Right from the beginning of his movement, Maharishi predicted that even a small number of the world's population practicing his Transcendental Meditation technique could neutralize the stress being built up in the world consciousness, thus averting conflicts and wars.
In 1974 these predictions were validated by scientific studies showing that in cities where one percent of the population learned the transcendental Meditation technique there was a sudden decrease in crime rates. By 1974 more than one million people throughout the world had learned the practice of Transcendental Meditation and were experiencing higher states of consciousness. With this, world consciousness was already becoming increasingly purified. Furthermore, people everywhere were experiencing the practical benefits of the development of higher states of consciousness in all aspects of their daily life, including greater happiness, peace, and harmony. A growing body of scientific research was validating the beneficial effects this practice had on all levels of mind, body, and behavior of the individual. It was at this time that research scientists discovered that in cities where one percent of the population was practicing Transcendental Meditation, the cities' crime rates decreased. As more and more cities rose to one percent of the population practicing Transcendental Meditation, scientific research found that not only did crime decrease, but accidents, sickness, and other negative trends also decreased, and positivity increased. Research scientists named this phenomenon the Maharishi Effect in honor of Maharishi. With this formula, Maharishi realized that it was now easily practical to produce positive trends in all cities throughout the world. With this inspiration, Maharishi envisioned a new age dawning for mankind. On 12 January 1975, he inaugurated the dawn of the Age of Enlightenment proclaiming, “Through the window of science I see the dawn of the Age of Enlightenment.” This is the time of the dawn of the Age of Enlightenment. I am only giving expression to the phenomenon that is taking place. One percent of the people in any country can herald the dawn of a new age for the whole nation by devoting only fifteen minutes of their time twice a day. It is in the hands of a few individuals in every country today to change the direction of time and guide the destiny of their nation for all harmony, happiness, and progress. It is my joy to invite everyone to come in the light of the knowledge and experience that the Science of Creative Intelligence provides and enjoy participating in this global awakening to herald the Age of Enlightenment. -Maharishi 12 January 1975
