Many readers will be familiar with the ‘Maharishi Effect’ whereby it seems that a small focused group of meditators can have an intentional beneficial effect on the course of world events. Few will know that this claim is so extensively documented in peer-reviewed articles, as recounted in this book. Fascinatingly, the main endorsements are from surprised retired military personnel, who have changed their minds after reviewing the evidence. A series of 28 chapters document the research and many specific case histories that reinforce the argument and demonstrate the potent effect of inner intent on outer events in terms of influencing the collective consciousness in positive ways by plugging into the level of transcendental cosmic consciousness that we all share.........................this would be an interesting addition to the reading list of international relations courses at university. ~ David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer

A couple of things are striking about this book. First of all is the pleasant/easy tone, even when talking about some pretty complicated stuff. A second striking feature of the book is that most terms (which may seem esoteric) collective consciousness are fairly well defined in a manner that makes sense to me as a relative layman. The third striking feature is the boundless optimism that speaks from the book. My conclusion is as follows: 1) I will accept the two propositions, that meditation has a positive effect on people and the community. 2) cannot push this to a point where I am willing to accept that, through meditation, we can achieve peace on a global level. That is simply a bridge too far for me. 3) I strongly suspect that the notions of ‘consciousness’ and ‘group consciousness’ are not sufficiently understood by our western science yet. What does this mean for me? I do not think I am the right person to conduct more research on the effectiveness of meditation on people/society. This topic doesn’t fit well with my (research) ambition. I do enjoy my 2x20 minutes of meditation every day and will continue to do so. As said, the effects are positive for me. I hope that, by sharing my thoughts on this book, I will inspire others to explore this controversial topic as well. ~ Bas van Gils , Sustainable Digital Transformation

This is not your casual mid-afternoon read. It is a thought-provoking and in-depth presentation of a still-controversial topic, Transcendental Meditation (TM). The authors, Barry Spivack MA and Patricia Saunders Ph.D. have created a monumental piece by critically analyzing decades worth of scientific research on the social effects of the practice. After a careful evaluation of evidence, the authors conclude that there is indeed an antidote to violence. ~ Timea Barabas, Best Sellers World

his is not an easy reading book. But it is a book that anyone in a position of influence should read. Or maybe, if you are not in a position if influence, you know someone who is? Or maybe you are concerned about violence in our society? Or maybe if you would love to see global peace, perhaps you would be interested in sharing what could be a very simple solution…? Let’s start with an indication of the value and the essence of An Antidote to Violence: The introduction to this book is by Dr John Hagelin, President of the Global Union of Scientists for Peace. The essence of the book is the scientific research which demonstrates Transcendental Meditation (TM) can influence collective consciousness leading to a decrease in negative social trends and a decline in war fatalities. Healthy Life Essex has previously featured a couple of articles on Transcendental Meditation and Genetically Modified Food by Barry Spivack and thus I was aware of his scientific approach to topics. But as I also knew the book was about TM, I expected there would be a high level of, shall we say, quite fluffy spiritualism. I can assure you, there is absolutely none of that! This book examines the Maharishi Effect, which is defined as the influence of coherence and positivity the group practice of Transcendental Meditation and the more advanced TM-Sidhi Program has on collective consciousness. In 1960, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi predicted that one percent of a population practising the Transcendental Meditation® technique would produce measurable improvements in the quality of life for the whole population. Scientists now estimate that just 1% of the square root of a population practising TM can create a significant impact on the collective consciousness. This book users four methods to verify the Maharishi Effect: 1. Experimental Research 2. Scientific Explanation 3. The traditional wisdom of humanity, especially that derived from Vedic literature 4. Personal Experience It is important at this point to stress two specific points which are covered briefly in An Antidote to Violence: 1. The benefits to an individual of practising meditation, and specifically Transcendental Meditation, are well documented and are not in question 2. Not all meditation is the same! The researchers respect all types of meditation but research shows that TM differs, in simple terms, because the alpha activity associated with meditation is, for most people, in the back of the brain, but moves to the front of the brain with TM. This book does not seek to validate the individual impact of TM, but the impact on collective consciousness and the prospect of reducing violence. The concept of collective consciousness may be considered very New Age and yet, as the authors explain, the theory was developed by French sociologist Emile Durkheim at the end of the 19th century. The book further details the birth of quantum physics in the early 20th century and how many scientists accept the correlation of that science and collective consciousness. The following are just a few examples of quotes detailed in the book: “Subject and object are only one. The barrier between them cannot be said to have broken down as a result of recent experience in the physical sciences, for this barrier does not exist.” Erwin Schrodinger: one of the founders of quantum theory “The common division of the subject and object, inner world and outer world, body and soul, is no longer adequate and leads us into difficulties.” Werner Heisenberg: founder of quantum theory and Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle “Mind no longer appears as an accidental intruder into the realm of matter, we are beginning to suspect that we ought rather to hail it as the creator and governor of the realm of matter.” James Jeans: A mathematician from Cambridge University “I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative of consciousness.” Max Planck: Nobel laureate and regarded as ‘father’ of quantum physics. Perhaps the final paragraph in the Epilogue of this book may be sufficient for you to purchase a copy of An Antidote to Violence? These new studies provide further evidence that the Maharishi Effect works, that it is effective across cultures, that it is a cost-effective means to reduce violence and increase peace and harmony, and that if implemented by as many governments as possible, our future can be unfathomably bright. Sometimes, you need to read a book just because it is really important to read it, even if it is a challenging read. An Antidote to Violence is certainly one of those books. ~ Healthy Life Essex, Review

Barry Spivack and Patricia Saunders address the problems of preventing violence and war with a high level of professionalism, and, by examining a means to achieve sustainable peace supported by long-term research, have created a book that is hugely relevant. Most importantly, they highlight the interdependence of power, violence, security, and individual and collective consciousness. This book will be extremely useful for people of all nationalities, regardless of their status, different religious beliefs, personal preferences and life strategies. The theoretical and methodological principles outlined here deserve to be studied carefully and disseminated in the world. ~ Lieutenant General Vasyl Krutov, former First Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine

I was initially skeptical that such a simple solution could be effective. However, after examining the evidence, I changed my mind. An Antidote to Violence is a serious and well-researched book that offers an unconventional but effective peaceful solution to violence and terrorism. ~ Lieutenant General Clarence E. McKnight, Jr, Former Director of Command, Control & Communications Systems for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington DC

My most sincere congratulations to the authors for their research and presentation of this book. I hope it will be read and applied by leaders of government and by all in general for the good of society and each person in particular. ~ Lieutenant General José Martí Villamil de la Cadena, former Chief of Staff of the Army and Commander of Ground Theatre Operations, and General Secreta

Barry Spivack and Patricia Saunders have opened our eyes to an entirely new vision of possibilities about human potential that is both sweepingly grand but also immediate and practical. ~ Bob Roth, CEO, David Lynch Foundation and author of the NY Times bestseller Strength in Stillness: The Power of Transcendental Meditation

Based on hard evidence corroborated by rigorous scientific studies, this is a compelling and convincing account of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s effective approach to creating lasting peace through Transcendental Meditation. The book compiles an array of incredible success stories from all over the world in an easily readable style for all those interested in addressing the monumental challenge of eradicating violence and conflict. ~ Ved P. Nanda, Professor of Law, University of Denver

Antidote to Violence is a timely book that traces the progress of scientific studies of the Maharishi Effect as they developed from modest beginnings to large-scale demonstrations involving thousands of people practicing advanced Transcendental Meditation techniques near conflict zones. The results of these experiments were then published in scientific journals. This book is especially good at discussing the evidence and the alternative explanations that have been advanced for the results. I can recommend the book to all readers with an open mind. ~ Huw Dixon, Professor of Economics, Cardiff University

Antidote to Violence should be required reading for anyone passionate about creating a sustainable global peace. Neuroscientists, historians and philosophers are certain to find sections of the book of great interest. Students will discover many attractive ideas to delve into for their theses or dissertations. Come to think of it, everyone should read this book. Our future may depend on it. ~ Dean Radin, PhD, Chief Scientist, Institute of Noetic Sciences, author of Real Magic and Entangled Minds