>From the "Maharishi Channel," thanks to TM-Free: http://tmfree.blogspot.com/2009/04/still-not-religion-video-of-puja.html
This page contains an embedded video of Maharishi leading a group performance of the TM puja, sur- rounded by the Rajas in full costume. I'm sorry that I can't figure out a way to post a direct link to just the video, but it's embedded in such a way that I don't know how to do that. For those who see nothing the least bit religious about the TM puja or the way that the 'Rajas' dress and conduct themselves, this video should reinforce those beliefs. For those who believe that just maybe what this video captures is very much religious indeed, it should reinforce *those* beliefs. Compare and contrast this videotaped occasion and *its* style and presentation with the current "cleaned up" style and presentation of the tm.org website and the "new face" that the TMO wants to show the public following the recent DLF concert. Whatever your beliefs, ask yourself WHY they want to present this "new face." Whatever your stance about the "TM is/isn't a religion" issue, ask yourself, "If the TMO was proud enough of this occasion to broadcast it on its 'Maharishi Channel,' why don't they place this or similar videos on the tm.org website, so that all of the million kids they hope to teach TM to can see a preview of the ceremony they will soon be participating in?" Further ask yourself, "If the TM Rajas dress this way normally, why didn't they dress this way at the DLF concert?" Maybe think about Maharishi's introduction itself, "We have the opportunity to do puja to Guru Dev." Notice the language: "TO Guru Dev." Compare and contrast to some of the descriptions of the puja and what it's about that have been presented here on Fairfield Life. Ponder recent claims that "kneeling is kneeling" and that it's not really a "bowing down" to what these practitioners of the TM puja do at 09:35 into the video. The person who created the puja and in this video defines it as a ceremony "TO Guru Dev," and the costumed leaders of the TM movement that surround him seem to have a slightly different interpretation of what 'namah' means and how to demonstrate it than the person who said "kneeling is kneeling." Looks a lot like "bowing down" to me. Check out the paintings on the walls and the way that the room is decorated. Check out the scene at 00:35 into the video and the guy seated on a raised dias, higher than Maha- rishi, and how he is dressed and the offerings and adornments laid out at his feet. Dat's Da King, the current leader of the TM movement. Nothing religious about him and how *he* is presented and treated and his relationship to other people, right? Enjoy, in whatever fashion you choose to enjoy it...
