Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (His Holiness) is the founder of the Worldwide Transcendental Meditation Movement. This book was first published in 1963 and extended thereafter. (Six Appendices add 74 pp.)

The back cover says “This classic book, which has reached millions of readers, remains the definitive introduction to the Transcendental Meditation program – the world’s most widely practiced technique for developing full potential.” It goes on to say he here “unfolds his vision for bringing life to fulfillment through a simple, effortless technique that can be practiced by anyone.” TM “will usher in a new era for a new humanity developed in all the values of life – physical, mental, material, and spiritual.” The book states over and over that the TM technique can’t be learned from mere reading, but only from an experienced teacher. The book is mainly an advertisement for TM as the essential technique for people of any religious faith to practice.

The word science is not used by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as any scientist would use it. Instead, he states an idea, then he discusses it at some length, and finally he concludes that it is “thus scientifically shown that” the idea “has been proven” but no proof exists. I think he uses the word science to seek greater credibility. When he does talk of scientific things (like the phase changes of water) he claims that a similar thing applies to the idea he is discussing, but mere analogy isn’t scientific proof. Appendix B starts with “The Bhagavad-Gita is the five-thousand year old gospel of integrated life and reveals the mystery of Being, knowing, and living.” This shows his theology is Vedic in origin. I thought he often reached heights of eloquence in saying what can be said of the ultimate Being – God (or the Godhead or the More). This is the saving grace of this often very repetitious TM promotional book. I chose it to read after book 87 because I thought Huston Smith (who can be very eloquent in comparing the essence of religions) came closest to Vedic philosophy in book 87. I have now satisfied my curiosity about TM, once and for all. I do not recommend this book.