On Mar 8, 2009, at 2:09 PM, grate.swan wrote:
I wrote the above, thinking, well yeah! Speak the sweet truth,
water the root -- that does explain my perception of some in the TMO
who seem in denial and on an artificial cloud 9.
Then I thought some more -- questioning if there might be some merit
to using the Maharishis' tools to solve problems of growth,
transition and cognitive dissonance withing the TMO.
The TMO appears to promote non-confrontation with the problem
itself. This could manifest in denial -- or a martial arts / tantric
type focus on transforming what you have into something more useful.
The Esctasy article was interesting in this regard. Reconciling huge
trauma -- really awful shit most of us can't imagine -- with the
introduction (new element / turning on the light) o deep love,
compassion, sympathy and empathy for the situation, its players and
victims. Which by the accounts of the article, seems to work (at
lest for some).
I am neither a TM apologist or a critic. But I like to see if there
is something useful in things -- even if there are less useful
elements. (Sparking teeth of the dead dog). Its not pollyannish, its
pragmatic.
Thus the question: is an appropriate, internal (within the TMO) TMO
rules-based approach a valid way for TMO's to deal with cognitive
dissonance, scandals, etc?
- not denying the problem (when practiced honestly) but rather a
focus on a solutions-focused approach and not the phenomena itself.
- that has some merits in disengaging from the emotions of a
situation -- which can powerfully sway one from clear thinking.
- it can (ideally) allow acceptance of the issue without getting
all judgemental. Unconditional acceptance. No drama.
- a recognition of the complexity of life and the need fo
holistic solutions -- not piecemeal. Not band-aids on the kids arm
everyday -- but rather teaching him to tie his shoelaces and look
where he is going. Provide the fishing pole and not the fish to
hungry third-worlders.
- a patience to let things work themselves out once the initial
correct conditions are established. Not focussing on each detail of
the healing process itself.
- faith -- a word I don't care for much -- or track record and
extrapolation. Thus, TM works for me, thus I will tend to believe
the less provable claims -- based on the track record.
What I am thinking, not yet resolved, is that the tools of the TMO
used by TMOers in solving TMO problems may trigger a different
response than we might choose, understand or care for. But, giving
some nod to cultural diversity and flexibility, our ways may not be
perfect, and theirs may not be also. But is their approach totally
bogus and naive?
My guess is, if anyone in the TM org--certainly while MMY was alive,
and probably today as well--tried to confront the situation in the
same healthy way they did with Amrit Desai, they'd be immediately
ousted. Bags packed for them. Let's face it: totalitarian regimes
don't respond well to input that goes against the grain. In order to
reform the TM org you'd naturally be faced with the fact that not only
was MMY very wrong in many things he did and many things he said, he
was also imperfect and just a normal human being. You'd be forced face-
to-face with his unenlightenment.
IME TB types develop unconscious defense mechanisms that allow them to
navigate around these areas of difficulty. After all, these are often
very intelligent people. How could they simply miss things that were
intuitively or so obviously incorrect? One way is to simply navigate
away from areas of cognitive dissonance instinctively. Another way to
do this is to slavishly believe everything the teacher says as if he
was the voice of God Almighty, not a Hindu salesman in silk. Another
way is to isolate yourself, the mushroom effect if you will: keep in
the dark and let them feed you shit. Avoid other teachers or if you do
hear another teacher and they conflict, always take your teachers
side. My teacher restored the tradition and what came before is the
improper tradition, is an easy track to ride on when these situations
present themselves. Also don't read outside material or source
materials. This is one reason why TM org ideas, while drawn
extensively from Hindu sources, deliberately don't quote the actual
sources. The only way you typically get to these sources (if at all)
is to make it into the TM Org Master of Vedic Science program. And the
only people who could ever make it into such a track would be a total
TB.
