Science of Being and Art of Living
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Science of Being and Art of Living
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's 'Science of Being and Art of Living' offers a remarkably coherent presentation of Vedic philosophy, accessible to a Western audience from its 1963 publication. The book's strength lies in its systematic unfolding of consciousness as the very basis of existence, moving from abstract principles to practical application. Maharishi's clarity in explaining the mechanics of thought and the mechanics of nature is particularly compelling. However, the text can sometimes feel dense, with its extensive elaborations on Vedic concepts occasionally overshadowing the immediate applicability for a reader new to these ideas. The section detailing the 'Science of Creative Intelligence' provides a solid conceptual bridge, but the practical instructions for the technique itself are, understandably, reserved for direct instruction. The work provides a robust intellectual framework for understanding the potential of consciousness.
📝 Description
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Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's 'Science of Being and Art of Living' was first published in 1963, systematically presenting Vedic knowledge.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's 1963 book, 'Science of Being and Art of Living,' offers a structured exposition of Vedic knowledge for contemporary life. It details a philosophy and practice intended to enhance human potential across physical, mental, material, and spiritual dimensions. The work draws directly from the Veda and Vedic Literature as transmitted through Maharishi's lineage. Its aim is to guide readers toward realizing their innate capabilities and achieving a state of integrated living.
This book is for individuals interested in consciousness, its practical applications, and spiritual development. It appeals to those seeking mental clarity and greater effectiveness in personal and professional spheres. Students of Eastern philosophy, especially Vedic wisdom, will find it a primary source. It also serves those looking for a structured method toward self-realization and a way to live more harmoniously and fully.
Published in 1963, 'Science of Being and Art of Living' emerged as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduced Vedic teachings to Western audiences. His work codified these traditions, presenting them as a scientific approach to ancient wisdom. This book offered a structured alternative to the more fragmented spiritual explorations prevalent at the time. It was designed for a modern, secular consciousness, contrasting with the less organized spiritual inquiries of the counterculture.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Learn the foundational principles of consciousness as presented in the Veda, understanding 'Being' as the source of creativity, as detailed in the chapter on the 'Science of Creative Intelligence'. • Discover a structured method for stress reduction and enhanced mental clarity, as explained through the mechanics of thought and awareness taught by Maharishi starting in 1963. • Gain insight into achieving a balanced life, integrating personal growth with material success, a core theme introduced during Maharishi's global lectures.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was 'Science of Being and Art of Living' first published?
The original publication date for 'Science of Being and Art of Living' by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was November 11, 1963. This marked a significant effort to codify Vedic wisdom for a global audience.
What is the core philosophy presented in 'Science of Being and Art of Living'?
The book presents the philosophy of consciousness, positing 'Being' as the fundamental, unified field of intelligence from which all creation arises. It offers a practical system for accessing this source for personal and societal benefit.
What is 'Science of Creative Intelligence' as described by Maharishi?
Science of Creative Intelligence (SCI) is a concept Maharishi developed to explain the mechanics of consciousness and thought. It bridges the gap between the subjective experience of consciousness and its objective manifestation in the world.
Is this book primarily about Transcendental Meditation?
While 'Science of Being and Art of Living' lays the theoretical groundwork for practices like Transcendental Meditation, it is a comprehensive philosophical text. It explains the 'why' and 'how' of consciousness before specific technique instruction.
What does Maharishi mean by 'a new humanity developed in all life's values'?
This phrase signifies Maharishi's vision for a global society where individuals achieve balanced growth in physical health, mental clarity, material prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment, leading to a more harmonious world.
Where does the knowledge in this book originate?
The knowledge presented is derived from the Veda and Vedic Literature, transmitted through an unbroken lineage of masters to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Guru Dev, and then systematized by Maharishi for the modern age.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Consciousness as Fundamental Reality
The work posits consciousness, termed 'Being', not merely as an epiphenomenon of the brain but as the ultimate, unified field of intelligence underlying all existence. Maharishi systematically explains how this field is the source of all creativity, order, and energy. Accessing this field, he argues, allows individuals to tap into unbounded creativity and efficiency. This concept forms the bedrock of the 'Science of Being', differentiating it from purely materialist philosophies and offering a framework for understanding subjective experience as primary.
The Mechanics of Thought and Action
A core element is the detailed exposition of how thoughts arise, function, and manifest into action. Maharishi breaks down the process, showing how the quality of one's thinking directly influences the outcome of one's actions. The book provides a practical understanding of the mind's workings, suggesting that by refining the thinking process through access to deeper levels of consciousness, one can achieve greater success and reduce friction in life's endeavors. This is central to the 'Art of Living'.
Holistic Development for a New Humanity
Maharishi's overarching vision, articulated in this book, is the creation of 'a new humanity' characterized by comprehensive development across all life values: physical, mental, material, and spiritual. This isn't about excelling in one area at the expense of others, but achieving a state of natural integration and balance. The book presents the Veda and Vedic Literature not as relics, but as a living science capable of fostering this total development for individuals and society.
Vedic Science for the Modern Age
The book's significance lies in its presentation of ancient Vedic wisdom using a language and framework understandable to the scientific and rational mind of the 20th century. Maharishi frames these teachings as a 'science,' emphasizing their systematic nature, predictability, and potential for verifiable results. This approach aimed to bridge the perceived gap between spirituality and science, demonstrating that ancient traditions held useful insights into the functioning of the universe and human potential.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“Being is the simplest form of existence.”
— This statement expresses the core tenet that pure consciousness, or 'Being', is the most fundamental and unadulterated state of reality. It is the ground of all being, from which complexity and diversity emerge.
“The universe is a play of consciousness.”
— This phrase suggests that all phenomena, from subatomic particles to galaxies, and all experiences, are expressions or manifestations of a singular, underlying consciousness.
“Stress is the accumulation of unresolved problems.”
— This interpretation highlights Maharishi's view that stress is not an inherent part of life but a byproduct of the mind's inability to process experiences fully, leading to a buildup of tension.
“The mind is an instrument of perception and action.”
— This points to the functional aspect of the mind as described in the text, emphasizing its role in both receiving information from the environment and executing actions based on that input.
“Development of consciousness is the highest aim.”
— This interpretation underscores the book's central thesis that the expansion and refinement of one's own awareness is the ultimate goal, leading to all other forms of fulfillment and success.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
The work draws directly from the Advaita Vedanta tradition within Hinduism, specifically the philosophical corpus of the Veda and Vedic Literature as transmitted through the lineage of Shankaracharya and Maharishi's own Guru Dev. It presents these ancient teachings not as dogma, but as a universal science of consciousness. While rooted in a specific Indian tradition, Maharishi's framing aims for a universal applicability, departing from localized ritualistic or sectarian interpretations by focusing on the underlying principles of consciousness accessible to all.
Symbolism
While not heavily reliant on overt symbolic narratives like some esoteric traditions, the concept of 'Being' itself functions as a profound symbol – representing the unmanifest source, the unified field from which all manifest reality arises. The 'Ganges' is sometimes invoked metaphorically in Vedic literature as a purifier and source of life, mirroring the concept of pure consciousness. The number 'three' often appears in Vedic cosmology, representing different states or levels of consciousness (waking, dreaming, deep sleep), a motif explored in the text's detailed analysis of awareness.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary thinkers and practitioners in fields ranging from positive psychology and neuroscience to leadership development and stress management often cite or implicitly draw upon Maharishi's work. Schools of thought focused on mindfulness, consciousness studies, and integrated well-being continue to explore the principles laid out in 'Science of Being and Art of Living'. Modern exponents of Vedic traditions, as well as secular applications of meditation and consciousness expansion techniques, find in this book a foundational text that bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary needs.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals interested in the philosophical underpinnings of consciousness and meditation, seeking a structured understanding beyond anecdotal experience. • Students of comparative religion and Eastern philosophies looking for a direct, systematic presentation of Vedic knowledge and its practical applications. • Professionals and seekers aiming to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve overall effectiveness in life through a scientifically presented spiritual framework.
📜 Historical Context
When 'Science of Being and Art of Living' was published in 1963, the Western world was experiencing a surge of interest in Eastern philosophies, partly fueled by figures like Alan Watts and the Beat Generation's embrace of Zen Buddhism. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, having begun his global teaching tours in 1958, was at the forefront of introducing Vedic concepts, particularly meditation, to a broad audience. The book arrived as a structured, systematic exposition of these teachings, contrasting with the more eclectic or philosophical explorations of Eastern thought common at the time. It presented Vedic wisdom as a practical science, capable of integration into modern life, a stance that differentiated it from purely religious or mystical interpretations. Its reception was part of a larger cultural moment where the search for inner peace and expanded consciousness was gaining momentum.
📔 Journal Prompts
The nature of 'Being' as the source of creativity.
Your personal experience of the mechanics of thought.
The balance between inner development and outer action.
Vedic principles for holistic human development.
The potential for consciousness to shape reality.
🗂️ Glossary
Being
The fundamental, unified field of pure consciousness; the silent, unmanifest source of all creation, intelligence, and energy. It is the ground of existence.
Veda
Ancient Indian scriptures considered to be the source of universal knowledge, encompassing spiritual principles, natural laws, and the science of consciousness.
Vedic Literature
The broader body of texts associated with the Veda, including Upanishads, Yoga Sutras, and other works that elaborate on Vedic principles and practices.
Science of Creative Intelligence (SCI)
Maharishi's term for the systematic understanding of how consciousness functions as the source of all creativity and how to access this creative potential.
Consciousness
The state of awareness; in Maharishi's teachings, it refers to the field of Being and its various levels of operation, from the subtlest to the grossest.
Art of Living
The practical application of the Science of Being, enabling individuals to live life to its fullest potential, with greater ease, creativity, and success.
Guru Dev
Brahmarshi Deshbandhu Brahmaleen Swami Brahmanand Saraswati, the revered Guru of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, from whom Maharishi received the knowledge of the Veda.
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