Content Analysis of Newspaper Articles on Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Peace -Fergusson 2023

Abstract

Newspaper articles are a valuable source of social and educational information. However, articles on Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, despite plentiful coverage in major international publications and despite them covering far-reaching topics of educational, social, political, and environmental importance, have never before been analysed. A topic of significant consequence to Maharishi was the creation and maintenance of peace in the lives of individuals, societies and the world and the fundamental role education can play in achieving that goal. Using basic and interpretive content analysis this study considers 272 newspaper articles on Maharishi and the topic of peace published by 191 separate publications in 29 countries between 1958 and 1993. A conceptual model of research elements guides the study. Basic content analysis was used to quantitatively reveal dates and locations of publications as well as identify sources of quoted material. Interpretive content analysis was used to isolate 15 principles of peace, cross-referenced (and thereby supported) by corroborating data. Of these, two principles are particularly unique: 1) For the world to be peaceful, individuals must be peaceful; and 2) Transcendental Meditation releases tension and develops latent faculties of peace, harmony and happiness within the individual, and should therefore be part of every system of education.