This article had a large colour photo of Yogic Flying on their front page, with the caption:

SPIRITUAL SPRINGBOARD: Vedic City, Iowa, is part of the Transcendental Meditation capital of the United States. Here experts demonstrate yogic flying, described as 'meditation's dynamic state.' Story Page 18A.

Pages 18 and 19 were entirely dedicated to Maharishi Vedic City, Maharishi University of Management, Maharishi School and The Raj. These two pages included 5 more colour photos including one of a 10 year old girl meditating in her 6th grade classroom, another of Yogic Flying, one of the inside of the Maharishi Patanjali Golden Dome during afternoon programme, one of the journalist receiving an oil massage on her head as part of her stay at The Raj, and one large photo of a beautiful Iowa sunset from Maharishi Vedic City.

The writer of the story had originally written about Maharishi's news conference in June and had decided to come to Maharishi Vedic City for three days to write a larger story.

To view the text of the article go to: http://www.suntimes.com/output/religion/cst-nws-vedic01.html

The Post, Washington's most read and respected newspaper, mentioned Maharishi's initiative for world peace in a Sunday column entitled: "REVELATIONS"

Excerpt: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who introduced transcendental Meditation 45 years ago, has broadened his scope by addressing the world's crises through weekly news conferences via his Web site, www.globalcountry.org.

Among his recent messages:

• "Research shows that just a few people are needed to create peace. They will dive deep within themselves and explore their own unbounded 'Atma,' the Self. As a by-product of this blissful experience, they will create a stress-free, problem-free nation."
• "The goal of warmonger nations like the U.S., Britain and Germany is to create and maintain fear in the world and sell their arms. . . . Unless world consciousness rises in coherence, all this destruction will just continue."

Such coherence can be achieved through expanded use of transcendental meditation and yogic flying, an advanced stage of contemplation where the body lifts off the ground, said Maharishi, who is 84 and lives in the Netherlands. The yogi's plan "calls for the immediate establishment of several large groups of 8,000 Yogic Flyers throughout the globe, including one larger group of up to 40,000 experts in India," a press statement said.

A NATURAL WAY TO PEACE by Sue Brown

TM is a better way to achieve peace and harmony, writes Sue Brown.

PEACE in their minds is clearly preferable - for students, teachers and parents - to "terror on their minds" (The Age, 25/11/02).

While it is important for adults to talk through issues with children, there is another practical, thoroughly researched way to experience a settled, peaceful state that is the opposite of anxiety and fear.

This technique is used effectively in education, in Melbourne and overseas. It gives rise to positive, nourishing, creative, non-aggressive learning environments.

Anyone, even children, can apply this simple, natural practice - it is not a belief or philosophy. Its benefits include increased intelligence, learning ability and creativity - and improved relationships.

The technique is called Transcendental Meditation.

Research shows TM to be extremely effective in decreasing anxiety, even when compared to relaxation techniques.

When adults - parents and teachers - become more settled and stable, they model this steadiness to children, rather than the over-anxious behaviour that the director of schools, Michael White, and others identify as being so disturbing to children.

In these times of global tension, it is right to "reassure (children) that their parents will look after them". To be sure we can look after them, we need to find new ways to prevent violence, in the schoolyard and in our world family.

Extensive studies, published in leading journals, have shown that widespread practice of Transcendental Meditation, and its use by large groups, creates an influence of peace and non-violence in society.

Governments say they will try anything to create peace, yet ignore this simple, proven, practical solution. Individuals don't have to be so cautious. We can all play a part in making peace on earth powerful, and power on earth peaceful.
-- Sue Brown is director of consciousness-based education at the Maharishi School, Reservoir.
-- Copyright 2002 The Age Company Limited

(Vedic City-AP) -- Officials in a southeast Iowa community have passed the first reading of an ordinance that outlaws the sale of non-organic food in the city limits.

The Vedic City Council ordinance outlaws genetically modified food and anything not grown organically. The founders of the city are followers of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement and founder of the Maharishi University of Management in nearby Fairfield.

The ordinance was suggested after several city residents reported allergic reactions after recent crop dusting on nearby farms. Non-organic food purchased outside of the city could still be legally eaten under the ordinance. The ordinance must pass two more readings before it becomes law.