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Scientific creativity flourishes through Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation Programme Creativity is as intimate to the work of a scientist as it is to an artist. Dr John Fagan, a distinguished molecular biologist explains, ‘In science, the big ideas often blossom instantaneously in our minds, full-blown and unbidden. Even though we spend the bulk of our research time grinding out results through the trial-and-error of objective investigation, the breakthroughs originate as sudden intellectual dawnings, as great intuitive leaps.’ While the ability to systematically develop scientific creativity may have been lacking in past times, Dr Fagan points to Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation Programme as a scientifically validated tool. He says that he, as many scientists, specifically chose to learn the Transcendental Meditation Technique ‘because it’s the one meditation technology that has been thoroughly researched.’ Over 600 studies performed at 250 independent universities and medical schools in 33 countries over the past 40 years verify the efficacy of the programme. The research demonstrates a wide range of benefits in the areas of mental potential, health, social behaviour, and world peace. Dr Fagan refers to a study of Cornell University undergraduates which shows improvements in figural and verbal creativity. While he acknowledges that increased blood flow to the brain and greater brain wave coherence may contribute to improvements in intelligence and creativity, as hypothesized by the researchers, the scientist looks to a deeper explanation of the results. Dr Fagan refers to thinkers from Plato to mathematical physicist, Roger Penrose, who believed that ‘the intelligence in the human mind and the intelligence in nature are identical—the "Aha! moment" is a sudden penetration into “pure intelligence” and its store of eternal truths.’ He parallels these ideas with the knowledge of the ancient Vedic tradition of India, from which the Transcendental Meditation Programme stems. Vedic wisdom ‘sees all of creation as based on a single, underlying field of pure consciousness—something akin to Plato’s realm of pure intelligence,’ Dr Fagan says. By allowing the mind to transcend thought, the Transcendental Meditation Technique gives the individual the experience of pure consciousness, that level of pure intelligence from where intuition arises and great insights are inspired. The ability to make the intuitive leaps that result in breakthroughs are naturally nourished through this simple practice. It is so easy, Dr Fagan says, ‘that even ten-year-olds can learn it.’ The scientist emphasizes that this not only yields excellent science, but brings the great practical advantage of dramatically boosting productivity. Dr Fagan considers the Transcendental Meditation Programme to be revolutionary in its ability to enhance baseline creativity, which, in the past, was not thought to be possible. He is so convinced of its value that, for him, making the Transcendental Meditation Technique available to his colleagues is an important first step for any lab which he runs. Editor’s note: This article is based on an article entitled, Transcendental Meditation—Accessing Creativity, by John Fagan, Ph.D.© Copyright 2010 Global Good News®
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