Consciousness-Based Education:
The Brain-Based Approach to Peace
Ashley Deans, Ph.D.
Abstract
An increasing body of research indicates that through the application of technologies of consciousness that unlock the hidden reserves of the brain, it is possible to increase intelligence, creativity, and pro-social behavior in students of all ages. Furthermore, the unique effectiveness of the Brain-Based Approach to Peace in preventing social violence, terrorism, and war is becoming increasingly recognized. To date there have been 51 studies published in leading academic peer-reviewed journals. In every case, this approach has produced marked reductions of crime, social violence, terrorism, and war, and increased peace and positivity in society.
The key to this strategy is to provide the experience of transcending—a fourth major state of consciousness—which is most readily accomplished through the easily-learned Transcendental Meditation program and related practices. Numerous studies have reported that transcending leads to increased coherence and integration of brain functioning, which is positively correlated with increased intelligence, creativity, moral reasoning, and improved social behavior. The effect on society is particularly significant when these technologies of consciousness are practiced in a group equal to or exceeding the Ö1% of the population. This research indicates that a short cut to reducing violence and conflict in society is to introduce the program into schools and universities, many of which have student populations that equal or exceed the Ö1% of the national population.