Last week the maharishi declared that he’s tired of waiting for governments to get on the world-peace wagon. He’s taking matters into his own hands by setting up large groups of meditating well-wishers near the hot spots of the world. These “lighthouses of coherence” will have a calming effect on the local population, he says, snuffing out violence before it can flare up. “Problems will disappear as darkness disappears with the onset of light,” he promises.
To get the ball rolling, the maharishi is trying to raise $1 billion to set up 40,000 Vedic pandits–specially trained Transcendental meditators who repeat “inner mantras”–in his native India. If the promise of peace isn’t enough to attract the attention of investors, the maharishi has thrown in an extra incentive: profit. Progressive-minded philanthropists have been invited to buy up “World Peace Raam Bonds” that will pay to support the guru’s army of meditating monks. Looks like the Beatles missed a few of the maharishi’s lectures. Turns out all you need is love and a hefty line of credit.
