Holywood prays for peace

Northern Ireland Spectator, Holywood


8 August 2002

Northern Ireland Spectator, Thursday, 8 August 2002

Holywood prays for peace

FEW North Down residents will realise that Holywood became the global focus for world peace yesterday afternoon (Wednesday).

Even fewer will realise that local Transcendental Meditation and Yogic Flying experts will join with authorities across the globe for peace.

Thanks to modern technology. His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi beamed live by satellite for an internet webcast into Seahill and the world.

During the broadcast the Maharishi declared to British Prime Minister Tony Blair and American President George Bush that his global efforts to create world peace would win out.

"Through their performances these groups of Yogic Flyers will enliven the deepest level of nature's functioning, the unified field of natural law, the will of God and radiate coherence in world consciousness.

"This rise of coherence will eliminate acute social stress which fuels terrorism and war and promote peace in the family of nations."

Over 6,000 people worldwide practice Transcendental Meditation and with plans to build a TM centre in Belfast it appears to be a growing phenomenon.

Andrea Gribben has practised TM for the past 15 years, and a Northern Ireland TM instructor, she was delighted to host the focus for peace.

"TM is a simple meditation technique practised for 20 minutes twice a day and you get a very profound rest. It is much deeper than a deep sleep."

Andrea explained children as young as four years old and high powered business experts all enjoy TM. It is even part of the curriculum in a Lancashire primary school.

As well as discussing his solutions to Iraq, Maharishi also discussed other global problems such as Northern Ireland.

Andrea explained that through meditation people create a more 'coherent atmosphere' which would counteract the stress that spawns the violence and hatred across the province.

"To get rid of the darkness we have to bring in the light. When you meditate you can actually affect your family and the people around you.

"When you meditate in a group it becomes much more coherent, and when we have groups set up in every city it will calm down the stress and violence."

Anyone interested in Transcendental Meditation can contact: 028 90397 942.