Consciousness-Based Education in the University

Abstract

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is renowned for his holistic vision of knowledge of Veda and the Vedic Literature. Over more than 50 years, from 1955 on, Maharishi revived this ancient knowledge in its completeness and presented it as a new science-Maharishi Vedic Science-centred on the practice of Transcendental Meditation. Maharishi's teaching is laid out in lectures and in books, incorporating both principles and practice. It has given rise to a decadeslong, multidisciplinary research program which has documented in many countries and cultures the unique capability of Transcendental Meditation, and the practical programs of Maharishi Vedic Science, to benefit human life, both individual and collective. In this article we explore Maharishi's teaching on higher education theory and practice, an approach to which Maharishi has given the title of 'Consciousness-Based Education’. It provides answers to the urgent questions, particularly of purposes and principles, being raised in contemporary universities, questions which have persisted for decades and which have in more recent years generated the perception of a crisis. Consciousness-Based Education identifies new principles and practices which Maharishi teaches are capable of carrying higher education to the highest levels of achievement through the changes of this and future decades. Consciousness-Based Education thus comprehensively redefines the concept and scope of a well-founded tertiary education. It is supported by an established research program. To the contemporary sense of crisis in higher education, Consciousness-Based Education offers resolution; to the sense of hope and aspiration that dedicated university teachers and administrators have always brought to their work, new levels of satisfaction and fulfilment; to today’s university students, a grand vision of education and of life, that is brought within practical reach.