3 min
The Maharishi Effect is the scientifically studied phenomenon whereby group practice of TM produces measurable positive effects on society. The threshold is the square root of 1% of a population. In Jerusalem (1983), war casualties in Lebanon dropped by 76% on days the group was large enough. Six replications confirmed this: deaths −71%, injuries −68%, cooperation +66%. In the US, 17 years of group practice correlated with significant decreases in murder, assault and other crime. Over 50 demonstrations and 23 scientific studies support these findings.
As early as 1962, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi predicted that if just 1% of a population were to meditate, it would neutralise the hostility that fuels war. This phenomenon became known as the Maharishi Effect and was later found to require even fewer participants than originally thought.
Research shows that the square root of 1% of a population practising the advanced TM-Sidhi programme in a group is sufficient to radiate coherence. For the Netherlands this means about 400 practitioners. For the world population approximately 10,000.
Accumulated stress physically changes how our brains function. It inhibits the prefrontal cortex and fuels reactive, anxious and aggressive behaviour. When this tension builds up within a population, it manifests as societal conflict. TM addresses stress at its root — both individually and collectively.
This is not theory. The Maharishi Effect has been tested in over 50 demonstrations and supported by 23 scientific studies, published in peer-reviewed journals such as The Journal of Conflict Resolution and Journal of Social Behavior and Personality.
About the Maharishi Effect, scientific evidence and the impact of group meditation on society and peace.
The Maharishi Effect is the scientifically studied phenomenon whereby a sufficient number of people practising TM or the TM-Sidhi programme together produces measurable positive effects on society. The threshold is the square root of 1% of a population. This has been tested in over 50 demonstrations and supported by 23 scientific studies.
Yes. In 1983 in Jerusalem, on days when a group of TM-Sidhi practitioners was large enough, war casualties in Lebanon dropped by 76%. This study was replicated six times: deaths fell 71%, injuries 68%, and cooperation between antagonists rose 66%.
The threshold is the square root of 1% of a population. For the Netherlands about 400 practitioners, for the world approximately 10,000. A 17-year US study confirmed significant improvements when the threshold of 1,725 practitioners was exceeded.
Accumulated stress physically changes how brains function: it inhibits the prefrontal cortex and fuels reactive, anxious and aggressive behaviour. When this tension builds up within a population, it manifests as societal conflict. TM addresses stress at its root — when enough people experience the deep rest of TM, it has a measurable effect on collective stress levels.
Led by Dr Tony Nader, the global TM organisation aims to establish permanent groups of 10,000 TM-Sidhi practitioners. This is the square root of 1% of the world population — the threshold research indicates is sufficient for a lasting effect on world peace.
TM is a simple, natural meditation technique practised for 20 minutes twice daily using a personal mantra. It is completely effortless — no concentration, no control of thoughts.
The course fee is income-based. Included: personal instruction, three follow-up sessions, six months of group sessions and lifetime follow-up worldwide.
Yes. Over 400 peer-reviewed studies at more than 200 universities. The American Heart Association recognises TM as the only meditation technique shown to lower high blood pressure.
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