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New brain research indicates Transcendental Meditation Technique develops peak performance
by Global Good News staff writer

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9 August 2008

New scientific research on brain functioning and peak performance was outlined during the Global Family Chat from the Global Country of World Peace in MERU, the Netherlands, on 4 August 2008. Presenting this research were Dr Fred Travis,* Director of the Brain, Consciousness, and Cognition Center at Maharishi University of Management, USA; and Dr Harold Harung,** President and Chairman of Maharishi Vedic Education - Nordic, and Associate Professor at Oslo University College, Norway.

The recent research of Dr Travis and Dr Harung compares brain functioning of practitioners of the Transcendental Meditation Technique to non-meditators. The study also compares data from individuals identified as 'peak performers' in business and world-class athletics to average performers. Both the 'peak performers' and the practitioners of Transcendental Meditation displayed statistically significant markers of enlightenment, the most mature state of consciousness indicated by total brain functioning.

Previously, scientists have believed that mental development is rare after age twenty, and that those who exhibit higher functioning were born with those abilities. However, this study provides evidence that anyone can develop higher states of consciousness and peak performance through the practice of Transcendental Meditation. Said Dr Travis, 'If we are in touch with our inner reservoir of creativity and intelligence, developing the state of enlightenment, we should observe greater success in all areas of life. It should lead to peak performance.'

The research indicates that higher consciousness correlates with greater brain coherence, success, moral reasoning, spontaneous right action, support of nature (also described as 'fortunate coincidences'), and inner happiness.

A significant aspect of the research conducted by Dr Travis involved 300 students at American University, Washington DC, in a random assignment study comparing students who learned Transcendental Meditation to those who did not. After only three months the meditating students showed increased brain integration. Those not practising TM showed decreased brain functioning within the same time period, attributed to stress, lifestyle, poor nutrition, and focus on fragmented areas of knowledge.

Dr Travis and Dr Harung's recent research, begun in 2004, was conducted in collaboration with Maharishi University of Management, Oslo University College, the National Olympics Training Center in Norway, Norwegian University for Sports Science, and the former Chief Executive Officer of Manpower Europe. The study has been submitted to a peer reviewed scientific journal and will soon be published.

*Dr Travis has been researching the effects of the practice of Transcendental Meditation on brain functioning since 1990, and has published 47 peer-reviewed scientific papers and collaborated with five universities.

**Dr Harald Harung has studied peak performing individuals and organizations for over 20 years, and authored Invincible Leadership: Building Peak Performance Organizations by Harnessing the Unlimited Power of Consciousness.

Please see the Brain Integration Progress Report for students at Maharishi University of Management.

Please see also Global Good News articles Part I, and Part II, about effective leadership and success in business.

© Copyright 2008 Global Good News^®

Global Good News comment:

For information about Maharishi's seven-point programme to create a healthy, happy, prosperous society, and a peaceful world, please visit: Global Financial Capital of New York.

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