[snip} I just found this:
http://tmfree.blogspot.com/2007/06/maharishi-mahesh-yogis-big-lie- part-1.html "The mantras are either names of Vedic/Hindu deities or sounds that are closely associated with these deities. The evidence regarding the true nature of the mantras can be found in Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's own writings. In 1955, prior to coming to the West, three of his lectures were included in a book published in India called Beacon Light of the Himalayas. In one of these lectures he states the following regarding the mantras: " we find that any sound can serve our purpose of training the mind to become sharp. But we do not select any sound like 'mike', flower, table, pen, wall etc. because such ordinary sounds can do nothing more than merely sharpening the mind; whereas there are some special sounds which have the additional efficacy of producing vibrations whose effects are found to be congenial to our way of life. This is the scientific reason why we do not select any word at random. For our practice we select only the suitable mantras of personal Gods. Such mantras fetch to us the grace of personal Gods and make us happier in every walk of life." So, we have an early quote from MMY talking about what the mantras are. I rest my case. To your other points, whether we want to say that all gods are manifestation of Brahman or not, within both the Jewish and Hindu religious systems, they have a life of their own, regardless of the labels we attach to them (for origin). That the Lord in the OT refers to other gods is of interest and is rarely commented on. I see this as an acknowledgement by Him that yes, indeed, there are entities that you can contact, lower "g" gods, who function at very subtle levels of "life" and no, I do not want you (Hebrew people) to contact them. They are not for you, so stay away. Mentally entertaining the energy of any other deity other than the system as espoused and explained by Moses was and is still forbidden. If God wanted the Hebrews to just merely meditate he would have taught a less restrictive regime of practices. Judaism is very highly restrictive because the path that was laid down for these souls was only for them and for no other types. It could only be properly lived if lived only in that restrictive, closed way. It is no coincidence that so many Jews have flocked to TM (and many other Eastern teachings) over the decades. But, that is for another discussion. I do not believe we have to believe in the existence of other gods, pagan or however else you term them. The God that revealed Himself to these people said He was exclusive and the laws, codes and directives were for association with only Him in the way He revealed Himself and to no other entity/energy/representation. These people were 100% surrounded by pagan relegions and were highly influenced by them. They loved spirituality to a level we today do not appreciate. Their guidebook was what it was: exclusive and prohibitive. Regards, Fred > Not to comment on the teachings of your religion, > but the TM mantras are *not* the "names" of "pagan > gods." They are sounds that have become associated > with these gods (who have their own perfectly good > names). Plus which, the gods are all said to be > expressions of Brahman, the Ultimate One. > > The Hebrew Scriptures may not be ambiguous on this > point, but whether and how the prohibition applies > to mentally entertaining a bija mantra may not be > quite so clear. > > Also, of course, you have to believe in the real > existence of pagan gods in order to be concerned > about them swaying or influencing you. >
