High above Lake Lucerne, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, our group of 23 students and faculty watched the clouds drift by at eye-level. Far below us on the lake, huge boats looked like tiny toys. Cow bells echoed through lush valley laced with waterfalls, forests, and flower-covered hillsides.

My husband Tom and I had come to Switzerland to be part of the first class in the new Rotating University, a program of Maharishi University of Management. Designed to take students to scenic spots around the world, we lived and attended class in the beautiful International Capital of the Age of Enlightenment in Seelisberg, just above the Rutli Meadow, birthplace of Swiss independence. Along with the fulfillment gained from studying Maharishi’s knowledge, students enjoyed exploring the culture and natural beauty of the area during boat rides on the lake and cable car trips to the mountain tops.

"The purity, beauty, and silence present in the mountains of Switzerland make Seelisberg a perfect place to study and rest," said one student, Michael Fredrickson. "Natural Law is awake and active here, and can be felt resonating in everything from the clear waters of Lake Lucerne to the fresh Alpine mountain air. Everything in Seelisberg is beautiful, relaxed, and blissful."

The students, who came from four continents, learned to read the Vedic Literature in Sanskrit and studied the principles of Perfection in Education, one of Maharishi’s latest books.

"The inspiration for the Rotating University program came from Maharishi himself," says Craig Pearson, Executive Vice President of Maharishi University of Management. "He has always envisioned the University as the training ground for the future leaders of the world in every field. From the start, we have trained students to be at home in any field of knowledge. Now we’re also training them to feel at home in any country and with any culture."

The Rotating University is not just for full-time students. Everyone can attend, including students, professionals, retirees, and homemakers.

"We just did it," says Bess Tower, who attended the course with her husband John, a dentist. "We weren’t sure if we could get away, but we decided that we needed the rest." It turned out to be the right decision. "It was great. The Sanskrit was great...it was all great."

Plans for future courses include poetry writing in the Indian Himalayas this autumn, art classes in Italy, management classes in Japan, and a trip to Australia.

"Maharishi emphasized that the Rotating University program should enable students to study in the most beautiful places on earth," says Mr. Pearson. "As the Maharishi Time Zone Capitals are built around the world, it will be possible for students to spend one month in each location, circling the world in the course of a year."

Anyone who has studied abroad knows what a transforming experience it can be. By combining the advantages of Consciousness-Based educational programs with the experience of traveling the globe to become a citizen of the world, the Rotating University offers unprecedented opportunities for personal growth.

Just ask the students who recently returned from Switzerland. They’re busy signing up for the next course—and are ready to take the Rotating University around the world.

Who can attend the Rotating University?
Anyone practicing the TM technique can join, including students at Maharishi University of Management, students from other universities, and adults interested in continuing education.

How long is each course?
The Rotating University works on the block system. Each course lasts one month, making it easy to schedule your time.

How can I apply?
Contact the University’s Continuing Education office at 1-515-472-1135, or e-mail to: conted@mum.edu. You can also get details on the Web at www.mum.edu.

Linda Egenes is an award-winning author, and Dr. Thomas Egenes is a Sanskrit scholar. Both are faculty members of Maharishi University of Management