Excerpted from TM-EX Newsletters,
Fall 1990, Spring 1991, Summer 1991, Summer 1992

GERMAN STUDY:

The Various Implications Arising From the Practice of Transcendental
Meditation

On May 29, 1989 the West German High court ruled the study valid.

Excerpts:

1.6.2.6 THE MANTRA AND STANDARDIZATION OF THE PROCEDURE OF THE MEDITATION
Meditation with the help of a mantra is a common method and one in
great demand in Hinduism. This is because of the belief in the magical
power of certain sounds or words, by the use of which the initiated
can attain godly powers. On account of this the mantra must be kept
secret. Although it is said in the TM movement that the mantra is a
sound without meaning, the belief in the magical power of the mantra
is still maintained. It may not be exchanged, and has to be a certain
one chosen from Hinduism, which, according to its also does have a
traditional meaning: (for example a Hindu god). In order to resolve
the conflict between religiosity and scientific appearances, Maharishi
has deliberately mechanized and standardized his meditation
procedure. He has made it useful for the needs of the westerner. The
type of mantra given depends on age, and the mantra is supposed to
function automatically. The checking of mistakes in the practice of
meditation, (called ``checking'') also follows a 30 point procedure.
This standardization finds its theoretical expression in orgin, the
description: ``The mechanical path to God-realization.'' It is the
highest and most complete path to God-realization, which in public is
often paraphrased as self-realization by the TM movement.

This interest in the occult and parapsychological phenomena, as well
as the central role of evolution is their epistemology. This shows
an inner relationship with Aurobindo's teachings. A more detailed
analysis would almost certainly lead to the conclusion that TM is
very closely related to particular strands of neo-Hinduism, more than
would appear at first glance. But a strong westernization has been
intended from the start, evident up to the standardization of the
meditation process.~

4.1.9 The initial positive meditation experiences together
with the promises and encouragement of the TM movement lead many to
take further courses. In these courses they become more deeply involved
in the teaching and ideology of transcendental meditation. They believe
in the effectiveness of TM even when in the meantime negative experiences
and results are evident. These are interpreted as an on-going release
of stress. Far reaching changes in the perception of reality occurred,
as well as changes in self-evaluation and evaluation by others. The
length of time given to meditation each day increased in half of the
total cases, from 40 minutes to at least two to four hours daily;
in one case to more than eight hours. This tendency is encouraged
in courses, this at times being a direct instruction to meditate longer
each day. As well as this meditators invest more time and energy 
 in    the   TM movement.

4.3.3 TM has a detrimental effect on the decision making process.
There is loss of self-determination and a turning toward the TM authorities
for guidance, i.e. in the case of important decisions. Also, the variables,
facial expression, bodily posture, voice and handwriting point to
the fact that the total personality is gravely altered under the influence
of TM.

4.5.4 Whereas before the TM phase performance at school was well above
average, and those investigated were most happy with their school
or job situation, a considerable worsening in these areas occurred
as a result of the practice of transcendental meditation. 56% had
decreased concentration abilities during the TM phase, only 16% reported
an improvement. 61% found it more difficult to manage the workload,
as against 13% who reported an increased capacity. TM had a negative
influence on the professional careers of 58% of meditators. Altogether
28 meditators (42%) gave up their studies or professional career in
order to work full time for the TM movement or to be able to go on
long courses. They did this on the basis of promises made them by
the movement. An analysis of the taped interviews and the stenographer's
scripts only serve to strengthen the suspicion that the TM organization
aims at cheap labor, which in the case of those people who became
unfit to work in the course of time, can be sent away again without
any real difficulty.

4.6.6  In 76% of cases psychological disorders and illnesses occurred,
9% of meditators had had therapeutic treatment before the TM phase,
43% had psychiatric treatment or had to have medical treatment during
the TM phase. The psychological disorders most prevalent were tiredness
(63%), ``states of anxiety'' (52%), depression (45%), nervousness
(39%), and regression (39%). 26% had a nervous breakdown and 20% expressed
serious suicidal tendencies. Psychological illness already present
before the TM phase worsened considerably. TM can cause mental illness
or at the very least prepare the way for the onset of mental illness.
A lack of opportunity for the treatment of meditation experiences
and/or altered perception of reality create suitable conditions for
a pathogenic appearance. Added to this is the heightened delicacy
and increasing helplessness in the personality of the meditator, which
can develop into a complete depersonalization.

5.3.2  Karma and Stress.  Maharishi had the idea of giving the
hinduistic concept "karma" the same significance as the concept of
"stress."  In doing this, "stress" was attributed (in a westernized
form), hinduistic-religious concepts.  TM had, for the western world,
the key with which all positive and negative aspects of life could be
afforded a paritcular significance.  All negative effects of the
meditation are attributed to "bad karma" or "knots of stress," when
they occur in meditators.  When either during or after the meditation
a meditator feels unwell, he is, according to TM theory, "unstressing."
TM doctors diagnose this.

Whoever walks the road of "unstressing" should personally avoid all
possible outside causes of stress, since the atmosphere (around him)
could lead to a negative accumulation and consequently a hindering of
his own development.

The personal unstressing on the part of the meditator has as a
consequence a reduction in contact with people and a reduction in
relationships.  We can deduce here that the western concept of
"stress" (the curing of which constitutes a large part of the promises
made in TM advertising), has its cause in "karma."  This
"relationship" between the two is only known to insiders.

5.6.4  The suspicion grows that the meditation offered by TM, caused,
in the meditators' cases which we have investigated, a far reaching
alteration in the view of reality, which damages or causes further
damage to social relationships, the drive to achieve (motivation)
is considerably lessened, to the degree that practical work (i.e.
in a job) becomes intolerable to the meditator, in addition to all
conditions brought about by the intense practice of the meditation,
it gives rise to physical and mental damage.

7.1.2 DECEPTION IN THE INITIATION INTO TM Even at the beginning of
the new meditator's contact with TM, he is being knowingly deceived.
The true meaning of the puja is kept from him and it is claimed that
mantras are specially chosen for the new initiates.  In fact they
are given out according to the age group of the person being initiated.
Only one person knew during the initiation ceremony that the puja
was a religious invocation. None of the meditators knew what the translation
of the puja was, which is celebrated in Sanskrit during the ceremony.
All ex-meditators in our study were told that the mantra was a sound
without meaning and none knew that the mantra was given out in a standardized
way (i.e. other people of the same age would receive the same mantra).
Every meditator kept the mantra a secret. That they all kept the mantra
to themselves is an indication of the strong influence of TM and a
foundation of further unquestioning obedience to TM directives.

7.5 SIDHA-LANDS In recent years there has been effort made by the
TM movement to set up economically self-sufficient Sidhalands, in
which meditators live and meditate, as well as having the opportunity
to work in one of the TM concerns set up there. This institutionalization
reflects the real attitudes of meditators. The attitude of the emigrant,
who withdraws from all areas of social intercourse and can finally
only be happy in his meditation and its institutionalized form. One
of TM's formula/mottos, to `meditate and be active' is fulfilled in
the Sidha-lands. The double-talk employed by TM would rule out an
ordinary interpretation of this last sentence, i.e. that meditation
is only fulfilled or effective when the meditator engages in energetic
activity. Although TM gives this impression by its use of everyday
language in its advertising, what TM really means by `meditate and
be active' is something completely different. The meditation and activity
are directed solely towards TM and its organization. Only when directed
towards the organization can a meditator engage in meaningful activity,
and in doing this he will also work effectively for his own evolution.
Therefore it is not an activity in the social sense (social welfare)
which is required, rather an activity in accord with ``evolution''
and ``the laws of nature''. Sidhalands offer the opportunity of undisturbed
meditation, far away from outside influence. In a sidhaland a person
can wish himself anything he desires; the Sidhaland becomes a land
of milk and honey.

JUDGMENT OF GERMAN COURT

The ruling of the highest federal administrative tribunal, the
Bundesverwaltungsgericht on May 24, 1989 in Case number 7 C 2.87 is:

1) The Federal Government is competent and allowed to care about cults.

2) The Federal Government is allowed to warn of TM.

3) The Federal Government is allowed to designate TM a ``Youth Religion''
as well as a ``Psychogroup.''

4) The Federal Government is allowed to say that TM is taught by teachers
who are not qualified  [to deal with the TM  problems].

5) The Federal Government is allowed to say TM can cause psychic defects
or  destruction of personality. 

The Various Implications Arising From The Practice of Transcendental
Meditation

The study was commissioned by the German Government Ministry of Youth,
Family and Health, the physical and social implications of the practice
of TM being of primary interest. The investigation has as its aim
to systematically establish the motives of an individual for beginning
TM, the implications of the practice for this individual and his social
circle, as well as to pinpoint the reasons for a voluntary or involuntary
ceasing of TM meditation, or, in some cases, individuals distancing
themselves from the movement. Moreover the relationship between the
underlying world view, inherent in TM, and the practice as presented
to the public was analyzed as to its effect on some individuals. The
study offers an introduction into the teaching and practice of TM
based on the movement's own presentation of itself and its aims, which
in turn lead to the hidden religious background. [Editor's Note: 
A translation is available from TM-EX .]~