The new book includes talks on literature as the link between objective reality and universality, the question of whether an artist must suffer in order to create, and the nature of learning and progress of knowledge.

New book of Maharishi's lectures explores literature and language
by Maharishi University of Management, Iowa, USA, The Review
29 October 2010

Titled The Flow of Consciousness: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on Language and Literature, the 350-page book includes 14 talks given in the years 1971-76. It was compiled, with extensive introductory material, by retired literature Maharishi University of Management faculty members Rhoda Orme-Johnson and Susan Andersen.

As with many of Maharishi's recorded talks, most of these lectures were occasional: Maharishi giving an extended answer to a question during a course to train teachers of the Transcendental Meditation technique, or making comments after having heard a well-known scholar during a symposium on the Science of Creative Intelligence.

The first of two main parts of the book covers the topic of literature, and includes talks on literature as the link between objective reality and universality, the question of whether an artist must suffer in order to create, and the nature of learning and progress of knowledge.

One talk offers a quantum theory of literature and explains how the flow of consciousness is the basis of literary expression. And the first part concludes with a series of three talks on poetry and the Veda -- an early exposition of the unique and universal nature of the Veda and its essence as sound.

The second part covers language, including talks on the principles of communication, enlivening consciousness as the basis of all languages and communication, and how language reflects the laws of nature of a particular region.

The section concludes with deep expositions of the relationship of name and form, the phonology of creation, and the roots of Vedic grammar.

"The talks are organized by audience, going from wisdom that's oriented to those new to the Transcendental Meditation technique, to talks that were for teachers of the technique," Dr. Orme-Johnson said. "Someone new to this would want to read the book in sequence."

An introduction provides context -- a history of Maharishi's bringing out the Transcendental Meditation® technique and Vedic knowledge, and the types of occasions for the talks.

The chapters are accompanied by an introductory explanation and main points. And appendices introduce readers to the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi® programs, higher states of consciousness, and the scientific research.

As this issue of The Review went to press, the book was expected to be available early this month from Maharishi University of Management Press, and on Amazon.

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