Maharishi at Squaw Valley in 1968
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, 1968
“The job of a leader is to see that the goal of the followers is achieved. And the goal… All mankind has one common goal in the infinite bliss consciousness.” —Maharishi, 1968
“I am forever grateful to those who attended this Squaw Valley Course and went on to change our world! With INFINITE THANK YOU!” – KD (More reviews.)
Did you miss Maharishi’s course from the summer of 1968 which took place near the famous Squaw Valley Ski Resort at Lake Tahoe? If so, join us now! This historic course comprised over 750 participants, mostly college students and was Maharishi’s largest course, by far, at the time. Come and enjoy Maharishi’s inspiring and complete talks. Many talks will be offered for the first time in 58 years! This course will be offered sequentially from start to finish in a four-part series.
All of these historic lectures have been preserved by the Maharishi Global Archives & Collections at MIU.
Course Dates: An online self-study course. (These videos are available to view through December 2028.) Sign up for Part 2 here.
Course Leaders: Dr. Keith Wallace and Susan Seifert
Prerequisite: This is an advanced course for TM Teachers and graduates of the TM-Sidhi® course, plus those Meditators who have familiarity and comfort with many of the terms and concepts used in Maharishi’s Vedic Science.
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Course Fee:
- $125 general course fee
- $75 discounted course fee for full-time students, full-time TM organization staff, and low-income retirees.
- Some countries might have a discounted course fee of $65 or $35. To find out about your country, please check the list in the sign-up form.
Languages: Spanish, French, German, and Russian subtitles generated by Deepl are added to the posted videos.
Course Description
Olympic Village Dorms and Dining Hall
In August 1968, Maharishi gave a four-week course to over 750 people, mostly college students, many of whom would become the first large wave of TM initiators.
This course is Part 1 of a 4-part series which will cover Maharishi’s course near the Squaw Valley Ski Resort at Lake Tahoe in its entirety, except for those talks describing the specific meditation schedule and/or mechanics of the TM technique. Part 1 includes talks from August 4 – August 9, 1968.
If you missed this historic course the first time around, it’s available to view now! Hear Maharishi as he answers students’ questions about many aspects of spiritual growth and describes his vision and plan for bringing bliss and enlightenment to the whole world. And if you already attended this course, you can enjoy Maharishi’s deep and inspiring talks again.
Maharishi’s Inaugural Address (61 min)
Maharishi gives a powerful talk on leadership.
Maharishi Answers Questions Including Speaking the Sweet Truth, Skill in Action, Capture the Fort (39 min)
In this video Maharishi discusses the importance of sweet and truthful speech. He also describes the spontaneous growth of happiness and harmony through meditation, and the natural tendency of the mind to move toward greater bliss. And the importance of gaining skill in action and the concept of “do less and accomplish more” are also covered.
Maharishi’s Talk on Karma and Evolution August 5, 1968 morning (23 min)
In this illuminating talk, Maharishi explores the profound relationship between karma, evolution, and the natural growth of higher consciousness. Maharishi reveals how the mind is naturally drawn toward greater happiness, intelligence, and fulfillment, and how TM allows us to align effortlessly with the evolutionary force of cosmic intelligence. With inspiring insights into bliss consciousness, human potential, and the role of the mantra in supporting natural growth, this presentation offers a practical and uplifting vision of how life can become increasingly harmonious, successful, and joyful through the spontaneous process of evolution.
The Story of Attention and Suffering And Maharishi Describes Cosmic Consciousness (48 min)
In this fascinating question-and-answer session, Maharishi explores the deeper causes of suffering and imbalance in life, revealing a powerful force for healing and growth. Drawing on vivid examples from everyday life, he explains the relationship between mind and body, the role of the nervous system in health and happiness, and why meditation offers a more comprehensive approach than focusing on individual problems.
Deep Sleep vs Being (21 min)
Maharishi reveals how meditation enables us to contact the unchanging foundation of life while fully engaging in the dynamic world. This inspiring presentation offers a deeper understanding of higher states of consciousness and the practical possibility of living inner silence and outer activity together in everyday life.
Maharishi Answers a Question about Karma Yoga (5 min)
Description coming soon
The Story of Freedom and Bondage (21 min)
Maharishi examines the nature of attention, identification, freedom, and bondage, challenging long-held philosophical misunderstandings. Maharishi offers a fresh and practical perspective on identification, revealing how true freedom is not achieved through mood-making attempts to remain detached or self-conscious, but through the spontaneous growth of pure awareness cultivated through meditation. With humor, clarity, and profound insight, this talk dispels common misconceptions.
Maharishi Describes an Enlightened Society (13 min)
Maharishi describes the extraordinary possibility of an enlightened society and explores how the growth of higher consciousness in individuals can transform the collective life of humanity. Responding to questions about the impact of Transcendental Meditation on society, he speaks of a future in which increasing numbers of people live in greater harmony, fulfillment, and freedom from suffering.
Maharishi Answers Questions and The Story of the Hong Kong Fish (61 min)
Maharishi explains how meditation naturally unfolds and why effortless practice is essential, and how even everyday factors such as food, breathing, and lifestyle can influence growth in consciousness. Memorable stories, including the famous “Hong Kong fish” anecdote, bring these principles vividly to life. This fascinating discussion provides both practical wisdom for meditators and a deeper understanding of the delicate relationship between consciousness, health, and human evolution.
Maharishi on the Complete Philosophy of Action (61 min)
Maharishi reveals how true success in life comes not from struggle, withdrawal, or excessive effort, but from establishing the mind in its deepest source of energy, intelligence, and bliss. Using vivid analogies and practical examples, he explains the principle of “doing less and accomplishing more,” showing how profound rest and expanded awareness become the foundation for dynamic, effective action. This inspiring talk offers a timeless blueprint for achieving greater effectiveness, fulfillment, and freedom while fully engaging in the responsibilities of everyday life.
Maharishi Discusses CC, GC, and Unity – The State of Perfection (57 min)
Maharishi presents a comprehensive vision of human evolution through the progressive development of higher states of consciousness. Exploring the nature of Cosmic Consciousness, God Consciousness, and Unity Consciousness, he describes the journey from ordinary awareness to the highest state of enlightenment. Through vivid analogies, practical insights, and profound discussions of love, devotion, perception, and spiritual growth, Maharishi explains how TM and advanced techniques cultivate the full potential of the mind and heart.
Maharishi Answers Questions on Various Topics, Including Deafness and Experiences of Higher States of Consciousness (21 min)
Maharishi explains how experiences, brought up by the course participants, relate to the refinement of the nervous system and the natural growth of higher consciousness. Maharishi also discusses meditation for the deaf, the role of regular practice in accelerating growth, and why progress depends more on the strength of the practice than on the amount of stress accumulated in the past.
Maharishi Gives a Press Conference (35 min)
In this dynamic and engaging press conference, Maharishi introduces TM to members of the media, explaining its purpose, practice, and growing impact around the world. Responding to questions on topics ranging from consciousness, creativity, education, and social change to hypnosis, drugs, celebrity students, and the future of the TM movement, Maharishi presents a clear and compelling vision of human development. With humor and insight, he describes TM as a practical means of unfolding the full potential of the mind, reducing stress, increasing happiness and effectiveness, and ultimately creating a more harmonious society. This fascinating exchange offers a rare opportunity to see Maharishi communicate his ideas to a broad public audience while addressing many of the questions and challenges surrounding meditation in its worldwide expansion.
Maharishi Speaks on Earth’s Magnetism, Mantras, Creation, Evolution and Relationships (57 min)
Maharishi explores a wide range of practical and philosophical topics, from the role of the Earth’s magnetism and environment in meditation to the nature of mantras, consciousness, creation, evolution, and the highest possibilities of human development. He explains how mantras are selected to resonate with the individual, discusses the mechanics of TM and advanced techniques, and offers profound insights into unity consciousness, self-realization, marriage, and the purpose of human life. Blending humor, simplicity, and deep wisdom, Maharishi reveals how the natural process of meditation refines the mind and heart, accelerates personal evolution, and ultimately leads to the realization of the unity of all existence. This engaging and thought-provoking dialogue provides both practical guidance for meditators and a sweeping vision of human potential and spiritual growth.
Maharishi Answers Questions on Sleeping and Dreams (33 min)
Maharishi explains how rest and TM help dissolve deep-rooted stresses in the nervous system. Responding to a wide range of audience questions, he discusses why meditators often need less sleep, the relationship between dreaming and the release of stress, the development of awareness during sleep, the possibility of maintaining consciousness while the body rests, and the role of intuition, karma, and spiritual growth. Filled with humor, practical wisdom, and profound insights into human awareness, this lively exchange offers a fascinating look at how meditation can transform sleep, dreaming, and life.
Gaining Enlightenment in Ancient India (32 min)
Drawing on insights from ancient India, Maharishi describes the traditional role of meditation in education and personal development, the path to higher states of consciousness, and the vision of a society built upon fully integrated, stress-free individuals. Along the way, Maharishi answers deep questions about karma, fulfillment, planetary evolution, child development, and the future of civilization, blending profound wisdom, practical guidance, and lighthearted humor into an inspiring presentation on humanity’s highest potential.
Maharishi Speaks on the Revival of Knowledge, Part 1 (57 min)
Maharishi explores one of the great questions of human history: how timeless wisdom is lost, revived, and passed from generation to generation. Through engaging dialogue, illuminating stories, and profound spiritual insights, Maharishi explains the relationship between teacher and student, the role of consciousness in preserving knowledge, and the purpose of Transcendental Meditation as a practical path to enlightenment. He discusses the teachings of Buddha, Shankara, the Bhagavad Gita, and the ancient tradition of masters, while sharing inspiring stories of devotion, spiritual awakening, and the revival of higher knowledge in modern times.
Maharishi Speaks on the Revival of Knowledge (continued) (26 min)
Maharishi continues to explore how timeless wisdom is lost, revived, and passed from generation to generation.Rich in philosophy, humor, and practical wisdom, this memorable presentation offers a compelling vision of personal transformation and the restoration of humanity’s full potential.
Questions about Absolute vs. Celestial and Words for a Dying Man (22 min)
In this thought-provoking exchange, Maharishi answers profound questions about death, meditation, God, and the highest states of consciousness. Responding to a question about how to help someone who is dying, he explains the importance of elevating awareness at life’s final moments and describes the role of the mantra and meditation in preparing consciousness for the transition beyond death. The discussion then moves into a fascinating exploration of belief and skepticism, the refinement of the nervous system through meditation, and the subtle distinction between the Celestial and the Absolute. With warmth, humor, and remarkable clarity, Maharishi illuminates some of life’s deepest mysteries, offering practical wisdom and an inspiring vision of human potential.
Story of Religions and Cultures Throughout Time (80 min)
In this precious talk, Maharishi speaks of Guru Dev and the Shankaracharya tradition that has brought the wisdom of Transcendental Meditation to this age. Speaking of the purpose of such a tradition, Maharishi details the history of how the truth of the inner reality of life has been found partially and sporadically in different lands across different time periods, under different religions. Maharishi connects the role of the students and teachers of Transcendental Meditation to becoming leaders in the revival of this eternal wisdom which can enlighten the entire world in this new scientific age.
Reviews
- Listening to Maharishi today was so moving and just felt such gratitude . I don’t know why but these squaw valley videos are so clear and informative. – KS
- What a joy to relive these times. – JL
- Wonderful! – DW
- I am forever grateful to those who attended this Squaw Valley Course and went on to change our world! With INFINITE THANK YOU! Jai Guru Dev – KD
- We are very Lucky who have signed up for this wonderful course? We are on a Beautiful Jet Flight! Jai Guru Dev – PP
- I was at Squaw Valley 1968. Life changing and shaping experience. – MG
- So uplifting and Divine…floating in Love, compassion, forgiveness, Bliss, sweetness ! Gratitude. JAI GURU DEV – CM
- Still have my note books – HM
- Maharishis wording. It’s different than later, more from the heart. So innocent. Laughing and giggling. It’s a jewel. – DV
- Being with Maharishi via the tape reinforces in me that Nature is loving – JM
- Fabulous tapes of Maharishi – LM
- Absolutely fantastic and fulfilling – AS
- Fascinating. Absolutely brilliant. So much Bliss and Love. Huge Gratitude Dr. Wallace, Dear Susan, Mary. Jai Guru Dev – AT
- All gratitude to Maharishi and Guru Dev for leading us back to the Absolute – MF
- This was truly an amazing session! I feel that I have learned sooo much – SZ
- Thanks so much for all your sharing of stories and knowledge – CJ
- Fabulous tapes – KH
- Great stories too – GE
- These are beautiful talks of Maharishi! – CJ
- So amazing to hear about those extraordinary early older pioneers. Woukd love to hear more. – CJ
- Great stuff. – DS
- Delightful tape. – GK
- Enjoying these tapes so much. Thanks – JS
- I liked what Maharishi said on the does and don’ts in religions.It was quite nurishing. – CM
- Merci – AS
- Maharishi is brilliant in the simplicity of knowledge in these tapes. So simple and direct in the process of transcendental meditation. We can’t thank Him enough and the people who have organized all of these lectures and pictures. Thank you – GW
- Maharishi gave an interesting response to the question about reincarnation, that we don’t enter into these areas of contradictory views or beliefs. – AH
- Wow! – AP
- Such a fascinating Lesson today !! our teachers are so Blissful, loving and knowledgeable, devoted and experienced, Pure delight !! Maharishi revealing secrets that we never heard before !! All gratitude for this Ocean of Bliss, of Unity in Maharishi’s Grace !! JAI GURU DEV – CM
It is so fascinating to virtually Be with Maharishi at that time, we feel so relaxed and enthusiatic, blissful at the same time ! Thank you so much, so delightfull ! JAI GURU DEV – CM
Course Leaders
About Professor Keith Wallace
Professor Keith Wallace, PhD
Dr. Robert Keith Wallace did pioneering research on the Transcendental Meditation technique and was the founder/leader of the Students International Meditation Society (SIMS) in its early days, along with Jerry Jarvis. Dr. Wallace attended the Squaw Valley course, as did many members of SIMS. A few years after the course, Dr. Wallace’s seminal papers on a fourth major state of consciousness—published in Science, American Journal of Physiology, and Scientific American—supported a new paradigm of mind-body medicine and total brain development. Dr. Wallace is the founding President of Maharishi International University and has traveled around the world giving lectures at major universities and institutes on Consciousness-Based(SM) health programs. He is currently a Trustee of Maharishi International University and Chairperson of the Department of Physiology and Health. Dr. Wallace has written a number of books, including Gut Crisis: How Diet, Probiotics, and Friendly Bacteria Help You Lose Weight and Heal Your Body and Mind, which integrates ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with the latest findings in modern medicine, and Self Empower: Using Self-Coaching, Neuroadaptability, and Ayurveda.
Susan Seifert
About Susan Seifert
Susan Seifert attended the Squaw Valley course as a new meditator. She learned TM in Boston in 1968 and became a TM Teacher in Rishikesh in 1970 and traveled with Maharishi in India after her Teacher Training Course. She taught TM in New York City and the surrounding areas in the early 1970s and was full time in the TM organization through the mid-1980s in various capacities, including Maharishi’s staff.
Susan has lived in Fairfield since 1979. She has her own coaching business, supporting clients world-wide to achieve their personal and professional goals.
FAQ
Are the lectures just audio recordings, or are they videos?
This course is a mix of audio and video lectures, however they are mostly audio. All audio lectures include a slide show of period photos plus subtitles.
How good is the audio quality?
The audio quality very good and most people will not need to rely on the subtitles, but some might find them helpful.
How long are the videos available to view?
Videos are available to view through December 2028.
Where can I contact the organizer of this event with any questions?
Please email the Office of Continuing Education at ce@miu.edu.Or you can call 641-919-0045 during office hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 am – noon and 1:00 – 4:00 pm (Central Time).
What is the refund policy?
We offer full refunds to anyone who requests them before starting the fourth class.