Science of Being and Art of Living

by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

In this classic book first published in 1963 and which has reached millions of readers, Maharishi unfolds his vision for "a new humanity developed in all life's values - physical, mental, material, spiritual." Now this book has been re-released with new appendices and an afterword by Dr. Bevan Morris, President of Maharishi University of Management.

Not long after Maharishi began his world tours, his students urged him to commit this great teaching to paper. In 1963 Maharishi offered to the world the Science of Being and Art of Living, which systematically unfolds for our scientific age the wisdom of the Veda and Vedic Literature taught to Maharishi by Guru Dev.

In this volume Maharishi presents the Science of Being as the systematic investigation into the ultimate reality of the universe. Like other sciences it begins its investigation from the gross, obvious level of life, and delves more deeply into the subtle levels of the experience of Nature. The Science of Being, however, eventually transcends these subtle regions, and reaches the transcendental field of eternal Being.

At the time this volume was written, modern science had not yet glimpsed the existence of a single universal field at the basis of all natural phenomena, even though the discovery of this Unified Field of Natural Law had been Einstein’s final scientific quest some decades before. By the 1990s, however, the Unified Field of Natural Law had become the greatest focus of theoretical physics, and modern science may now be said to have glimpsed the field of transcendental pure Being.

But this book is still far ahead of the objective traditions of modern scientific inquiry in one crucial sense: to modern science, the theory of the Unified Field of Natural Law is a mathematical abstraction—beautiful and profound, but irrelevant to practical life. To Maharishi and the Vedic Tradition, the experience of Being, Pure Consciousness—the Unified Field of Natural Law—is the most practical and useful experience in daily life that one can have. It is relevant to practical life because it is completely easy for any human being anywhere in the world to have access to pure Being, and utilize the unlimited potential of Being to make daily life joyful and successful. This is achieved effortlessly through the twice-daily practice of Maharishi's Transcendental Meditation technique.

Genres: Meditation, Spirituality, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Religion, Self Help, Psychology

523 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a direct disciple of Śrī Svāmī Brahmānanda Sarasvatī known for developing and popularizing the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique that drew much celebrity attention in the 1960s and 70s, and for being the leader and guru of a worldwide organization that has spawned numerous for-profit businesses and the Natural Law Party, a transnational political party founded on the principles of TM in 1992.

Among his more prominent disciples today are film director David Lynch, and John Hagelin, president of the Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, and three-time Natural Law Party candidate for U.S. President.

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very repetitive and boring. There are interesting passages but they are few and far between as the Maharishi keeps repeating himself about infusing your mind with Being and accomplishing this through Transcendental Meditation. I read the first 150 pages straight through and then skimmed through the rest because there was so much filler. I normally will read a book all the way through no matter what, but this was an exception due to everything I already mentioned.

[Sage1008 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lays the groundwork for understanding the nature of life and living. You need to know your Self before you can know anything else fully or with any reliability. Shows why transcending thought and experiencing Being is the basis of living a useful and fulfilling life and appreciating the glory of God's creation. The world is as you are. Live your infinite potential.

[Jyoti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Science of Being and Art of Living describes the Ultimate Life that can be lived. The final chapters discuss the multiple paths available to Divine Living. No one path is better than another, but each person is most suited to a particular path.

An excellent book. I know that it has been translated into many languages, so is available to many readers or different cultures.

[Wendy Risher · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt really good to read this book. It is a lot to think about, with concepts that are new to me, so I read it carefully. I believe I will read it again in the future. I've been trying the meditation (using my own mantra), and it does help me calm down. The messages in this book are beautiful. We need more goodness in the world.

[Lia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely think you can only really 100% benefit from this book if you are a TM practicer, but Maharishi's basic philosophy is beautiful.

[Nattalia Nealls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delight to re-read. Precious and uplifting.

[Mike terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obviously there is a good deal of thought and personal reflection that goes into a book like this. It has turned me on to several different ways to have an opinion, which is what I really need. Inner harmony, and balance with ones self is the core of the idea. And, it is a good idea, taught through the use of transcendental meditation. TM as it is otherwise noted, was my original interest in this book, and it requires taking classes to learn the secret chant and meditation process.
As the book continues from page 1 until the end, almost every thought is ended with, " .... and through transcendental meditation you will be able to ...." About half way through I found myself laughing at this and started to wonder if this is an Amway product. This is when I decided to look into classes, AND how much??? Well, it starts at $2500. I read many mixed reviews, so I've decided to persue other meditation interests.
The book and ideas are good, it just begins to feel like a sales manuel after awhile

[Michael Scussel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Like the old days when you had to pay gold to the church to save your soul, apparently the only way to get in touch with Being according to Mararishi Mahesh Yogi is to pay for a TM course and get a secret word to meditate on. You can try but according to the author you just can't get there unless you pay for a TM course. After more investigation it seems the followers of TM usually adhere to a cult-like mindset. No thanks not for me

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The purpose of individual life is also the purpose of the life of the entire cosmos. The purpose of creation is expansion of happiness which is fulfilled through the process of cosmic evolution. The significance and purpose of individual life is the same as that of the cosmos. The difference lies in the scale.

The individual life is the basic unit of life in the cosmos. Evolution of the cosmos is basically served by the evolution of the individual life. Thus, if the purpose of individual life is served, the purpose of cosmic life is also served spontaneously and simultaneously to that degree and on that scale.

If one has fulfilled the purpose of his own life, he has done his best to serve the cosmic purpose.

If one is not happy, one has lost the very purpose of life. If one is not constantly developing his intelligence, power, creativity, peace, and happiness, then he has lost the very purpose of life. Life is not meant to be lived in dullness, idleness, and suffering; these do not belong to the essential nature of life.

Life is dynamic, not static. It is energetic, progressing, evolving, developing through activity and multiplying itself. The nature and purpose of life is progress, evolution, activity, and improvement" (64).

"It is said that poets and artists have created their inspiring literature and art under tension. All such statements come from ignorance and from an inability to release tensions" (66).

"Another aspect of the art of action is the skill in action. Skill in action means that the doer gains great pleasure out of the action but, at the same time, remains free from the binding influence of the action and from the binding influence of its fruits. The skill in action is that the mind of the doer is placed on the level of the bliss and the unlimited creative intelligence of the Being so that it remains contented all the time, does more work and accomplishes more in the day-to-day life. By 'more' we mean a more efficient and greater amount of work for better and more results. If this is performed while the doer remains in freedom, it is the skill in action or the art of action" (150).

"If someone makes an ill-humored remark, a joyful mind that is fully developed and full of love and contentment responds to it with forgiveness. The joyful man does not mind the wrong, because his is a strong mind. A strong mind has the ability of tolerance; a weak mind takes upon itself all the insult and ill-humor of the utterance.

Another point may be made in this connection: If someone has already had doubts regarding another man's behavior, even if that man expresses something of love and joy the doubter keeps on having doubts because his doubts were present before the conversation even started. So a doubting or unkind mind, even if there have been reasons for the doubts in the past, fails to enjoy the joyfulness and sincerity of the other. Thus, it is not the present behavior of the man that is causing the other to be doubtful; rather it is the state of his own mind" (182).

"This is the art of behavior. If someone has done us an injustice, we do not harbor it or think about it. Perhaps it was a mistake. If we permit it to affect our future actions toward him, we are not giving him the opportunity to improve in his relations with us, and we also suffer. Even if he *does* harbor ill-feelings toward us, we will benefit him and ourselves if we still behave toward him with love and tolerance. In this way, we help the atmosphere to improve, and, with an improved atmosphere, we are better served" (183).

[Lisa Maynard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a transcendental meditation (TM) practitioner and have been since 2009 (although wasn't truly consistent until the past few years). The difference it's made to my life has been phenomenal and continues to deepen with each meditation. I've tried to read this book twice before, but it just seemed too dense and mystical. This time, it just flowed, or opened up to me. It was effortless, natural, just like TM. Maharashi speaks about the nature of consciousness and the absolute unlimited field of all potentialities in bliss consciousness, or transcendental consciousness, and how, by practicing TM, we gradually bring more of that consciousness back with us out into the world every time we finish our meditation. This leads to more love, compassion, stability, good physical and mental health and a more positive effect on our environments and neighbours. All of this is true, but it's very hard to believe unless you've done TM!

All good things are possible. Now, I'm still an angry and argumentative shit when my hormones are in charge, but it's slowly changing otherwise. I'm teetotal and vegetarian as a result of refined consciousness, and I've begun to realise how protest, anger and fighting is backwards to real progress. Everyone is moving along evolution at different rates but if we can maintain peace in ourselves we spread positivity faster just by remaining calm and still. That's the goal. I'm trying my best. I love this book.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeh I know, Mia Farrow... But even if the Maharishi got a bad rap & deserved it or not this book is rather important because he sets out to show how you can use a simple technique and find inner happiness and serenity. It does work, you know. Just that in the years that came after 1968, TM grew into a megamillion corporation, and a lot of innocent people ended up believing hopping around in lotus position constitutes "flying"... Besides, as Keith Richards says, "you don't pick the guru, the guru picks YOU"... that so many people set forth to foreign shore (India) in search of something they could easily have found inside themselves without the expense.. well, I suppose we have old Maharishi to thank for that, too...

[Flibertigib]

hated, hated, hated, hated, hated, hated, hated this book. one of the few books in my life i've read that i grew so disgusted with it that... i think at the time i was at a filthy punk dive bar on bowery st in nyc, and i think i dumped it in the trash can in the toilet.

[Marta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting, but really repetitive. It seems like a self praise sometimes.

[David Dvali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible book

[Kitap Yakıcı · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the practice of TM has been nothing but incredible in my experience, this book leaves a lot to desire. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi seems too intent on demonstrating that TM has nothing exotic about it and nothing whatever to do with a particular religion *cough*Hinduism*cough*—somewhat understandable given the original 1962 context of the book's publication, but also ironic in light of the clearly cult-like appendices that have accumulated in the intervening decades.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subject of TM is something that seems to bubble up in my conversations from time to time, year after year. After finding a new friend of mine is not only a TM practitioner but was also raised with the teachings, I'm taking a closer look.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnetic work of tremendous good will, this is essential reading for all members of the human race. Reading it is like a meditation in itself, as the sensation of absorbing it is soothing and nurturing. It is dense but never turgid.

[Nfreynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a meditator, especially if you do TM, this is a book to keep as a reference by your side. Jai Guru Dev.

[Hriday · Rating 1 out of 5]

EXTREMELY boring and repetitive.

[Faerie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is just a sales pitch for TM so it came off spammy so I didn't finish reading it

[Sonny Dyon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This guy likes to meditate

[Jason Jeske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book

Must read it you practice transcendental meditation. Great companion to your twice daily meditation that explains a lot about TM.

[Jonathan Bergh · Rating 1 out of 5]

I believe in Transcendental Meditation but I can't finish this book....

[Max · Rating 2 out of 5]

As I understand it, this book is the closest the founder of Transcendental Meditation came to explaining why he thought his technique worked. And ... it's basically just the same as what you can hear him saying on the free Youtube videos his org still has up: The world is complex on the surface, but deep down it's a unity, which he ties to physics by saying it's literally the "Unified Field", and using his meditation method will get you in touch with this, in your deepest centre, where there aren't any thoughts or disturbing feelings, where it's quiet and pure. If you just do this for twenty minutes twice a day, easily and effortlessly, you'll feel great and do great at everything, naturally.

There -- I just gave you the gist. After a few pages of saying that, but more spread out, he just goes into comical detail about every possible way to phrase "Living your life well without being unpleasant and using the minimum amount of energy to achieve maximum results while hurting nobody while staying in tune with the infinite while maintaining absolute bliss" -- and then, spoiler alert, the punchline is just "This is easily and automatically accomplished through twenty minutes twice a day of my effortless meditation method which anyone can learn!" (and then the fine print, which he doesn't say: "... which costs four figures and can only be taught by an authorized teacher of my ultra-wealthy organization, which has a leader who took several pictures of himself wearing a gold crown on the cover of the book he wrote about how the specific anatomy of the brain was predicted metaphorically by ancient Yogic stories"). No thanks.

BTW, Google "nondirective meditation Reddit" to learn, approximately, the TM technique, taught by former teachers who split from the org when the price was raised to such an absurd level. Apparently it used to be affordable, and now it can be again.

[S]

"Science of Being and Art of Living" by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi delves into Transcendental Meditation (TM), offering insights into this practice aimed at achieving inner peace and self-realization. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the philosophy behind TM, exploring its potential benefits for mental and physical well-being. It explores the concept of thought bubbles, offering a fascinating perspective on calming the mind, which resemble modern interpretations of meditation techniques. Additionally, Maharishi's early focus on mental health and his recommendations for governments to consider meditation's role in societal well-being were progressive for his time.

However, one limitation of the book is its strong emphasis on Transcendental Meditation as the solution for various challenges. While TM might offer benefits, the book's exclusive focus on this technique might oversimplify complex issues, suggesting that all solutions lie within the realm of TM practice. Readers seeking a broader perspective or alternative approaches to personal development might find this aspect limiting. Nonetheless, for those interested in exploring Transcendental Meditation and its philosophical underpinnings, the book serves as a valuable resource.

[Simon Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this because it was one of the few books Deepak Chopra said he would take if he knew he was to be stranded on a deserted island.

While I am only half way though I can not think of any reason so far why anyone would not get an amazing amount of information from reading this amazing book.

As with any self development / spiritual book, if you wish to grow and develop you need to let go of any previous mental models of truth you have in order to take a new perspective. You have to be open to new ideas in order to grow. This book will offer you so many opportunities to do this you could write books on what you learn as I believe Deepak has from his own perspectives of what he found.

I cannot recommend this for any other reason than to grow in being. If you wish to grow and understand who you are, why you are here and what is your purpose then read this book. It has no finite answers but offers you a palate and tools to explore where you may have not been before.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book repetitive, this is strange for an English speaker but after some research I found that repetition enables pupils to reinforce their foundational knowledge, build upon it, and connect new information to what they have previously learned. Repetition is a popular learning technique in India and has obviously translated to this book. When there are concepts the author is trying to teach they don’t want you to rely on memorisation. After understanding the Indian culture a little more, I found the book easier to digest.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 2 out of 5]

Back then, in the 1970's, I couldn't see it. By now, I sure can.

This book is like an infomercial in print.

When this was published, TM may not yet have met all the criteria to qualify as a cult, but that happened by the 1980's and beyond.

The best reason to read about this "Science" and "Art" is to look for how Maharishi keeps up his refrain: To make life better, do TM.

What made my life better? When I stopped doing TM.

[Pyramids Ubiquitous · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite agreeing with the central philosophies present here, I found Science of Being to be a chore. There are some quotable and applicable analogies scattered throughout, but on the whole it just felt exhausting. There are a lot of created ideas to justify the ideal, and there isn't much depth on how to actually practice transcendental meditation.

[Jose Alejandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meditation is the path the only one

It highlights the importance of meditation, a must to live now a days. Read it and practice your meditation everyday, happiness will be at your hands