5. Winnebago Elders Give Talk
The Hocak Elders Council of the Winnebago Tribe in Nebraska gave a
presentation on campus last month on the origins and rapid expansion of
interest in the Transcendental Meditation program among American Indians.
The elders also spoke about the knowledge of enlightenment from their native
traditions and how it parallels Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's description of
enlightenment from the Vedic tradition.
Twenty tribes have expressed interest in learning more about the
Transcendental Meditation program and how it might help in their schools and
with their community wellness/health issues, especially in dealing with the
high incidence of diabetes among their population. The David Lynch
Foundation has provided initial funding on several reservations, including
the Winnebago tribe, and is continuing to raise more funds to expand to
other tribes. For more information, go to
http://www.davidlynchfoundation.org,
The visitors shared stories about their native Indian prophecies and spoke
of the need they have to re-enliven the connection to the sacred world that
used to be fundamental to their culture. They said that the Transcendental
Meditation technique is a perfect complement to their native tradition.
In addition, the Winnebago hope to create a model community by promoting
healthy and sustainable living, economic self-sufficiency, and a stress-free
life, including organic agriculture and renewable energy.
