What the Beatles Gave Science

Their visit popularized the notion that the spiritual East has something to teach the rational West.

By Sharon Begley | NEWSWEEK
From the magazine issue dated Nov 19, 2007

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  • Posted By: jaigurudev53 @ 02/27/2009 11:15:51 AM

    Meditating since 1974. Instucted by Maharishi. You can't say one substantive thing against TM on the contrary..........

  • Posted By: lubosir2 @ 02/08/2008 11:20:58 PM

    Mahrishi was a lovely man with a very self determined philosphy which can;t be faulted in any way atall.

  • Posted By: useful life @ 11/29/2007 4:37:32 PM

    TM is a fabulous technique. It brings one's attention innocently to appreciate the subtlest aspects of thinking. It refreshes mind, intellect, and emotions during 20 minute sessions, 2 X / day, invigorating one's faculties to enjoy fully. Highly recommended.

  • Posted By: letsthink @ 11/17/2007 4:37:43 PM

    To correct my prior comment, I do not know if the Wallace mentioned in the article is affiliated with the TMO, but any affiliations should be mentioned.

  • Posted By: letsthink @ 11/17/2007 4:25:28 PM


    Most of the TM research is on the practice of TM and its effect on the practitioner. There are many many studies, most of which are done by people affiliated with the TM organization (for example, Wallace mentioned in the article) which show positive effects. The studies which appear in leading journals don't show anything that is earth shattering and really are not that interesting to most scientists. The more aggressive claims tend to appear in more borderline journals. Some independent scientists have undertaken to replicate research and have found no significant differences between TM and other relaxation techniques. Fine and dandy, relaxation is relaxing. Maybe it lowers your BP, maybe it does not.

    The best and most rigorous way to prove a scientific principle is to try to disprove it. Unfortunately, TM affiliated researchers try to prove, not disprove. They do not look for adverse effects. None of the studies by TM affiliated researchers were designed specifically to look for such effects. They don't want to know or they don't believe that they could occur. By pointing out positives, which they do over and over, that does not mean there are no negatives. However, a few outside researchers have looked and have found some issues with TM practice in some people, especially people disposed to mental health issues, and especially people who engage in "rounding," meditation for sometimes hours a day.


    I abhor slopping thinking and there is a lot of it in the TMO.

    I also abhor misrepresentation, whether active or through omission. I suggest reading this JAMA article and its recitation of misrepresentations relating to Maharishi AyurVeda research : http://web.archive.org/web/200003081801 ... k/mav.html

  • Posted By: Erocks @ 11/16/2007 8:02:14 PM

    Read Etkart Tolle's Power Of Now. He is a great teacher. Focus on : disassociating with the mind. Using your brain more as a tool, so the brain does not use you. Evolving by being more spiritually present, watching the thinker, finding inner peace. Great stuff.

  • Posted By: Sandy Weiner @ 11/12/2007 4:04:18 AM

    With Quantum physics leading the way to understanding how we function and as Bruce Lipton talk's about in Biology of Belief... the bridge between psychology and medical science seems to finally have been build on firm foundation. Weather it be a physical result in overall better health, more productivity and creativity or more frontal brain activity are our measures, the point for me, still boils down to: Where we put our focus is what we experience and manifest...energy goes where the focus goes (Bohm).
    As we become more aware of our out negative thoughts and beliefs and learn to release them whether through meditation or the user of other methods, e.g., Energy Psychology, Appreciative Inquiry, Positive Psychology??? we heal and I, believe, we open the opportunity for the situations around us to grown and heal with us. This holds true in my experience, at all levels of system???change the focus to a positive and heal the pain or negative habits ???at the individual, partner, family, community??? levels and you move to a flow state.
    Stress is destruction to our health. As we learn to relax in what may seem to be stressful situations (that are not life threatening), we increase our energy and our brain activity.. So, to me, meditation is great, thought learning to release our limiting thoughts and tension inducing reactions is the key.
    Sandy Weiner, Master Certified Coach www.1-Focus.com

  • Posted By: happyaymee @ 11/11/2007 5:35:23 PM

    I wonder what neuropsychology has to say about sustainable happiness?

  • Posted By: Sinibaldi @ 11/11/2007 10:07:39 AM

    Words of wisdom.

    Walking a long
    way in search of
    a feeling the snow,
    fallen again in
    the dark of a
    footprint, describes
    the profile of
    a sibilant hail-storm,
    and that fountain
    rejoices like an
    useful singing.

    Francesco Sinibaldi

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