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Evaluating a Field Theory of Consciousness and Social Change: Group Practice of Transcendental Meditation and Homicide Trends

This study outlines and empirically tests a field-theoretic view of consciousness and positive social change based on the ancient Vedic tradition of knowledge from India (Veda means “knowledge” in Sanskrit) as brought to light by the Vedic scholar and scientist of consciousness, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. In contrast to most contemporary theories of mind and consciousness originating in the West, Maharishi’s Vedic science of consciousness posits the existence of an interpersonal, nonlocalized dimension of consciousness that underlies both individual consciousness and the “collective consciousness” of society, or “national consciousness.” We review previous empirical tests in Cambodia, India, the Philippines (and other countries) of hypotheses derived from this field-theoretic view of consciousness. We then present new empirical results, which together with prior research, provide evidence for an interpersonal dimension to consciousness. Segmented-trend regression analysis of data from a prospective, 15-year U.S. national social experiment found support for the hypothesis that “field effects of consciousness” created by group practice of Transcendental Meditation® and its advanced technique, the TM-Sidhi® program, by a theoretically predicted number of participants contributed to a reduction in social stress in national consciousness as indicated by improved monthly homicide trends during the study’s experimental period 2007-2011 (p < .0001). These results are consistent with significant reductions in crime and violence associated with group practice of the TM® and TM-Sidhi® program as reported in previous peer-reviewed research. This reduction was followed by a predicted subsequent increase in homicide trends 2012-2016 (p < .0001) after the group fell below the required size (approximately the √1% of the U.S. population).

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Function and Meaning of Kalosara Tradition on Tolaki Ethnic People (A Study of Cultural Socialin Konawe Regency, Southeast Province, Indonesia)

This article discusses the function and meaning of kalosara tradition on Tolaki ethnic people in Konawe regency, Southeast Province based on the cultural social aspect. The objective of this research is to describe and to analyze the functions and menaings of kalosara tradition on Tolaki ethnic people in Konawe regency of Southeast province. The data of the research were collected through observation, interview, and documentation. The data then, were analyzed by descriptive qualitative method by using three steps of analyzing; they are reduction, presentation, and taking conclusion. The result of the research showed that Kalosara tradition has some functions and used in various rituals or ceremonies. The functions of kalosara tradition are: as a tool of peace to solve dispute, to keep solidarity, to keep consistency and polite attitudes, and to improve the social control on Tolaki ethnic people tradition. The equipment of Kalosara traditionis called kalo. Kalo has several kinds and each kind has certain meaning. Kalo is made from rattan in circle form to reflect and to give high respectful to the unity and solidarity on Tolaki ethnic group in Konawe regency. Kalo is put in a white cloth which is called siwole. The white cloth is interpreted as purity and sincerity. Purity and sincerity are two of main principles of Tolaki ethnic people.

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Socio-political Violence in Cambodia Between 1990 and 2008: An Explanatory Mixed Methods Study of Social Coherence

The relationship between individual and group practice of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi program andreductions in social stress, tension, and violence has been the topic of systematic exploration since the 1970s in Canada,India, Israel, Lebanon, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom, and United States.Findings from these quantitative studies have been published in leading international conflict resolution and peacestudies journals. However, research in Cambodia has to date only been of a descriptive and qualitative nature with afocus on economic and social variables not violence or crime.The purpose of the present study is therefore to examine socio-political violence in Cambodia between January 1990and December 1992 (the baseline period) and the possible influence of group practice of the Transcendental Meditationand TM-Sidhi program at Maharishi Vedic University (MVU) by 550 undergraduate students beginning in January1993 through December 2008 (the impact-assessment period). This study uses an explanatory mixed methods designto examine socio-political violence using time series analysis of machine-coded news reports (quantitative data) anddocument analysis of national and international media reports, personal statements, and public documents (qualitativedata).Results indicate that beginning in January 1993, when meditating students at MVU began their group practice, amarked downward shift occurred in the trends of socio-political violence and other forms of violent crime in Cambodia,contrary to predicted baseline trends and contrary to widespread community and media expectations. Such aconclusion can be drawn from both the quantitative and qualitative evidence when comparing baseline andimpact-assessment periods, suggesting that the observed decline in socio-political violence during this time wasassociated with an increase in peace, order, and harmony—that is, a rise of social coherence—in the collectiveconsciousness of Cambodia generated by the group of meditating students at MVU.

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A Look at Retirement Funds in the Iranian Legal System

Pension funds are an important pillar of the social security system of the country. Historically, retirement funds in the Iranian legal system have been a source of many problems, most notably financial deficits. The lack of prospects for the future and the uncertain program and unprofessional management, as a result of the lack of transparency and ineffective and sometimes contradictory laws, have all worked together to make retirement funds a problem in the country; this turmoil and turmoil situation And the inadequacies of funds in all respects have caused worries about the future. Reasons for the aging of the population and the decline in employment and ... have increased the seriousness of the crisis. The implementation of early-retirement laws in different periods, macroeconomic fluctuations, and neglect of misguided and non-normative outlooks and government roles, and largely one-way interactions with funds, are one of the most important reasons for the existence of a crisis in retirement funds In recent years. In Iran, the increase in the number of retirement funds has been caused by various programs and systems (various regulations); in the absence of comprehensive welfare and social security systems in the country, the stratification and distribution of decay and support Boxes will also be added. In this context, it is necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of the status and legal system of the pension funds, with the study of how the administration and the status of the cost are spent, the inputs of these funds and the amount and group covered. In other words, the multiplicity of pension funds and the lack of coordination between these institutions and the lack of a single standard in them and the lack of respect for the fairness of the income received by retirees has caused dissatisfaction with this important group of society, because the type of services and range of support, also from the fund to the fund The difference is different, and this creates discrimination and increases the gap between the strata; it should be noted that the function and function of pension funds is international and the lack of attention to these funds can have serious consequences in the community. Currently, reforms to the rules and regulations of the pension funds and the management and management of these funds are important and important priorities, and the planned measures should be directed towards changing the situation and improving the efficiency and funds and optimal and wise use. Resources are maintained, with no loss or damage to retirement benefits.

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