-----Original Message----- From: David Orme-Johnson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 12:29 PM To: David Orme-Johnson Subject: New section on TM and Cults posted on Truth About TM
Dear Friends and Colleagues, The links below will take you to a new page and subsections on www.TruthAboutTM.com <http://www.truthabouttm.com/> , which presents evidence that the Transcendental Meditation program in not cult. You can see some of the post below. All the best, David ---------------------------- Individual Effects Issue: Is the Transcendental Meditation Program a Cult? <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaCult/index.cfm > Summary: The Transcendental Meditation program cannot be called a cult because it develops independent, intelligent, creating thinking and its founder, Maharishi, has in many ways encouraged personal independence, integration with society, and good citizenship. Contents: Table Comparing the Transcendental Meditation Program and Cults <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaCult/index.cfm #tablecult> How the TM technique Differs from Hypnosis <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaCult/index.cfm #hypnosis> Maharishi is the Opposite of a Cult Leader <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaCult/index.cfm #Maharishi> Swami Muktananda on Maharishi <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaCult/index.cfm #muktananda> References <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaCult/index.cfm #references> The Evidence: The word "cult" has many meanings, but in recent decades it has often been used with a negative connotation to point out a group that others would like to see removed from society. This use of the term is expressed by the prominent religious scholar J. Gordon Melton: "My working definition of a cult is a group that you don't like, and I say that somewhat facetiously, but at the same time, in fact, that is my working definition of a cult. It is a group that somebody doesn't like. It is a derogatory term, and I have never seen it redeemed from the derogatory connotations that it picked up in the sociological literature in the 1930s." (1). Some psychologists and psychoanalysts have used their personal definition of mind control as "expert testimony" in legal proceedings against New Age groups on the behalf of various special interest groups who want to see them censured by society. However, this endeavor has not gained the support of the scientific community. "A report on brainwashing and mind control presented by an American Psychological Association <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Psychological_Association> (APA) task force known as the APA Taskforce on Deceptive and Indirect Techniques of Persuasion and Control (DIMPAC <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIMPAC> ), chaired by Singer, was rejected in 1987 by the APA's Board of Social and Ethical Responsibility for Psychology (BSERP) as lacking "the scientific rigor and evenhanded critical approach necessary for APA imprimatur," and cautioned the task force members to "not distribute or publicize the report without indicating that the report was unacceptable to the Board." The table below list factors related to cults along with evidence showing that the Transcendental Meditation program is the opposite of cults on every point. Table Comparing the Transcendental Meditation Program and Cults. Factors Related to Cults Transcendental Meditation Program Mind Control. Cults may use mind control techniques, such as peer pressure, to gain control over the behavior or their members (2, 3). No Mind Control. The Transcendental Meditation program <http://www.tm.org/> does not use any the mind control techniques. It is a simple, natural, effortless process that one does by oneself, which allows the mind to settle to its own quite level. (4). No one else is involved. Stress, Fear, and Weaknesses. Cults prey on the individual's stresses, fears, and weaknesses, and may use various techniques to amplify these factors to make the person more susceptible to manipulation (2). Deep Rest to Normalize Stress and Fear, and Improve Health. The TM technique protects the individual from cults by strengthening the mind and body. It does this by providing a state of deep rest and reduced stress (5-8)-one that is different from sleep (5-8) and deeper rest than that provided by ordinary relaxation with eyes closed (9). This unique physiological state allows the body to heal itself through its intrinsic self-repair mechanisms. It increases orderliness of brain functioning (5-8, 10-29), reduces anxiety (30), and improves health (31-45) Disintegration through Drugs and Fatigue. Cults may use drugs and fatigue to cause the brain to become incoherent and the person disoriented, making him/her more susceptible to suggestion and manipulation (2, 3, 46). Increased Integration. The coherent restfully-alert state experienced during TM practice habituates the system to function in a more integrated style outside of meditation as well (5-45), making the individual less susceptible to suggestion and manipulation by cults or by anyone else. Uncritical Thinking and Field Dependence. Cults promote uncritical thinking and use indoctrination to gain adherence to a dogmatic philosophy (2, 3). For example, people prone to join cults are more field dependent, which means that they look to others to structure their lives for them (47). Increased Critical Thinking and Field Independence. Field independence is measured by perceptual tests, which reflect the ability to structure the perceptual, cognitive, and social fields. It is highly correlated with the ability to see another person's perspective, yet resist social control and persuasion when it runs counter to one's own evaluation of the situation and values (47). Controlled research, including randomized designs, has demonstrated that TM practice increases field independence (45-49), indicating increased cognitive structuring ability, the basis of personal freedom from persuasion and influences of outside control over one's person. David W. Orme-Johnson,Ph.D. [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> www.TruthAboutTM.com <http://www.truthabouttm.com/> www.Orme-JohnsonPaintings.com/ <http://www.seagroveartist.com/> 191 Dalton Dr. Seagrove Beach, FL 32459 850-231-2866 850-231-5012 Fax No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.9.12/1824 - Release Date: 12/3/2008 9:34 AM
