Studies show that the Transcendental Meditation technique develops integrated brain functioning. More integrated brain functioning has been correlated with success in world-class athletes and top-level managers.

Integrated brain functioning as the basis of success in any field
by Craig Pearson, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Maharishi University of Management
TM Magazine, issue 5
13 Feb 2012

Everyone wants to be successful. What is the key to success? Is there a common denominator to success in different fields?

Researchers in Norway looked at what distinguishes world-class athletes from professional athletes who have not risen to the world-class level. Their finding: world-class athletes had more integrated brain functioning than their hard working but lesser-achieving counterparts.

The researchers then compared top-level managers with middle-level managers and the result was the same—the integrated style of brain functioning was the distinguishing feature for those at the top.

The subjects in these studies did not practice the Transcendental Meditation technique—by some good luck they simply had higher levels of brain integration.

These results indicate that the common denominator of success in any domain is integrated brain functioning. The more integrated your brain functioning, in other words, the more successful you’re going to be in whatever you choose to do.

Integrated brain functioning, in turn, is the physiological indicator of a greater degree of enlightenment. Thus, the more enlightened you are, the more successful you’ll be.

This means that enlightenment, far from being some mystical or mysterious phenomenon that belongs to those who withdraw from practical life, is actually the most practical goal one can strive for—because everything good flows from that.

Growth of enlightenment, growth of integrated brain functioning, is no longer a matter of chance—it can be systematically cultivated in anyone. Everyone has the right to be able to develop their inner potential. Everyone has the right to enlightenment.

Development of consciousness as the foundation of education

Schools, colleges, and universities are the logical place to do this. Preparing yourself to get a job is important. Preparing yourself for a life of long-term professional success and personal fulfillment is also important. An approach to education that offers education for enlightenment along with a traditional education may be the most practical foundation you can give to your future.

[To read more about education and enlightenment see the Excellence in Action article: The new goal for education: Higher states of consciousness]

© Copyright 2012 Maharishi Foundation USA, a non-profit educational organization.