Have there been any controversies surrounding the Maharishi Foundation, the organization behind TM? in Questions || Publen

Have there been any controversies surrounding the Maharishi Foundation, the organization behind TM?

Religion -> Eastern Religions and New Religions
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Have there been any controversies surrounding the Maharishi Foundation, the organization behind TM?

Emelie Tettersell

Hey, great question! Yes, there have been some controversies surrounding the Maharishi Foundation, the organization behind TM.

One of the controversies was related to the finances of the organization. In the early 2000s, it was reported that the foundation was in financial trouble and was selling off assets to pay off debts. Additionally, there were allegations of financial mismanagement and embezzlement by some members of the organization. However, the foundation denied these allegations and claimed that they were the result of a misunderstanding of their financial practices.

Another controversy was related to the Maharishi's intense focus on secrecy and privacy. The organization has been accused of being secretive about its teachings and practices, and of being overly protective of the Maharishi's image. This has led some former members to speak out against the organization, claiming that they were not given access to all of the information and resources that they needed to properly practice TM.

There have also been allegations of sexual misconduct by some members of the organization, including the Maharishi himself. In the 1980s, a former TM teacher filed a lawsuit against the Maharishi, claiming that he had sexually harassed her and other female members of the organization. The case was eventually settled out of court, and the Maharishi denied the allegations.

Despite these controversies, many people continue to practice TM and believe in the benefits that it offers. The Maharishi Foundation has worked to address some of the concerns that have been raised by former members and critics, and has implemented policies to improve transparency and accountability. However, the organization still faces criticism from some quarters, and the controversies surrounding it continue to be a topic of discussion among those who practice and study meditation and spirituality.