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The Direct Experience of Transcendental Consciousness

A New Paradigm of Spiritual Care and Spiritual Direction for Prison Inmates

The Oregon Department of Corrections Religious Services Department's mission statement is: To provide a spiritual environment within the Department of Corrections that will model, promote and encourage individuals to develop spiritually toward a redemptive and rehabilitative end. With arguments supported by published scientific research, I demonstrate that the direct experience of a little known fourth major state of human consciousness, referred to as a "wakeful hypo-metabolic physiologic state" by neurophysiologists and Transcendental Consciousness by Yogis and Mystics, completely fulfills the ODOC mission statement. Thirty years of scientific research, some within the darkest and most violent prisons in the world, supports my assertion. In this thesis I argue that beyond the thinking mind, deep within the silent consciousness of every human being, whether we believe it or not, whether we know it is there or not, is a visceral reality that is variously referred to as "The Peace that Passeth all Understanding", Sat Chit Ananda, Nirvana, or Heaven. This state of consciousness is real and easily accessible to us with the right tool. It is considered by many progressive theologians to be unbounded Divine Consciousness, the source of all peace, love, happiness, and compassion -- all the spiritual qualities humanity seeks. In this thesis I present an overwhelming body of evidence that demonstrates that criminality, immorality and weakness in the inmate's ability to process stress in healthy ways, dissolves as the inmate repeatedly exposes his or her awareness to Transcendental Consciousness. The evidence clearly shows that exposure to Transcendental Consciousness through the practice of Transcendental Meditation, as taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, increase an inmate's spirituality, moral judgment, peace of mind, and ability to feel and give love. I show that this is the most effective way for prison Chaplains to "promote and encourage individuals to develop spiritually toward a redemptive and rehabilitative end" -- much more effective than any existing cognitive approach associated with pastoral counseling, spiritual direction or meditation available today. For my thesis application I applied for and received a grant to teach Transcendental Meditation in an Oregon state prison. I wrote and submitted a proposal to ODOC for the project. It is currently under consideration.

I show that this is the most effective way for prison Chaplains to "promote and encourage individuals to develop spiritually toward a redemptive and rehabilitative end"--Much more effective than any existing cognitive approach associated ...