David Lynch in Brazil - 1000s of Children learn TM

This is great stuff - what a smart way to eliminate the violence in rio.

A solution for violence? Couldn't hurt
Posted by Leslie Palma-Simoncek August 05, 2008 3:58PM

Associated Press

The man who brought us "Twin Peaks" and "Blue Velvet" is now suggesting a cure for the violence ravaging Rio de Jaineiro: Transcendental meditation.

The Associated Press reported today that the American director hopes to meet with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to discuss the possibility of offering mediation studies in Brazil. He's in country promoting his new book, "Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness and Creativity."

Lynch proposed bringing meditation studies to Brazilian schools and universities, and said such a move "would end the stress among youths and free the country of violence."

In 2005 Lynch, a meditation practitioner for more than 30 years, founded the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace

Among other things, the foundation provides funds for in-school "Quiet Time" programs using the Transcendental Meditation technique. In the past year, the foundation has provided millions of dollars for thousands of students, teachers, and parents to learn to meditate. According to the Web site, the foundation also provides funds for independent research institutions to assess the effects of the program on creativity, intelligence, brain functioning, academic performance, ADHD and other learning disorders, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

Lynch was a disciple of the late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who gained fame as guru to the Beatles but later exported his meditation techniques around the world prior to his death earlier this year.

In an inteview with Lynch following the Maharishi's death, the director told AP he believed the Maharishi had laid the groundwork for world peace, even if that was not immediately apparent from.

"The world appears in bad shape on the surface, but I compare it to a tree: there are yellow sickly leaves dropping off but the Maharishi has brought nourishment to the roots," Lynch told AP. "Hang on for a little while longer, it's coming."

It can't come too soon for Rio de Jaineiro, which is among the most violent cities in the world. It can't come too soon for us, either.