Research on the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi Programs

63 papers found

• 1981· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 4
  Orme-Johnson, D. W.; Wallace, R. K.; Dillbeck, M. C.; Alexander, C. N.; and Ball, O. E. Improved functional organization of the brain through the Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field as indicated by changes in EEG coherence and its cognitive correlates: A proposed model of higher states of consciousness. Departments of Psychology and Biology, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, Iowa, USA; Department of Psychology and Social Relations, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; and Department of Education, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA. Paper presented at the American Psychological Society Annual Convention, Los Angeles, California, USA, September 1981.

  The effects of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi program were studied in terms of the functional organization of the brain, as reflected in patterns of EEG coherence and in the correlations of these patterns with measures of cognitive performance and emotional health. Findings indicated that higher levels of coherence in the frontal cortex relative to the occipital area are, in general, correlated with higher levels of cognitive performance and greater emotional stability. Furthermore, results showed increases in both alpha and theta EEG coherence levels as a result of learning the TM-Sidhi program, with proportionately greater increases taking place in the frontal lobes compared to the occipital lobes. The authors discuss their findings in terms of the development of higher states of consciousness through the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi program.

  • Electroencephalographic: Higher Frontal EEG Coherence Correlated with Superior Cognitive Performance (Verbal Intelligence, Principled Moral Reasoning, and Grade Point Average) and Greater Emotional Stability (Lower Neuroticism)
  • During the Practice—Electroencephalographic: Increased EEG Coherence During the Transcendental Meditation Technique
  • Electroencephalographic: Stabilization of Increased EEG Coherence Following the Transcendental Meditation Technique
  • + 3 more findings
• 1982· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 3
  Alexander, C. N.; and Marks, E. J. Ego development, personality and behavioral change in inmates practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique or participating in other programs: A summary of cross-sectional and longitudinal results. Doctoral thesis of first author (summary), Department of Psychology and Social Relations, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 1982. Findings also published in Dissertation Abstracts International 43(2): 539B, 1982.

  The Transcendental Meditation technique was found to enhance ego development and reduce pathological symptoms in both a cross-sectional analysis and a longitudinal study of prison inmates. The results of other prison programs were by comparison both inconsistent and non-significant.

  • Rehabilitation of Offenders: Greater Self-Development among Prisoners
  • Rehabilitation of Offenders: Greater Capacity for Warm Interpersonal Relationships among Prisoners
  • Rehabilitation of Offenders: Greater Engagement in Private Avocational Businesses within the Institution among Prisoners
  • + 12 more findings
• 1982· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 3
  Alexander, C. N.; Grant, J.; and Stadte, C. von. The effects of the Transcendental Meditation technique on recidivism: A retrospective archival analysis. Doctoral thesis of first author (summary), Department of Psychology and Social Relations, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 1982. Findings also published in Dissetation Abstracts International 43(2): 539B, 1982.

  The practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique by prison inmates was found to result in lower recidivism rates after release. The effect of Transcendental Meditation in reducing recidivism was consistently significant when controlling for factors known to influence recidivism. Participation in other prison programs was, on the other hand, associated with no change or a slight increase in recidivism.

  • Rehabilitation of Offenders: Lower Recidivism among Prisoners
  • Rehabilitation of Offenders: Fewer New Convictions among Prisoners
  • Rehabilitation of Offenders: Higher Incidence of Clean Records among Prisoners
• 1985· Physiology & Behavior· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 5
  O’Halloran, J. P.; Jevning, R.; Wilson, A. F.; Skowsky, R.; Walsh, R. N.; and Alexander, C. N. Hormonal control in a state of decreased activation: Potentiation of arginine vasopressin secretion. Physiology & Behavior 35: 591–595, 1985.

  During the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, there was a dramatic; increase in a hormone associated with body fluid balance as well as with learning and memory.

  • Biochemical: Higher Baseline Plasma Level of Arginine Vasopressin, Associated with Body Fluid Balance and with Learning and Memory
  • Psychological Health: Lower Levels of State and Trait Anxiety
  • During the Practice—Biochemical: Increased Plasma Level of Arginine Vasopressin, Associated with Body Fluid Balance and with Learning and Memory
  • + 1 more findings
• 1987· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 5
  Alexander, C. N.; Larimore, W. E.; Dash, P.; Titus, B.; and Israelson, L. Distinguishing between Transcendental Meditation, sleep and other forms of rest according to electrophysiological criteria. Findings presented at the Midwestern Psychological Association Meeting, Chicago, Illinois, USA, May 1987.

  A quantitative meta-analysis of 11 studies indicates that the state of restful alertness produced through the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique is clearly distinct from napping and sleep according to EEG criteria.

  • Electroencephalographic: EEG Differentiation between the Transcendental Meditation technique and Napping
• 1987· Research Review· Collected Papers Vol. 5
  Alexander, C. N.; Cranson, R. W.; Boyer, R. W.; and Orme-Johnson, D. Transcendental Consciousness: A fourth state of consciousness beyond sleep, dreaming, and waking. Abridged version of a chapter which appeared in Sleep and Dreams: A Sourcebook, ed. J. Gackenbach, pp. 282–315. New York: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1987.

  Physiological research is reviewed indicating that transcendental consciousness is a unique fourth major state of consciousness.

  • Review Paper—Physiology: Review Paper—Physiology of Transcendental Consciousness
• 1988· Journal of Conflict Resolution· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 4
  Orme-Johnson, D. W.; Alexander, C. N.; Davies, J. L.; Chandler, H. M.; and Larimore, W. E. International peace project in the Middle East: The effect of the Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field. Journal of Conflict Resolution 32: 776–812, 1988.

  The collective practice of the Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field by a group of experts, numbering approximately the square root of one per cent of the Israeli population, was found to lead to improvements in the quality of life both within the nation and in neighboring Lebanon. This was reflected in decreased war deaths and decreased intensity of fighting in Lebanon; increased economic prosperity as shown by rises in the Tel Aviv stock market; decreased crime; increased positivity in the national mood; and, in Jerusalem where the group was located, decreased automobile accidents, crime, and fires.

  • Sociological—Improved Quality of Life: Increased Positivity in National Mood (Israel, 1983)
  • Sociological—Reduced Crime: Decreased Crime (Israel, 1983)
  • Sociological—Improved Economy: Rise in Stock Market Index (Israel, 1983)
  • + 9 more findings
• 1989· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 2
  Dash, P.; and Alexander, C. N. Electrophysiological characteristics during the Transcendental Meditation Program and napping: A pilot study. Divisions of Natural and Social Sciences, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA, 1976.

  EEG characteristics were found to distinguish the Transcendental Meditation technique from napping or ordinary rest, and to indicate that Transcendental Meditation gives rise to a unique state of restful alertness.

  • During the Practice—Brain Activity: Increased High Amplitude Alpha Activity
  • During the Practice—Brain Activity: Differentiation between Transcendental Meditation and Napping
• 1989· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 3
  O’Halloran, J. P.; Jevning, R. A.; Wilson, A. F.; Skowsky, R.; and Alexander, C. N. Behaviorally induced secretion of arginine vasopressin. Departments of Medicine and Physiology, University of California at Irvine, Orange, California, USA; Department of Endocrinology, Long Beach Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Long Beach, California, USA; and Department of Psychology and Social Relations, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 1983.

  Plasma vasopressin levels were found to be elevated before, during, and after the practice of Transcendental Meditation compared to levels at other times of the day, and to levels in nonmeditating controls who rested. This effect was not due to the usual mechanisms responsible for vasopressin release, and may be of importance in mediating the benefits of Transcendental Meditation for learning, memory, and behavior. The meditators were also found to have lower state and trait anxiety scores before and after Transcendental Meditation, compared to the controls. Furthermore, galvanic skin resistance increased more markedly during Transcendental Meditation than relaxation.

  • Biochemical: Increased Plasma Vasopressin (and Normal Plasma Osmolality) at Times of Regular Twice Daily Practice of the Transcendental Meditation Technique
  • Psychological Health: Lower State and Trait Anxiety
  • During the Practice—Electrophysiological: Increased Basal Skin Resistance
• 1989· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 3
  Alexander, C. N.; and Larimore, W. E. Distinguishing between Transcendental Meditation and sleep according to electrophysiological criteria. Department of Psychology and Social Relations, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, and The Analytic Sciences Corporation, Reading, Massachusetts, USA, 1981.

  More powerful statistical re-analyses of the data of Pagano et al. (1976) revealed significant differences in the EEG distributions of the Transcendental Meditation technique and `napping'. Other studies indicating similar differences are discussed.

  • During the Practice—Brain Activity: EEG Differentiation between Transcendental Meditation and Napping
• 1989· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 4
  Alexander, C. N.; Davies, J. L.; Newman, R. I.; and Chandler, H. M. The effects of Transcendental Meditation on cognitive and behavioral flexibility, health, and longevity in the elderly: An experimental comparison of the Transcendental Meditation Program, mindfulness training, and relaxation. Department of Psychology and Social Relations and Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, and Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia, 1983.

  The Transcendental Meditation program was found to be particularly effective in reversing declines in psychological and physiological functioning in the elderly in comparison to other treatments. Improvements were found in cognitive flexibility, word fluency, systolic blood pressure, behavioral flexibility, and mental health. Furthermore, results demonstrated that the reversal of aging brought about by the practice of Transcendental Meditation leads directly to an enhancement of longevity.

  • Health—Aging: Increased Longevity
  • Cognitive Performance: Increased Cognitive Flexibility among the Elderly (Including Increased Learning Ability and Greater Perceptual Flexibility)
  • Health—Aging: Improvements in Self-Reported Measures of Behavioral Flexibility and Aging among the Elderly
  • + 3 more findings
• 1989· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 4
  Alexander, C. N.; Kurth, S. C.; Travis, F.; Warner, T.; and Alexander, V. K. Cognitive stage development in children practicing the Transcendental Meditation Program: Acquisition and consolidation of conservation. Department of Psychology and Social Relations, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Psychology and Department of Management and Public Affairs, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, Iowa, USA; and Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1979.

  A preparatory program before children are old enough to learn the Transcendental Meditation program was found to enhance cognitive development.

  • Cognitive Performance: Enhanced Cognitive Development in Children
• 1989· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 4
  Alexander, C. N.; Alexander, V. K.; Boyer, R. W.; and Jedrczak, A. The subjective experience of higher states of consciousness and the Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field: Personality, cognitive-perceptual, and physiological correlates of growth to enlightenment. Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Maharishi International University, Fairfield, Iowa, USA; and MERU Research Institute, Mentmore, Buckinghamshire, England, 1984.

  Experiences of higher states of consciousness are found to represent a natural and empirically distinct dimension of human experience which is progressively unfolded through the regular practice of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi program. The development of higher states of consciousness is shown to be accompanied by holistic improvements in mental and physical functioning.

  • Self Development: Growth of Higher States of Consciousness
  • Self Development: Growth of Higher States of Consciousness
  • Self Development: Experiences of Higher States of Consciousness Correlated with: Better Self-Concept (Greater Self-Actualization, Greater Internality of Locus of Control); Greater Creativity (Greater Fluency, Greater Flexibility, Greater Originality); Profound Physiological Rest (Episodes of Spontaneous Breath Suspension during the Transcendental Meditation Technique); Greater Neurological Integration (High EEG Alpha and Theta Coherence during the Transcendental Meditation Technique); Greater Neurophysiological Efficiency (Faster H-Reflex Recovery); Superior Cognitive, Perceptual, and Motor Skills (Superior Perceptual Speed, Faster Motor Speed, Greater Psychomotor Speed and Flexibility, Higher Nonverbal Intelligence, Better Visual Memory); Less Symptoms of Stress (Lower Anxiety, Less Aggression, Less Depression, Less Introversion, Less Neuroticism); Greater Capacity for Absorbing Experiences; Participation in and Plans to Join Constructive Work and Social Activities (The correlates of higher states of consciousness summarized in this paper are drawn from both new experimental findings and the results of other studies reported in the volumes of this series.)
• 1989· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 4
  Orme-Johnson, D. W.; Dillbeck, M. C.; Bousquet, J. G.; and Alexander, C. N. An experimental analysis of the application of the Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field in major world trouble-spots: Increased harmony in international affairs. Department of Psychology, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, Iowa, USA, 1979.

  Simultaneous application of the collective practice of the Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field in the five major trouble-spot areas of the world in 1978 was found to reduce conflict and increase progress towards peace in these areas and to improve international relations in the world as a whole.

  • Sociological—Reduced Violent Conflict: Increased Harmony in International Affairs—Decreased Hostile Acts, Decreased Verbal Hostilities, Increased Cooperative Events (Worldwide, 1978)
  • Sociological—Reduced Violent Conflict: Improvements in Domestic Affairs and International Relations for Major Trouble-Spot Countries (1978)
  • Sociological—Reduced Violent Conflict: Decreased War Deaths (Rhodesia [Zimbabwe], 1978)
• 1989· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 4
  Davies, J. L.; and Alexander, C. N. The Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field and improved quality of life in the United States: A study of the First World Peace Assembly, Amherst, Massachusetts, 1979. Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 1983.

  The collective practice of the Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field by a group of approximately 2,500 individuals in the U.S.A. was found to result in a holistic improvement in the quality of life throughout the nation, as reflected by reductions in violent crime, motor vehicle fatalities, air transport fatal accidents, and fatalities from accidents, suicides and homicides, and by improvements in important national economic indicators.

  • Sociological—Reduced Crime: Decreased Violent Crime (USA, 1979)
  • Sociological—Reduced Accidents: Decreased Motor Vehicle Fatalities (USA, 1979)
  • Sociological—Improved Quality of Life: Decreased Number of Fatalities from Accidents, Suicide, and Homicide (USA, 1979)
  • + 5 more findings
• 1989· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 4
  Abou Nader, T. M.; Alexander, C. N.; and Davies, J. L. The Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field and reduction of armed conflict: A comparative, longitudinal study of Lebanese villages. American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; and Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia, 1984.

  The practice of the Transcendental Meditation program by one percent of the population of a Lebanese village, situated in a major conflict area of Lebanon, was found to result in an immediate and continued cessation of hostilities, and improvements in social, economic, and ecological conditions in the village. These improvements were in sharp contrast to the continuing violence in surrounding control villages.

  • Sociological—Reduced Violent Conflict: Cessation of Attack on a Community and Protection from Ongoing Armed Conflict in the Surrounding Area (Baskinta, Lebanon, 1982–1984)
• 1989· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 4
  Alexander, C. N.; Abou Nader, T. M.; Cavanaugh, K. L.; Davies, J. L.; Dillbeck, M. C.; Kfoury, R. J.; and Orme-Johnson, D. W. The effect of the Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field on the war in Lebanon: A time series analysis of the influence of International and national coherence creating Assemblies. Maharishi International University, Fairfield, Iowa, USA, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 1984.

  On three separate occasions during a six-month period, substantial progress towards peaceful resolution of the Lebanese conflict was found to result from the collective practice of the Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field.

  • Sociological—Reduced Violent Conflict: Increased Progress towards Peaceful Resolution of Conflict and Decreased War Intensity (Lebanon, 1983–1984)
  • Sociological—Reduced Violent Conflict: Decreased War Deaths and War Injuries (Lebanon, 1983–1984)
  • Sociological—Improved Economy: Improved Foreign Exchange Rate (Lebanon, 1984)
• 1989· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 4
  Orme-Johnson, D. W.; Cavanaugh, K. L.; Alexander, C. N.; Gelderloos, P.; Dillbeck, M.; Lanford, A. G.; and Abou Nader, T. M. The influence of the Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field on world events and global social indicators: The effects of the Taste of Utopia Assembly. Department of Psychology and Department of Management and Public Affairs, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, Iowa, USA, and Department of Nutrition and Food Service, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 1984.

  The collective practice of the Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field by one group of 7,000 experts-the square root of one percent of the world's population-assembled at Maharishi International University, U.S.A., was found to create coherence in the entire world consciousness, leading to an improved quality of life throughout the world. This was reflected in increased progress by heads of state in reversing negative trends and accelerating positive trends; increased harmony in international affairs; increased worldwide economic prosperity, as expressed in the simultaneous rise of stock markets in many different countries; decreased traffic fatalities; decreased air traffic fatalities; increased creativity, as measured by increased numbers of patent applications; decreased incidence of infectious diseases; and decreased crime.

  • Sociological—Reduced Violent Conflict: Increased Harmony in International Affairs—Increased Progress towards Peaceful Resolution of Conflict (Worldwide, 1983–1984)
  • Sociological—Improved Quality of Life: More Positive, Progressive Statements and Actions of Heads of State and Greater National and International Support for Their Policies and Leadership (Worldwide, 1983–1984)
  • Sociological—Improved Economy: Rise of the World Index of Stock Prices and Simultaneous Increases in the World’s Major Stock Market Indices (Worldwide, 1983–1984)
  • + 5 more findings
• 1989· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 5
  Alexander, C. N.; Swanson, G. C.; Rainforth, M. V.; Carlisle, T. W.; and Todd, C. C. The Transcendental Meditation program and business: A prospective study. Findings presented at the 101st Annual Session of the Iowa Academy of Science, Storm Lake, Iowa, USA, April 1989. Findings also published in abstract insert in The Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science 96: A32, 1989.

  Business employees participating in the regular practice of the Transcendental Meditation program showed reduced anxiety and alcohol and cigarette consumption; increased job satisfaction, health, productivity, and physiological stability; and improved personal and work relationships.

  • Organizational Performance and Well-Being: Enhanced Sleep and Reduced Fatigue
  • Organizational Performance and Well-Being: Reduced Cigarette Consumption
  • Organizational Performance and Well-Being: Reduced Liquor Consumption
  • + 7 more findings
• 1989· Empirical· Collected Papers Vol. 5
  Davies, J. L.; and Alexander, C. N. Alleviating political violence through enhancing coherence in collective consciousness: Impact assessment analyses of the Lebanon war. Summary of a paper presented at the 85th Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association, September 1989. Findings also published in Dissertation Abstracts International 49(8): 2381A, 1989.

  Daily time series analysis of the Lebanese conflict over a period of two and one-quarter years found a highly significant reduction in war violence and increase in cooperation during the time of seven assemblies of participants in the group practice of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi program.

  • Sociological—Reduced Violent Conflict: Increased Cooperation (Lebanon, 1983–1985)
  • Sociological—Reduced Violent Conflict: Reduced Level of Conflict (Lebanon, 1983–1985)
  • Sociological—Reduced Violent Conflict: Reduced War Fatalities (Lebanon, 1983–1985)
  • + 2 more findings