The phenomenon of a powerful influence of harmony spreading through a whole community or nation when a small fraction of the population practices the Transcendental Meditation technique is known as the Maharishi Effect [ME].
Considering the [Maharishi] Meissner-like Effect of Increasing Coherence in systems. “Sudden sharp changes from relatively disordered to much more ordered states may be considered 'phase transitions' as described in the physical sciences. For instance, water changes from a less orderly arrangement of molecules in the liquid state to a highly ordered crystalline structure when the temperature is lowered to 0 degree C. Physicists are now beginning to explore the possible applications of phase transition models to sudden sweeping changes in individual and social systems . . Transitions to more orderly configurations are frequently mediated by the influence of a few individuals from within a population. Such effects are observed in developing systems of many sorts. For instance, in the embryo prior to the formation of any organs, a small cluster of cells is known as 'The Primary Organizer'. These few cells determine the developmental fates of the multitude of undifferentiated and unordered cells comprising the rest of the embryo.” Candace Borland, Ph.D., and Garland Landrith III, M.A., 'Improved Quality of City Life Through the Trancendental Meditation Program: Decreased Crime Rate' in Scientific Research on the Transcendental Meditation Program: Collected Papers, Vol. I, eds. David W. Orme-Johnson, Ph.D., and John T. Farrow, Ph.D., West Germany, MERU Press, 1976 As more and more cities rose to one percent of the population practicing Transcendental Meditation, scientific research found that not only did crime decrease, but accidents, sickness, and other negative trends also decreased, and positivity increased. Research scientists named this phenomenon the 'Maharishi Effect' in honor of Maharishi. As early as, “In 1960 Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of the Transcendental Meditation program, predicted that a transition in society toward a more orderly and harmonious functioning would occur when a small fraction -on the order of one percent- of a population practiced the Transcendental Meditation technique (6), and in December 1974 we found that crime rate did decrease in four midwestern U.S. Cities in which one percent of the population was practicing the TM technique.” Candace Borland, Ph.D., and Garland Landrith III, M.A., 'Improved Quality of City Life Through the Trancendental Meditation Program: Decreased Crime Rate' in Scientific Research on the Transcendental Meditation Program: Collected Papers, Vol. I, eds. David W. Orme-Johnson, Ph.D., and John T. Farrow, Ph.D., West Germany, MERU Press, 1976 12 January 1972 Maharishi inaugurated the World Plan to “eliminate the age-old problems of mankind in this generation.” Right from the beginning of his movement, Maharishi predicted that even a small number of the world's population practicing his Transcendental Meditation technique could neutralize the stress being built up in the world consciousness, thus averting conflicts and wars. In 1974 these predictions were validated by scientific studies showing that in cities where one percent of the population learned the transcendental Meditation technique there was a sudden decrease in crime rates. By 1974 more than one million people throughout the world had learned the practice of Transcendental Meditation and were experiencing higher states of consciousness. With this, world consciousness was already becoming increasingly purified. Furthermore, people everywhere were experiencing the practical benefits of the development of higher states of consciousness in all aspects of their daily life, including greater happiness, peace, and harmony. A growing body of scientific research was validating the beneficial effects this practice had on all levels of mind, body, and behavior of the individual. It was at this time that research scientists discovered that in cities where one percent of the population was practicing Transcendental Meditation, the cities' crime rates decreased. As more and more cities rose to one percent of the population practicing Transcendental Meditation, scientific research found that not only did crime decrease, but accidents, sickness, and other negative trends also decreased, and positivity increased. Research scientists named this phenomenon the Maharishi Effect in honor of Maharishi. With this formula, Maharishi realized that it was now easily practical to produce positive trends in all cities throughout the world. With this inspiration, Maharishi envisioned a new age dawning for mankind. On 12 January 1975, he inaugurated the dawn of the Age of Enlightenment proclaiming, “Through the window of science I see the dawn of the Age of Enlightenment.” This is the time of the dawn of the Age of Enlightenment. I am only giving expression to the phenomenon that is taking place. One percent of the people in any country can herald the dawn of a new age for the whole nation by devoting only fifteen minutes of their time twice a day. It is in the hands of a few individuals in every country today to change the direction of time and guide the destiny of their nation for all harmony, happiness, and progress. It is my joy to invite everyone to come in the light of the knowledge and experience that the Science of Creative Intelligence provides and enjoy participating in this global awakening to herald the Age of Enlightenment. -Maharishi 12 January 1975 Om . .