CBE, Knower, Transcending
Consciousness-Based Education
Wholeness
Education starts with the student—the knower. In Consciousness-Based Education, students explore the field of pure consciousness within themselves as the home of all knowledge.
Study Questions
- What is the basic premise of Consciousness-Based Education?
- What is the highest goal of Consciousness-Based Education?
Teaching Resources
Video: Maharishi’s Address to the American Association of Higher Education, first half (32 min.), VC2 135
Sample wholeness statement: View the file: Speaking Harmoniously – Wholeness.docx
Knowledge of the Knower
Wholeness
Knowledge is the coming together of three elements: the knower, process of knowing, and known. Knowledge is structured in consciousness and is different in different states of consciousness.
Study Questions
- What is Maharishi’s theory of the knower?
- What are the practical implications of Maharishi’s theory of the knower
Teaching Resources
Video: Maharishi’s Address to the American Association of Higher Education, part 2 (32 min.), VC2 135
Automatic Self-Transcending & How to Contact “Being”
Wholeness
The natural tendency of the mind is to move in the direction of greater happiness, greater knowledge, greater power. This tendency is used during the Transcendental Meditation practice to settle down the activity of the mind until it gains unbounded consciousness, or restful alertness.
Study Questions
- What are the mechanics of transcending? Draw a diagram.
- Can anyone transcend? Explain.
- What is meant by “a technique that transcends its own activity”, and what is the purpose of this?
Teaching Resources
- Video: Maharishi’s Address to the American Association of Higher Education, 2nd half, VC 135
- Read: “How to Contact Being” from the Science of Being and Art of Living
- Note: For the artistic homework assignment of this lesson, it should be made clear that students are to reference the readings for their drawings and poems, not their own experience of learning TM earlier that day. It is best to wait until after all seven steps of teaching are completed, before assigning students to publicly explain and draw their personal experiences of transcending.