Transcendental meditation schools

Press, 9 April 1980, Page 18

Transcendental meditation schools

Sir, . 'Xs a former partici- • pant of transcendental meditation, I should like to say r

that, it must be understood that transcendental meditation is a product of spiritual power from Hindu teachings. Jesus warned us that in the last days there would be false prophets and false teachings that would lead many astray. Transcendental meditation comes under that heading. It is therefore a terrible day when the Government of our country permits these foolish teachings to enter under the guise of education. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the life.’’ He did not say in six months and $X later you will be levitating, but He does offer eternal life. Which will you choose?-— Yours, etc. C. A. BASS PODGER, ■" April 6, 1980.

Sir, — Everybody is entitled to their opinion but without direct experience they can only be opinions. The T.M. programme is not a" religion but a practical technique using the powerful natural tendency, of the mind, to move always in the direction of greater happiness by expanding the conscious capacity of the mind. T.M. has nothing at all to do with religion except as the easiest technique for making any religion become more alive, more meaningful. I was an atheist when I first began practicing the T.M. technique yet had an open mind and was earnestly searching for the truth. The practice of the T.M. technique has deepened my understanding of the Christian religion and now it is such a pleasure to listen to Radio Rhema and the preachings of Christian ministers. I have never considered myself a Hindu just because I ■ practise the T.M. technique. We are very fortunate today to have this new technology available to ensure a brighter future for our children. — Yours, etc.,

J. M. DAVIE. April 5, 1980.

Sir, — There is something superior to A. Delhanty’s morning Christian ritual, and that is common sense — the ability to think for oneself and base one’s morality on the Golden Rule. We too are uneasy about the growth of schools of dogma in New Zealand, but cannot see how teaching Hindu pantheism is any worse than teaching Christianity. Children should not be taught, any one belief as being true, but rather learn about religions and be left to make up their own minds. Let’s keep indoctrination out of our schools. — Yours, etc., R. W. GLUE. C. GLUE. April 5, 1980.