Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 (Tek) 9/26/83; site azure.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!microsoft!uw-beaver!tektronix!azure!jonw
From: jonw@azure.UUCP (Jonathan White)
Newsgroups: net.religion
Subject: Transcendental Meditation sham exposed!
Message-ID: <2482@azure.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 9-Jan-84 15:33:20 EST
Article-I.D.: azure.2482
Posted: Mon Jan  9 15:33:20 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 11-Jan-84 03:37:05 EST
Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR
Lines: 22

In a recently published book called "Big Secrets", William Poundstone reveals
that there are really only 16 different mantras given to graduates of
Transcendental Meditation.  Of course, this number differs somewhat from the
number claimed by the maharishi, who has been quoted as saying: "There are 
thousands of mantras."  Apparently, mantras are assigned on the basis of age.

Here are the mantras that Poundstone claims are issued by TM:

ENG		 0--11 years		SHIRING			26--29 years
EM		12--13 years		SHIRIM			30--34 years
ENGA		14--15 years 		HIRING			35--39 years
EMA		16--17 years		HIRIM			40--44 years
AENG		18--19 years		KIRING			45--49 years
AEM		20--21 years		KIRIM			50--54 years
AENGA		22--23 years		SHAM (!)		55--59 years
AEMA		24--25 years		SHAMA			>= 60 years

Would any ex-TMers out there care to verify whether their mantra fits into this
list?  If so, mail me and I will post the results if the response warrants it.

			Jon White
			[decvax|ucbvax]!tektronix!tekmdp!azure!jonw