The Maharishi Effect: A Personal Journey Through the Movement That Transformed American Spirituality

This is a great read for people who were initiated in the '70's. The author captures the idealism and excitement surrounding TM at its inception (in the US). He also brings into question the strange, subsequent trajectory of the movement down to its present day. This book is a good fit for those of us who believe in TM but can't believe what in the world has happened to the movement since. You won't be able to put this book down!

I also read this while on a trip involving a long plane ride. Bottom line: great book and very interesting. It's clear that the author is writing in the first person and his commentary is subjective. But I think it's this fact that makes the book compelling. For instance, the author's trip to the Vedic spa in Fairfield and his trial of an Ayurvedic diet is worthy of note. He writes that the latter, while very demanding, worked very well. He's also clearly a fan of the TM method.

The Maharishi Effect is fascinating and beautifully written. I too am from the boomer generation, and several of my friends made strong commitments to the movement, so I was always curious. It seems to me that Gilpin writes lucidly and vividly and without bias -- and the result is a multi-perspective, thoughtful, meticulously researched and very human look at this organization, highlighting its attractions and strengths as well as its very real (and sometimes very scary) weaknesses. A page turner.

I read The Maharishi Effect on a long plane ride. Gilpin's s book provided an engaging traveling companion, telling stories about his encounter with Transcendental Meditation. His warm, witty humor, as well as the poignant descriptions of the gifts TM offered him, provided a good read. Although about TM, the book is universal in its description of a sojourner's struggle to incorporate the good of a spiritual tradition, while critiquing what is disappointing and outside one's values. He does this with more grace than most!

This is an excellent book for a limited group of readers. I recommend this book to all who have practiced TM, especially the old timers. I read the book in one sitting with great satisfaction. I have been associated with TM since 1967 but find the movement intolerable. After reading this book I feel less alone as one who meditates, even loves the Maharishi for saving my life, but who cannot tolerate participation in the movement. The paradox of the man who saved my life and the organization he created and supports is bewildering. This is the best summary of that paradox I have found.