How is a fun-loving young student from California enjoying life on the Mother Divine program? "I'm having more fun than I ever thought possible," says Valerie, 20, who joined the program in February.

"Most of my life has been spent running after adventures. Here it's just the opposite—I'm exploring my innermost, unbounded Self. I'm discovering that my consciousness is huge—within me is the underlying intelligence of nature that governs the whole universe. This is the biggest adventure I've ever had, and in my heart I'm always having fun."

It's also an investment in her future. "My inner stability, confidence, and focus are growing," Valerie says. "And because I'm learning how to use this infinite creativity of nature's intelligence, my desires are easily being fulfilled. After my stay here I'm 100 percent sure I'll be able to accomplish any goal I set for myself." She is receiving undergraduate credit for the program, and says, "when I get back to school, I am just going to go for it."

The Mother Divine program was inaugurated in 1981 as an advanced program for single women to develop higher states of consciousness. "Mother Divine" refers to the creative, evolutionary power of nature lively within the deepest value of silence, the Transcendent. Through their daily routine, which includes extended practice of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programs, participants enliven this fundamental level of Natural Law and awaken bliss in their consciousness and physiology.

"'Bliss' is a word I never used before," says Valerie. "But it's the only word that describes this incredible feeling of peace that sometimes overtakes my physiology. It's the basis for who I am, and for the connectedness I'm starting to feel with everything around me."

Over 1,000 women have joined Mother Divine—some for a month or two; others for longer, like Valerie preparing for a fulfilling career and family life. Many have made the program their career. Whatever their goals, all find the program invaluable for structuring a blissful life in freedom and enlightenment.

Kit, an attorney and Maharishi Vedic University director, joined last December. "I wanted to gain some deep rest, and accelerate the development of consciousness," she says. "That started happening as soon as I walked in the door. Now there is a continuum of happiness that just grows, and begins to permeate the physiology."

For many long-time participants, as higher states of consciousness develop, bliss becomes an undercurrent to the whole of life. "it's there all the time," says Jeanette, and educator. "I always felt happy, but this is so rich, it's inexhaustible. It's 24 hours of bliss and a deep feeling of freedom."

Together, all the Mother Divine ladies form a large professional coherence-creating group, which has resided in many parts of the world, including Europe, India, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and the U.S. In July they moved into their beautiful new campus, built according to Maharishi Sthapatya Veda design, at The Spiritual Center of America in North Carolina.

"It's so sublime to live in an ideal Vastu," says Taoline, a founding member, "where the physical structure of the buildings actually supports the development of consciousness." She adds that their immediate goal is to quickly establish a permanent group of 1,000 women "radiating the profoundly nourishing influence of harmony and happiness generated by our program, to create a heavenly life for everyone on earth."

These exceptionally accomplished and dedicated women are also developing an impressive range of programs for women and girls everywhere, including Ideal Girls’ Schools and Maharishi Spiritual University of America. They offer continuous conferences and World Peace Assemblies, as well as weekend residence courses for both Meditators and non-meditators.

Similar feelings are expressed by many Mother Divine alumnae, including Sharon Miles, a Governor who shares a design business with her husband Tony. "Mother Divine was one of the most precious experiences of my life," Sharon says. "The purity of life, richness of knowledge and spiritual companionship are rare gifts of great fortune. I encourage every lady to spend some time with Mother Divine, either as preparation for a successful family life, or as a lifetime experience. If you have an opportunity, seize it and enjoy."

For more information on the Mother Divine Program call 1-877-77-BLISS; www.spiritual-center.org; spirtl ctr@aol.com. 

Susan Shatkin joined the Mother Divine program in April, 1998