you know he went around the world seven times to spread his message. And he was on TV. And we remembered this giggling little guy and we thought, we loved him. We just said he’s so cool! you know. And he was just on TV, and he was giving an interview and he would giggle–that fabulous laugh of his. And he was very entertaining and very attractive. So we all said that’s that guy! But then I say, he was giving a lecture.

David Lynch: Where was it?

Paul McCartney: In London.

David Lynch: But do you remember the place?

Paul McCartney: I don’t remember it. I think it was in Kensington, Chelsea or somewhere. But—so that was the first time I heard about it and we all went along to listen.

David Lynch: And in the talk—what feeling, you know, came over you about what he was saying–his message?

*Note: Paul McCartney all the Beatles learned Transcendental Meditation from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1960′s.

Now the David Lynch Foundation is teaching at-risk children Transcendental Meditation to help overcome classroom stress and other social issues.

David Lynch interviews Paul McCartney (Part 2)

Part two – David Lynch interviews Paul McCartney.

David Lynch: Did Maharishi personally teach you?

Paul McCartney: Yes, so what happened then, we went to Bangor in Whales, and we attended a seminar there. And, as you know there were always lots of flowers around Maharishi so there was always a very… Nature was very involved, you go the feeling.. he often used to carry the flowers. There was this feeling of connection of nature, that was very grounding. And then eventually we went out to Rishikesh with him, which was more sustained.

David Lynch: How long had you been meditating when you went to Rishikesh?

Paul McCartney: I am not sure of the exact times, because it was forty years ago, but I would say a month or so… roughly that.

David Lynch: When you got to Rishikesh, you went to the ashram and what was the routine like? What was the experience like in Rishikesh?

Paul McCartney: It was great it was very straight forward, very simple. The whole place was very simple, there was nothing fancy about it. You would wake up, then go for breakfast in the morning, a light breakfast. You socialize a bit with the other members, and get to know each other. And then you would go back for your morning meditation… go back to your room. We had little chalets kind of thing. Each of us had little rooms, which were very simple but adequate.

And, you would just sit, and you would meditate. And, then was lunch and again you would socialize and chat and stuff. Then you would meditate in the afternoons. Sometimes Maharishi would have a meeting every so often with you, and you could talk to him about your experiences and he would help guide you. In the evening there was a kind of question and answer session.

Pics of Deepak Chopra, During his Monkhood Ceremony

Mind, Matter and Quantum Mechanics ~ Henry Stapp

Scientists other than quantum physicists often fail to comprehend the enormity of the conceptual change wrought by quantum theory in our basic conception of the nature of matter,” writes Henry Stapp. Stapp is a leading quantum physicist who has given particularly careful thought to the implications of the theory that lies at the heart of modern physics. In this book, which contains several of his key papers as well as new material, he focuses on the problem of consciousness and explains how quantum mechanics allows causally effective conscious thought to be combined in a natural way with the physical brain made of neurons and atoms.

The book is divided into four sections. The first consists of an extended introduction. Key foundational and somewhat more technical papers are included in the second part, together with a clear exposition of the “orthodox” interpretation of quantum mechanics. The third part addresses, in a non-technical fashion, the implications of the theory for some of the most profound questions that mankind has contemplated: How does the world come to be just what it is and not something else? How should humans view themselves in a quantum universe? What will be the impact on society of the revised scientific image of the nature of man? The final part contains a mathematical appendix for the specialist and a glossary of important terms and ideas for the interested layman. This third edition has been significantly expanded with two new chapters covering the author’s most recent work.

Mindful Universe

* Accessible treatment of mind versus matter
* Discusses the ethical consequences of the mind-versus-matter debate
* Describes how quantum mechanics can radically change our understanding of the connection between mind and brain

The classical mechanistic idea of nature that prevailed in science during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was an essentially mindless conception: the physically described aspects of nature were asserted to be completely determined by prior physically described aspects alone, with our conscious experiences entering only passively. During the twentieth century the classical concepts were found to be inadequate. In the new theory, quantum mechanics, our conscious experiences enter into the dynamics in specified ways not fixed by the physically described aspects alone. Consequences of this radical change in our understanding of the connection between mind and brain are described.

Dr. Henry Stapp – Beyond the Mind-Body Problem

An excerpt of Henry Stapp, PhD talking about how the collapse of the wave function in quantum mechanics can explain mind-brain interaction.

Return from the Monastery to NYC Mon 7/19/2010

Infinity Trailer

Infinity: The Ultimate Trip –Journey Beyond Death
A Film by Jay Weidner
Featuring Gregg Braden, Dannion Brinkley, Renate Dollinger, Stanislav Grof, John Holland, Dzogchen Ponlop, Robert Thurman, Alberto Villoldo, Neale Donald Walsch and Brian Weiss.
Gregg Braden, Dannion Brinkley, Renate
Dollinger. Stanislav Grof, John Holland, Dzogchen Ponlop, Robert
Thurman, Alberto Villoldo, Neale Donald Walsch and Brian Weiss

What happens after we pass from this world? Is there a life after this one? Or do we just disappear forever? These are the questions asked in this powerful and poignant feature documentary, Infinity: The Ultimate Trip. Many may be surprised by the answers.

Featuring noted experts Gregg Braden, Dannion Brinkley, Renate Dollinger. Stanislav Grof, John Holland, Dzogchen Ponlop, Robert Thurman, Alberto Villoldo, Neale Donald Walsch and Brian Weiss, Infinity: The Ultimate Trip brings a message of hope and optimism concerning the most mysterious act in a human life; the end of this life and journey to the beyond.

Using vital and beautiful imagery, along with personal accounts of near-death experiences, reincarnation and more, Infinity brings forth the story of our own infinite nature, what to expect after death and the magic and beauty that awaits us on the other side. Here we learn of the energetic landscape of the world that we enter after we die, the angels, or beings of light, who assist us in the passing and the promise of a new life. Infinity: The Ultimate Trip is an honest and hopeful assessment of the greatest journey that any of us will ever take. It changes our view from that of dread and pessimism to one of hope, joy and light.

Stuart Hameroff, MD talks with Deepak Chopra on ” Where Is Consciousness?” NYC Mon 7/26/2010

Why have millions left organized religion, but are still interested in spirituality? by Dr. Steve McSwain

Why have millions left organized religion, but are still interested in spirituality?

There is in everyone the longing to know intimacy with the Divine. The only difference between people—all people—is that a few are aware of this longing, while most are not. For those who are not, life is a constant challenge, even a frustration, as they search for God everywhere but the one and only place where God could ever be found – which is, inside of you.

Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is within you.” In spite of this rather clear clue as to where to look to find God, many mistake their inner feelings of discontent, restlessness, or desire for happiness and fulfillment as an indicator they need to do something. Our culture’s answer to this inner dilemma is to find the right career. Or, to find and fall in love with the right partner. But even these events – as meaningful as they may be – fail to grant anything more than a temporary, impermanent peace.

Now, what happens in most religions, Christianity notwithstanding, is that people go to church looking for God, thinking she might be found there. And, the church perpetrates, as well as perpetuates, the illusion that God can be. How so? By suggesting to people, “We have the answer. We alone have the answer. What we believe is right or, at the least, a little more right than anyone else believes. So, attend our church, believe as we believe, think as we think, do as we do, live as we live and, of course, give us your money, and all will be well with your soul.”

But it isn’t so. Over time, this nonsense has created in people the expectation that, if they’ll do all these things, they’ll find God. Instead of helping to know God, however, these expectations, rules, dogmas, doctrines, and beliefs have sucked the spiritual life right out of their souls. The church too frequently confuses beliefs for faith and, in fundamentalist churches, the beliefs are then imposed on believing and unbelieving people alike. In fact, that would be a pretty accurate definition of religious fundamentalism – the confusion of beliefs for faith and imposing those beliefs on others. That’s what’s happening today in both Islam and in Christianity – the difference is only the degree with which the imposition occurs.

The American Religious Survey tells us that as many as 34 million Americans today have left organized reIigion. For the majority of these, it is the Christian religion they’re leaving or, more accurately, the church’s dysfunctional version of Christianity that they are leaving.

And, that’s the point. People can leave the church—they have, they are, and more will, as long as the dysfunction and insanity I’m describing goes on. What people cannot leave, however, is their inner feeling of discontent, emptiness, or the longing to cultivate a deep spiritual union with the Divine. So, in recent years, as westerners have had greater exposure to eastern religions, many have turned to other religions. What many of these seekers do not know is this: the dysfunction they met and left in the western church is the same sort of madness they will likely find in many other religions as well.

So, it is important to understand, I did not write this book as a disgruntled former minister looking to attack either Christianity or the church. I wrote this book to tell people what took me half a lifetime to figure out. There has only ever been one place you will go to find the deepest desires of your heart fulfilled – and that is within yourself. That’s what Jesus meant when he said, “The kingdom is within you.” The Buddha said this, too. Even the Jewish rabbis have a saying that goes, “God has but one synagogue – the human heart.” I wrote this book, The Enoch Factor to show people where to look—the human heart—to find what they’re looking for.

The Science of Happiness

A brief video of a recent workshop conducted in Naples, Florida on the topic The Science of Happiness.

The Enoch Factor: The Sacred Art of Knowing God – Steve McSwain

In a groundbreaking new book, author Steve McSwain summons a new kind of spirituality—one that truly connects people to God and to each other, regardless of race, nationality, or faith.

The survival of humanity is at stake,” writes McSwain. “Virtually every conflict—between nations, religions, even between people within the same religion—has been the inevitable consequence of the narcissistic notion in practically every religion that assumes, ‘We’re right; You’re wrong!’ ‘We’re in; You’re out!’ ‘We’re the chosen ones; You’re not!’ Such insanity must end, if humanity is to survive.”

The Enoch Factor is a disarmingly candid memoir on how misdirected religion has become, including Christianity. It calls for an end to religious dogmatism and fundamentalism and the consequential crisis of faith that is driving millions to question lifelong beliefs, to change religions, or to abandon faith altogether.

More than a personal odyssey, The Enoch Factor is a testament to the possibility of a spiritual awakening, one that genuinely transforms the human condition. With fresh insights into the teachings of Jesus, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and New Age thought, Dr. McSwain shows readers how to experience a spirituality beyond the distinctions and divisions that have divided people and religions for eons. It is in The Enoch Factor that readers discover what the author describes as “the sacred art of knowing God.”

Book Excerpt:

There’s a chasm of difference between intimacy and interaction. With the widespread phenomenon associated with text-messaging, e-mail, and cell phones, a visitor from another planet might get the idea that, since humans are always connecting and interacting with each other, they must be friendly toward one another, even intimate and caring. It would not take him long however, to detect his first impression was an illusion.

Although virtually everyone is endlessly talking and texting, the irony is, we may be the most disconnected, as well as the most discontented and dysfunctional generation on record. There is division in almost every family—yours, mine, the families we know, as well as conflict in relationships both at school and at work. Furthermore, there is division between races, even religions, cultures, and nations. People are more divided than perhaps any other time in the history of the human race.

Conversation is no more communication than sex is intimacy. Communication and intimacy take presence and practice. They are learned skills. And, what is true of the horizontal relationships of life—humans toward other humans, is also true of the vertical relationship—the Divine/human connection. Those who know a God-realized life are those who practice the skills necessary for genuine communication and intimacy.

I love the way Rumi, the Persian Poet of Love, put it. He said, “You will know God the way you make love.” Just as love-making is for many people a connection that has little more than a surface depth to it, so the world is full of people, many of whom are very religious, but whose intimacy with God is little more than skin deep.

Biography

Dr. Steve McSwain is an author, speaker, thinker, activist, and spiritual teacher. He boldly calls for a new kind of spirituality. one that connects people to God and to other human beings, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religious background. “The survival of humanity,” says Dr. McSwain, “requires an end to the insanity of assuming, ‘We’re in; You’re out!’ ‘We’re Right, You’re Wrong!’ ‘We’re the Chosen Ones, You’re Not!’” Whether addressing a gathering of worshipers, corporate executives and company employees, seminar/workshop participants, or the keynote speaker at a convention, Dr. McSwain “has that rare gift of inspiring others to be more generous than they ever dreamed possible,” writes one observer. “He gives others the satisfying sense of belonging deeply to God and God’s plans.”