Evaluating a Field Theory of Consciousness and Social Change: Group Practice of Transcendental Meditation and Homicide Trends
Studies in Asian Social Science July 29, 2022 Kenneth L. Cavanaugh, M. Dillbeck, D. Orme-Johnson
A field-theoretic view of consciousness, drawn from the ancient Vedic tradition as presented by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, proposes an interpersonal, nonlocal dimension of consciousness underlying both individual and collective consciousness. Previous empirical tests in Cambodia, India, the Philippines, and other countries are reviewed. New results from a prospective, 15-year U.S. national social experiment using segmented-trend regression analysis found that group practice of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programs by a theoretically predicted number of participants was associated with reduced social stress, indicated by improved monthly homicide trends during 2007-2011. After the group fell below the required size, homicide trends increased during 2012-2016.