[net.religion] TM mantra clarification and correction

jonw@azure.UUCP (Jonathan White) (01/13/84)

Since there seems to be a certain amount of flak flying about as a result of a
query that I posted regarding TM mantras, I would like to make the following
clarifications:

1. As I stated previously, I have nothing against meditation per se.  I do,
however, object to any organization that makes money as a result of false
claims.

2. Anyone who knows anything about TM realizes that the number of mantras is
not a trivial issue.  The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has been quoted as saying:

   "...each man has his own type of energy impulses that constitute his
   personality.  Therefore, if the qualities of energy impulses created by the
   sound of the mantra rightly correspond to the energy impulses of the man,
   only then will it be of real value.  Any wrong choice of the mantra is sure
   to create unbalance in the harmony of the man's life.

   "There are thousands of mantras, and all have their specific values,
   specific qualities, and are suitable for specific types of people."
   (Omni, January, 1984, p. 129)

Correction:  In my original article I mentioned that the source for the mantra
information was a book called "Big Secrets".  Actually, the source is the
January `84 issue of Omni.  They printed a review of "Big Secrets", and on the
end of that piece they tacked on a short expose' of TM.

			Jon White
			[decvax|ucbvax]!tektronix!tekmdp!azure!jonw

mat@hou5d.UUCP (M Terribile) (02/12/84)

James Randi's book, Flim-Flam!! has a chapter called ``Gods With Feats
Of Clay''.  He has something to say about certain claims that he says
were made by the leader of the TM movement.  Among them:

	You can be taught to levitate.  It will only cost a few thousand
	dollars.

	You can be taught to pass through walls.  This too is cheap at its
	price.

	Crime in the world can be reduced by TM practiced by persons
	not involved in the crime.


I recommend this book highly.  It is a refreshing dose of common sense.


					Mark Terribile
					Duke Of deNet
					hou5d!mat