From Violence to Compassion: A National Awakening

A massive phase transition is occurring in the United States. A massive shift from violence and aggression to peace and compassion is slowly being planted. It is not completely evident yet because the roots are underground. But there is a shift in the collective consciousness of the nation. (The collective consciousness of a nation is composed of the individual consciousness of all the people in the nation.) We can see this shift unfolding in the huge support given to the Buddhist monks in their Walk for Peace. Thousands and thousands of people from all walks of life, including policemen, came out to support the monks’ initiative to create peace.

The collective consciousness in the United States is waking up. The citizens of the nation are not satisfied with the intense tactics of the ICE agents. They are pleading for tolerance, compassion and justice in the administration. The Buddhist monks made a deep impression on their minds and hearts which has led to a deeper commitment to creating peace within. People are beginning to understand that just as a green forest is composed of green trees, a peaceful nation is composed of peaceful individuals. There is a saying: When in darkness, bring in the light. The light is the inner peace of the individual. When the inner peace of the individual radiates into the environment, the darkness of ignorance and intolerance automatically decreases. When darkness decreases, there is an increase in coherence and harmony in the nation.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of the Transcendental Meditation technique, has said:

“God grants us the faculty to open ourselves to peace. If we don’t, then we are responsible if wars continue.”

The Choice is Ours

Today, the dichotomy between light and darkness is amply evident in the current situation in the United States. On one side, we see the Buddhist monks walking for peace and on the other side, we witness the intensive tactics of the ICE agents in deporting illegal immigrants. The choice is clear. The result of each path is blatantly clear. By choosing to align ourselves with peace, the nation moves toward integration. By choosing to side with violence, the nation disintegrates into chaos. In such a scenario, the visual images on the screen of time are strikingly dissimilar. This is drama in which the dynamics are polar opposites. Such a scene encourages an emotional response that originates from a deep level. The shift from violence to peace is inevitable. The collective desire for peace by a large proportion of the population will undoubtedly lead to a positive shift in the national consciousness of the nation.

The leader of a nation is a mirror of the collective consciousness which prevails in the nation. If the individuals are plagued by fear, anxiety and incoherent behavior, the head of the nation will reflect these qualities in his behavior and decisions. The head of the nation is like a puppet pulled by the strings of collective consciousness. To increase harmony in the nation, the individuals must increase their own inner peace and harmony.

Transcendental Meditation

A simple way to do this is by transcending and experiencing the source of inner bliss and peace – the state of pure consciousness. This experience is effortlessly and easily available during the practice of Transcendental Meditation. When large numbers of people practice Transcendental Meditation together, the effect is amplified and a measurable increase of harmony and integration in society results. Numerous scientific research studies have documented these effects.

Transcendental Meditation is the most scientifically validated technique in the world for the full development of one’s innate potential. Independent research has been conducted at over 250 universities and research institutions. The American Heart Association has stated that TM can be considered a treatment for hypertension. The National Institutes of Health have awarded over $26 million to research the effectiveness of TM for reducing stress and stress-related illness with a focus on cardiovascular disease. Findings have been published in leading, peer-reviewed scientific journals, including The American Journal of Cardiology and the American Heart Association’s Hypertension and Stroke.