I know that Hagelin is considered a bit of a crackpot.hedons said:http://www.mum.edu/m_effect/dc_md.html
The primary author seems to have some pretty impressive scientific credentials (if Wikipedia is to be trusted).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hagelin
Anyone know anything about this?
"What the bleep" is definitely a crackpot film and discussion of it isn't even allowed here anymore.gabee said:"Recently, Hagelin participated in the What the Bleep Do We Know, [4] an independent film released in 2004, and winner of five film awards. [5]"
One other thing:At the end of the demonstration period, Hagelin promised that over the coming year the results would be carefully analyzed according to strict scientific principles. As promised, he was back in Washington a year later with a 55-page report. It was a clinic in data manipulation. Smiling his unworldly smile, Hagelin announced that during the period of the experiment their analysis showed a significant reduction in psychiatric emergency calls, fewer complaints against the police, and an increase in public approval of President Clinton--all consistent with the hypothesis that a coherence-creating group of TM experts can relieve social stress and reverse negative social trends.
More significantly, he said, violent crime in the city had been reduced by a remarkable 18 percent. "An 18 percent reduction compared to what?" asked a puzzled reporter for the Washington Post, no doubt recalling the previous summers dreadful murder rampage. Compared to what it would have been if the meditators had not been meditating, Hagelin explained patiently. "But how could you know what the rate would have been?" the reporter persisted. That had been arrived at, Hagelin responded with just a trace of irritation, by means of a "scientifically rigorous time-series analysis" that included not only crime data, but such factors as weather and fluctuations in Earth's magnetic field.
Actually, to me it reads like someone who had some serious potential, but suffered a short-circuited in his brain. The jump from SLAC to the ficticious "Maharishi International University" is not one calculated to be career-enhancing for a scientist.The primary author seems to have some pretty impressive scientific credentials (if Wikipedia is to be trusted).
The M-Effect, also known as the Maharishi Effect, is a phenomenon where a small percentage of a population practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM) can positively influence the behavior and well-being of the entire population. John Hagelin's research has focused on studying the effects of TM on various social and economic indicators, such as crime rates and economic growth, and how it can potentially create a more peaceful and prosperous society.
TM is a type of meditation that involves sitting comfortably with eyes closed for 20 minutes, twice a day, while silently repeating a mantra. Unlike other forms of meditation, TM does not involve concentration, contemplation, or control of the mind. Instead, it allows the mind to naturally settle into a state of deep rest and relaxation, leading to profound physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
The DC/MD model, also known as the Double Compartment Metaplasticity model, is a neurophysiological model proposed by John Hagelin to explain the effects of TM on the brain. This model suggests that TM creates a state of restful alertness, which enhances the brain's ability to adapt and change, leading to increased coherence and improved brain functioning.
There have been numerous studies conducted on the effects of TM and the M-Effect, including a meta-analysis of 42 independent studies that found a significant decrease in crime rates and improved social indicators in areas where TM was practiced. Additionally, neuroimaging studies have shown changes in brain functioning and structure in individuals who practice TM. However, more research is still needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the M-Effect and DC/MD model.
The findings of John Hagelin's research have the potential to be applied in various real-world settings, such as schools, businesses, and communities, to improve overall well-being and decrease negative behaviors. Some organizations have already implemented TM programs for their employees and have seen positive results in terms of increased productivity, reduced stress, and improved relationships. However, more research and implementation strategies are needed to fully utilize the potential of TM and the M-Effect in society.