December 1999

Book Reviews: The Science of Being and Art of Living / Upanishads /  Blissful Baby

The Science of Being and Art of Living
By Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Back in 1962, when Maharishi was making yearly world tours to personally present his message of the Transcendental Meditation technique, he engaged in a most interesting project: the writing of his first book.

In Maharishi’s words, "The Science of Being and Art of Living is the summation of the practical wisdom of integrated life advanced by the Vedic Rishis of ancient India, understood in the light of scientific thinking in the present-day western world." It is both a concise expression of the ultimate reality of life and a practical guide to daily living. What fascinates me most is the time-less value of Maharishi’s message. Points expressed nearly forty years ago for the 60’s generation are even more relevant for those facing life in the new millennium. And scientific research has confirmed the far-reaching benefits of Maharishi’s enduring wisdom. Maharishi structured the book in four main sections:

The Science of Being
Maharishi explains that beyond the fields of thinking, speaking and action, there is a more fundamental field of life—Being. This is an unmanifest field of pure intelligence or pure consciousness, which lies outside the realm of manifest creation and yet is responsible for its orderly, sequential development.

Life
Maharishi describes what he calls normal life. "Life is the light of God," he says. "Expansion of happiness is the purpose of life." He also points out that the individual is cosmic, since "the universe reacts to individual action." Therefore we should come out of the field of suffering, the field of relative change, and experience the unmanifest field of non-changing, pure bliss consciousness that is our essential nature.

The Art of Living
Maharishi reveals those principles of behavior—on the levels of Being, thinking, speaking and action—that are most beneficial for both the individual and society. Some of my favorite sections include: The Art of Behavior (key to fruitful relationships); Art of Speaking (speak the sweet truth); Highway to Rehabilitation (eradication of delinquency and crime); and Right and Wrong (criteria for proper decision-making).

Fulfillment
Maharishi discusses how the theoretical and practical knowledge of the Transcendental Meditation program can fulfill such diverse areas of life as religion, psychology and philosophy. He offers a profound analysis of the steps needed to bring fulfillment to each of these areas.

The last chapter of the book begins: "Generation after generation man is born anew. Each generation gives rise to new aspirations in life, new standards of thought and action, and brings a new quest for fulfillment." Maharishi adds, "A solid foundation should be established for all generations of men to gain fulfillment in life at all levels. The responsibility lies on the shoulders of the great-hearted and intelligent leaders of the present generation."

This need has not changed. Great people in every generation must shoulder their responsibility to establish this solid foundation for fulfillment. Read The Science of Being and Art of Living to discover how you can grow in fulfillment and share it with others. For you are the great individuals of whom Maharishi speaks.

The Science of Being and Art of Living is available in both print and audio formats. A separate concordance serves as an index for finding key words and topics discussed in the book. All three may be ordered from Maharishi University of Management Press: 800-831-6523 or visit their Web site at: www.mum.edu/press. 

All Love Flows to the Self: Eternal Stories from the Upanishad
by Kumuda Reddy, M.D., Thomas Egenes, Ph.D. Linda Egenes, M.A.

The Upanishads offer some of the most beloved and illuminating stories from the vast literature of India’s Vedic tradition. Adapted from the original Sanskrit, these tales tell the story of enlightenment in simple, poetic language that will appeal to both adults and children. The power and beauty of Vedic life unfolds in a variety of settings: a teacher and his student in a secluded forest ashram, a great seer meditating in a Himalayan retreat, and a proud king bowing to the wisdom of a humble cart-driver.

Traditionally, the Upanishads were passed down from teacher to student Kumuda Reddy first heard these stories from her grandmother while growing up in India. The authors retell twelve of them in the light of Maharishi’s pro-found understanding of Vedic Literature, life and enlightenment. 

Upa-ni-shad literally means "to sit down near." Maharishi explains this as "everything sits down near the Veda." In other words, when we know the essence of everything to be Veda, then we have gained the fruit of all knowledge.

The Upanishads express the full glory of the inner Self. When one has realized the Self, everyone and every-thing becomes near and dear, and one flows in universal love. "All Love Flows to the Self"—this is the reality of the highest level of consciousness and the ultimate truth of life.

Stunning photographs by Mark Petrick and Michael Cain mirror the time-less quality of these universal stories. Shepley Hansen’s book design approaches perfection—it’s like holding a precious jewel in your hands. This book is truly a gift of Nature, and clearly a labor of love by the authors.

Here is a treasure you will want to own, share and enjoy for years to come.

For a Blissful Baby: Healthy and Happy Pregnancy with Maharishi Vedic Medicine
by Kumuda Reddy, M.D., Linda Egenes, M.A., Margaret Mullins, MSN/CFNP

The deepest desire of all parents is to raise happy and healthy children. This book’s message is simple: Create happy children by nourishing the mother as well as the baby. It presents a completely natural approach to pre-natal, postpartum and new baby care.®

Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Maharishi Vedic Medicine, For a Blissful Baby describes how a mother’s mental and physical health can be developed even before conception to provide the best possible environment for the growing fetus. It goes on to outline practical Ayurvedic principles of diet, exercise and daily routine to produce the nourishing experience of bliss in the mother throughout her pregnancy.

Dr. Reddy and her co-authors emphasize the critical need for special care after birth, which is essential for the health of both mother and child. Recommendations include simple massage techniques, a postpartum diet, and other natural rejuvenation therapies such as nourishing sounds and aromas. Care of the newborn child, from breast-feeding to weaning, is also covered. 

For a Blissful Baby is geared for busy moms and is written in an easy-to- read style. Stories from mothers who have used this approach make for lively, informative reading. Readable scientific charts verify the effectiveness of this approach.

In their introduction, the authors note that benefits gained by a "blissful baby" can last a lifetime.

"The natural technologies of the Maharishi Vedic Approach to Health, especially the development of consciousness, create that most peaceful, harmonious, and nourishing environment for the baby to develop at all levels— mind, body, emotions, and spirit. Happiness, security, and self-esteem are cultivated in these babies’ lives from their earliest days. And these natural procedures also improve health, immunity, and longevity in the long run."

Dr. Theresa Olsen learned the Transcendental Meditation technique in 1959, when Maharishi was staying in her family’s home during his first visit to the United States.

Kumuda Reddy, M.D. has practiced medicine for more than 20 years and directs the Maharishi Vedic Medical Center of Upstate New York. The mother of three children, she is also the author of Forever Healthy: Introduction to Maharishi Ayur-Veda Health Care, and several children’s picture books based on the Vedic tradition of India.

Thomas Egenes, Ph.D., author of Introduction to Sanskrit, is an Associate Professor at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa.

Linda Egenes, M.A., has written extensively about Maharishi Vedic Medicine for the past fifteen years, and teaches professional writing at Maharishi University of Management.

Margaret Mullins M.S.N./C.F.N.P. is a certified pediatric and family nurse practitioner, and the mother of twin daughters. She began working clinically with Maharishi Vedic Medicine in 1985, and helped develop the Mother and Baby program.