(24 March 2003) His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi declared the world to be at a critical crossroad, with every government forced to make a choice: Continue down the path of destruction, which threatens to engulf the world, or apply the knowledge that will create permanent world peace.

"We have repeatedly offered every government leader the knowledge to create prevention-oriented, problem-free administration. Now they have to decide whether to take the offer today – or ignore it and continue to let their people suffer," Maharishi said. "But every government should know that there is no reason to postpone the onset of a bright new destiny for their country."

Maharishi’s declaration came during his weekly global news conference last Wednesday, which was held at the Capital of the Global Country of World Peace in Meru, Holland. Maharishi’s next news conferences will be held on 26 and 27 March and will be broadcast live via satellite, Internet webcast, and teleconference call (see page 3 for details).

Maharishi emphasised the immediacy of his offer. He said that in today’s crisis-ridden world, no one is satisfied with government – neither the leaders nor the people – and the problems are only getting worse. "We are raising the voice for governments to make use of the higher intelligence of Natural Law that governs the infinite diversity of the universe with perfect order.

We invite every country to establish a ‘second government’ of peace-creating experts to bring the support of Natural Law to their administration to prevent all problems."

Maharishi said that the second government will function independently from the national government – but will bring success to all the administration’s undertakings. He said that the experts will not go "door-to-door to the prime minister or president talking about peace". Instead, they will create peace in the nation by enlivening from deep within their own Self the unified field of consciousness – the field of perfect order and infinite peace.

"Through their collective practice of Vedic technologies of consciousness, including Transcendental Meditation, Yogic Flying, Yagyas, and Graha Shantis, these experts will radiate coherence and peace, and eliminate negativity and stress in national consciousness," Maharishi explained. "This collective practice is the only way a government can prevent problems and conflict – and promote health, wealth, and happiness in society."

Maharishi said his offer of a second government comes after nearly 50 years of bringing enlightenment to millions of individuals worldwide through his Vedic technologies of consciousness – and on the basis of hundreds of published scientific studies documenting the beneficial effects of his programmes for the individual and society.

Maharishi then praised Dr John Hagelin, quantum physicist and presidential nominee of the Natural Law Party in 2000, for leading a nationwide initiative to establish a second government in America – the US Peace Government – which will be affiliated with the Global Country of World Peace. Dr Hagelin is calling on the nation’s foremost scientists, doctors, and educators to apply their profound scientific knowledge of Natural Law to create prevention-oriented, problem-free administration. Dr Hagelin is the Minister of Science and Technology of the Global Country of World Peace.

Maharishi also admonished "warmongering nations" who promote conflict in the world in order to sell their weapons. "These nations instigate wars to create fear in the world family. Then arms dealers can sell weapons to one country and then go to its neighbour with the warning, ‘The country next to you has these weapons, so to save yourself, you have to have them, too.’ This kind of manipulation – sacrificing life in order to make money – is shameful, inhuman, and beastly. It is a black spot in society," Maharishi said. "The world will be in peace only when it utilises the evolutionary power of Natural Law – it will never be in peace because of the sales agents of warmongering nations."

Maharishi concluded the news conference by declaring, "Fortunately, the secret of perfection in life through Natural Law has been found. Now it is just a matter of how soon we can apply it in every nation. I have a long-term programme – my organisation will be available to government leaders in every generation who decide to create prevention-oriented, problem-free administration. But even if just a few countries accept our offer now and establish a second government – that will be enough for the whole world consciousness to be harmonious, happy, and free from negativity. It all depends upon the destiny of mankind. Sooner or later there will be permanent peace on our dear planet Earth."