The Mother Divine programme is comprised of a group of ladies whose profession is to create a powerful influence of harmony and bliss throughout the world through their extended group practice of Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation and Transcendental Meditation Sidhi Programme.

‘A golden opportunity’—the Transcendental Meditation Programme fulfils a student’s search for happiness
by Global Good News staff writer
26 April 2010

In their search for happiness, young students often abandon the path laid before them by family and society. But in their rebellion, do they find any answers?

Teresa Stanonik, now a happy, healthy free-lance writer, wrote for Enlightenment magazine (Volume 2, Issue 2) describing what she found that has allowed her to fulfil her deepest desires. 

In her article entitled, ‘A Golden Opportunity’, Teresa writes:

I often wonder where I would be today if it weren’t for the Transcendental Meditation Programme. It came into my chaotic world just when I needed it most. The year before I learned TM was really intense for me. I was 16. I wanted freedom, fulfilment and happiness, but couldn’t find them anywhere. I resented my parents, teachers, and society for directing me down a path of life that did not fulfil my desires.

Feeling frustrated and empty inside, I rebelled in every way possible, adopting a destructive lifestyle. Relations with my family, friends, and mentors grew weak and distressed. I neglected my education. I got involved with drugs, and my physical and mental health suffered. My world soon became very dark and desolate.

One day my aunt, Elizabeth Taggart, invited me to visit upstate New York with her. Recognizing my struggle, she brought me to the one place she knew could help—the Mother Divine programme*. With only her brief explanation that we were visiting old friends, I walked into Mother Divine’s world completely innocent. I’d had no exposure to the TM Movement before. 

The instant I arrived, an unfamiliar feeling of serenity and calm crept over me. After only a few minutes my tension was gone, and my disposition changed from anxiety to ease. As my aunt introduced me to her friends, I was amazed—they were so bright and happy. Their warm smiles and sparkling eyes radiated fulfilment. Their mere presence made me feel content. I didn’t understand what I was feeling or what the Mother Divine programme was. I didn’t even know these women meditated. But I did feel that something unique and profound was happening there, and I was overwhelmed with curiosity. What was it about them that made me feel so alive? What did they know that I did not?

To find out, I decided to stay for a 3-day ‘Breath of Serenity’ course for non-meditators. This was where I first learned about the TM Programme. After the lecture, I was elated. I felt I was seeing the Mother Divine ladies for the first time. Everything I had just heard about TM took form in these radiant women. Their steadiness, ease, and grace were proof of this precious knowledge. They were living that pure bliss that TM enlivened. I knew they represented what I had the potential to become.

I went home transformed and started to change my life. I returned to the Mother Divine programme a few weeks later to learn the TM technique, and the following year attended many residence courses there.

I became enthusiastically involved in my education. My relations with family and friends began to mend and deepen. My physical and mental health rapidly improved as I . . . adopted a healthier lifestyle. My world grew brighter as the freedom, fulfilment, and happiness I so deeply desired became a living reality.

TM established order and stability in my life, and also gave me direction. I knew clearly that I wanted enlightenment more than anything else.

With this desire, I moved to the Mother Divine programme soon after graduating from high school. I worked on their Knowledge and Service programme, and learned the TM-Sidhi Programme. Then, I joined the Mother Divine programme. I spent eight months on Mother Divine.

Today I am fulfilling my deepest desires. Every second is dedicated to that supreme goal of gaining enlightenment. With no obstacles, the ultimate reality of life—unbounded bliss—is being realized for myself and the whole world. My heart overflows with joy and gratitude towards all the women dedicated to this beautiful programme, for giving me this golden opportunity to fulfil my destiny.

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