This effect was found to be more pronounced with the introduction of the advanced TM-Sidhi Programme in the late 70s. since then it has repeatedly been found that even the square root of 1% of a community practising the TM-Sidhi Programme in a group creates measurable reductions in societal stress.¹

How it works: the "field effect"

Progress in theoretical physics during the past quarter century has led to a progressively more unified understanding of the laws of nature, culminating in the recent discovery of unified field theories based on the superstring. These theories locate a single, universal field at the basis of all forms and phenomena in the universe.

According to quantum physicist John Hagelin, "What we've discovered at the foundation of the universe is a universal field where all the forces and particles of nature are united as one. They are ripples on a single ocean of existence."

If the unified field is at the core of everything - even at the core of our bodies - is it also hidden deep within the mind? "Yes", says Dr Hagelin, "our minds profoundly mirror the hierarchical structure of nature. We can dive within to deeper levels of mind, accessing more powerful levels of thought and ultimately the unified field itself - the most powerful, limitless, universal level of our own consciousness."

When we touch upon this underlying, universal field of harmony during our TM practice, we enliven it. Because it is a non-localised field - existing evenly everywhere - it then gets enlivened not only within us but also within our surroundings. 

What's the proof?

"In the summer of 1993, this approach reduced crime by 26 percent in Washington, DC," explains Dr Hagelin. "An earlier study on the Lebanon war showed profound reductions in open warfare. These results have been confirmed repeatedly."

Neuroscience shows that the brain becomes highly coherent during TM.² "The orderliness of brain functioning in the individual spills over into society. Since the unified field is an all-pervading field at the basis of consciousness and matter, when unity is enlivened in the individual, unity is enlivened everywhere. This is a field effect of consciousness."

Knowing that we are profoundly interconnected on the deepest level of nature's functioning makes it easy to understand TM's silent, transformative influence on collective consciousness. Certainly improvements can always be made in every area of life - education, economics, health care, etc, but for any programme to be successful there must be positivity and coherence in the social fabric. The TM and TM-Sidhi Programme is a means for each of us to make a powerful, personal contribution to the collective peace and progress, strengthening life the level that's most powerful - deep within.

By practising TM, you're contributing to world peace

You are helping create the Maharishi Effect just by meditating twice a day and when you enjoy group meditation at your local TM Centre. To participate most fully in creating the Maharishi Effect, you can learn the TM-Sidhi Programme - courses for which are offered regularly in the UK (ask your local TM Teacher).

While everyone practices Transcendental Meditation for their own personal benefit, it's satisfying to know that you're also contributing to rising positivity in your family, community and society. 

If you have not done so already, you may like to visit our communities in Lancashire, in Suffolk  — where there are a Vedic Architectural residential estate and course facility  —  or at Maharishi Vedic City, USA to get a taste of what it's like to be part of a larger community of TM meditators.

Read more about Maharishi's Global Peace Initiative, online.

Scientific references: 

1. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 32: 776-812, 1988; Social Indicators Research, 47(2): 153-201, 1999.
2. Cognitive Processing, 11, 1, 2010; Consciousness and Cognition, 8, 302-318, 1999.