Maharishi Peace Palace

Maharishi Peace Palace is a type of pre-engineered building designed to house the educational and meditational activities of the Transcendental Meditation movement. Each Peace Palace is built using standardized plans compatible with Maharishi Sthapatya Veda design principles.

The Maharishi Peace Palace in Fairfield, Iowa

In 2000, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi announced his aspiration to build thousands of Peace Palaces around the world. Proposed locations in the United States have included the cities of Atlanta, Denver, New York City, Minneapolis, Long Island, Colorado Springs, Los Angeles, Charlottesville, Pittsburgh, Boston, Tulsa, and San Francisco. In addition, construction has been proposed for Ottawa, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec in Canada; Auckland, New Zealand, and the cities of Birmingham, Coventry, Glasgow, Newcastle, Sunderland, Rendlesham and Middlesbrough in the UK. As of 2007, 52 parcels had been acquired[1] by the Global Country of World Peace (GCWP) and construction was planned via tax-free bonds obtained through the Colorado Health Facilities Authority as well as private investors. As of 2013, eight peace palaces have been completed in the United States.

Planning, design and reception

In 2000, the Maharishi announced his aspirations to build one or more Peace Palaces in each of the 3,000 largest cities around the world.[2] A 2006 prospectus for the TM movement's Raam bond specified 5,000 peace palaces worldwide.[3] Another plan called for 2,400 buildings but was later reduced to 100 or 200 in the USA[2] and 14 in Canada.[4]

"Maharishi Peace Palace" is described as a "pre-engineered",[5] MSV-designed building. Plans are available for four sizes, the "medium" option being a 12,000-square-foot (1,100 m2), two-story building[6] with a white, painted or marble-clad exterior.[2] Depending on its size and other factors, a peace palace might include a spa facility, dormitory, meditation room, lecture hall, meeting room, a Maharishi Ayurveda shop, and a library.[2][7] The peace palaces are intended to replace rental properties currently housing the TM movement's teaching centers, retail outlets, and spas.[2] They have been called "Maharishi Enlightment Centers" or "Maharishi Invincibility Centers" or "Peace Palaces".[8] Some could be connected with organic farming operations, either on-site or at nearby rural locations.[7]

Film director and TM benefactor David Lynch said a Peace Palace is a "peace factory" rather than a "pretty building".[9] An article in The New York Times described a peace palace as "an Indian temple crossed with a Southern plantation mansion" with their consistent appearance being part of a branding effort.[2] Critics claim that the plan is aimed at increasing the Maharishi's financial assets,[2] and doubt that the hundreds or thousands of proposed Palaces would be built.[10] while a possible lack of interest in the Peace Palaces might be attributed to the Maharishi's death. A spokesman at the Maharishi's funeral in 2008 said that the construction of peace palaces would remain a top priority.[2]

Financing and construction

In 2007, The New York Times reported that 52 parcels had been acquired for Peace Palaces.[1] They are being built in the US by the Global Country of World Peace (GCWP) and overseen by the Maharishi Vedic Education Development Corporation (MVEDC), as well as by private partners.[2][11] David Lynch initiated an effort in 2003 to raise $1 billion for palace construction.[12] In 2007, the GCWP applied to the Colorado Health Facilities Authority, a private group that serves as a vehicle for financing construction by non-profit healthcare institutions, for an issue of $55 million in tax-exempt bonds to finance construction of Peace Palaces in 21 cities, and the purchase of an organic farm in Goshen, New York. The GCWP would be responsible for the debt and interest.[13] In order to get IRS approval for the tax-exempt bond, the GCWP had to get endorsements from the city councils or state authorities of the jurisdictions where it planned to build.[14] A 2008 report states that $40 million was borrowed to build nine Peace Palaces, and was secured with $250 million in real estate assets.[2]

Those who finance the construction of Peace Palaces are called "Founders of World Peace".[3] In at least some cases, the Palaces are intended to run on a for-profit basis with returns going to investors.[15] Two or three Palaces have been built by private individuals.[2][16]

Completed buildings
Maharishi Peace Palace in St. Paul, MN.

Peace Palaces have been completed in at least twelve locations:

Proposed locations and buildings

United States
  • 12 Peace Palace buildings were proposed at geographical centerpoint of America in rural Kansas.[26]
  • In 2005, the GCWP purchased a 27-acre (110,000 m2) property west of Lincoln, Nebraska.[27][28] The Prairie Peace Park had been inaugurated there years earlier but it was never developed beyond some large sculptures.[27] At the time, local GCWP organizer Eric Michener, said the Palace would encourage peace by enlivening "the underlying field of consciousness, the consciousness of peace".[29] The plans were dropped in 2009[27] due to lack of funds.[30]
  • A proposal for a Peace Palace in unincorporated Manakin-Sabot, Virginia was submitted to the Goochland County Design Review Committee in 2008.[31] It would be built on a 1.5-acre (6,100 m2) lot across the street from Satterwhite's Restaurant.[32]
  • In Ohio, Parma, Westlake, and Mayfield Heights were proposed locations.[2] The "Maharishi's organization" sued the city of Mayfield Heights when it was not granted a setback variance that was granted to "corporate offices".[1]
  • Moon, Pennsylvania is another site proposed for a Peace Palace. The GCWP bought a 7.4-acre (30,000 m2) lot in 2005 and applied for approval in 2007.[33][34] It also sought an endorsement from the county supervisors in order to qualify for a tax-exempt bond to finance the project.[33]
  • In 2007, a Peace Palace was proposed at a 19.3-acre (78,000 m2) lot on the site of the former Flagship Inn, at the intersection of Interstate 30 and Texas Highway 360, in Arlington, Texas, which had been purchased by the Maharishi in 1993.[35]
  • There was a proposal to build a $4.5 million Peace Palace next to the MAPI Headquarters in Colorado Springs.[13]
  • Two Peace Palaces were proposed for the Philadelphia area, and properties were purchased, but the Palaces remained unbuilt as of 2006.[36]
  • The movement vacated spacious, but inauspicious, quarters near the Pacific Ocean in Los Angeles, California and moved into a cramped office building on a busy street while trying to find an affordable and auspicious lot to build a Peace Palace. The effort was announced in a 2003 press conference that included movement leaders and celebrity meditators.[6]
  • A Peace Palace was suggested as the centerpiece of a planned community in Wellington, Colorado called "Shanti Village", the brainchild of a person, not affiliated with the Global Country of World Peace.[37]

Other US locations include New York City,[38] Atlanta,[39] Denver,[38] Minneapolis,[38] Long Island,[13] Charlottesville,[13] Pittsburgh,[40] Boston,[10] Tulsa,[41] Hamden, Connecticut,[6] and the San Francisco Bay area.[7]

United Kingdom

In February 2008, MSV Homes submitted plans to build a £2 million, three-story, 33-bedroom Peace Palace in Rendlesham, Suffolk. It would be part of the 30-home, 24-apartment Maharishi Peace Colony. The plans were approved two months later, despite community concerns.[42] The building will replace a center in Badingham that was used for 25 years.[43] According to a 2013 report in British news service, fundraising is underway and construction is expected to begin at year end.[44] Additional peace palaces have been proposed for Birmingham,[45] Coventry,[15] Glasgow,[46] Newcastle,[47] Sunderland,[47] Rendlesham[48] and Middlesbrough in the UK.[47]

Other countries

In addition, peace palaces have been proposed for Ottawa, Ontario,[49] Montreal,[4] Teufelsberg in Germany[50] and Auckland, New Zealand.[51]

References
  1. Aspan, Maria (2007-07-02). "Maharishi's Minions Come to Wall Street". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2009-12-17.
  2. Hamill, Sean D. (February 22, 2008). "Sites for 'Maharishi Effect' (Welcome to Parma) Spread Across U.S.". The New York Times. p. A.14.
  3. "Prospectus: Global Development Currency: RAAM" (Press release). Stichting Maharishi Global Financing Research. November 14, 2006.
  4. ABLEY, MARK (May 2, 2003). "'Peace palace' project launched by Maharishi's followers". The Gazette. Montreal, Que. p. A.6.
  5. O'DOWD, NORA (January 9, 2007). "Transcendental Meditation regaining popularity". Newhouse News Service. p. 1.
  6. Piccalo, Gina (August 2, 2003). "Good vibes; Maharishi Mahesh Yogi plans to promote world harmony from a soon-to-be-built 'palace' in L.A. An affluent area is preferred". Los Angeles Times. p. E.1.
  7. Hallissy, Erin (May 10, 2003). "Mansions of meditation / Crime-fighting plan: 'Peace Palaces' in Bay Area, across U.S.". San Francisco Chronicle. p. A.1.
  8. "Maharishi Peace Palaces on the shores of Lake Shandalee, New York". Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2010.
  9. Pool, Bob (June 14, 2003). "Religion; Seeking Site for a 'Peace Palace'; Devotees of 'yogic flying' unveil plans to build a $4-million meditation center in the L.A. area. It would be the fourth such facility in the U.S.". Los Angeles Times. p. B.24.
  10. Slack, Donovan (June 1, 2003). "GURU FOLLOWERS SEEK SPACE TO MEDITATE AND LEVITATE". Boston Globe. p. B.1.
  11. "Maharishi Peace Palaces". maharishipeacepalace.org. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  12. Harris, Paul (October 26, 2003). "Lynch goes from Twin Peaks to world peace: Gothic director wants to build 100 meditation palaces". The Observer. London (UK). p. 23.
  13. KELLEY, DEBBIE (December 2, 2006). "Bonds will back holistic care centers ; State authority weighs granting funds to build them nationwide". The Gazette. Colorado Springs, Colo. p. BUSINESS.
  14. Schrock, Susan; Jares, Andrea (November 23, 2006). "Arlington Peace Palace proposed". Knight Ridder Tribune Business News. p. 1.
  15. HARRIS, ALAN (August 17, 2002). "High-flying way to cut crime and stress". Coventry Evening Telegraph. p. 3.
  16. SARNOFF, NANCY (August 21, 2005). "Building has an ancient touch / Oil firm CEO says that Vedic principles promote clearer thinking". Houston Chronicle. p. 3.
  17. Peace Palace: Lexington, Kentucky 38°05′32″N 84°29′38″W
  18. Peace Palace: The Woodlands, Texas 30°09′22″N 95°28′11″W
  19. Peace Palace: Rockville, Maryland 39°02′23″N 77°06′43″W
  20. Peace Palaces: Fairfield, Iowa 41°01′10″N 91°58′09″W
  21. Peace Palaces: Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa 41°03′15″N 92°00′27″W
  22. Basina, Jan (July 12, 2010). "Commentary: If you build it, they will meditate". The Daily Reporter. Milwaukee, Wis.
  23. Facts at Jefferson Co. Assessors web site
  24. Peace Palace: St. Paul, Minnesota 44°57′14″N 93°00′56″W
  25. Property Records and Revenue Ramsey County web site
  26. Bauer, Laura (April 8, 2006). "Small town finds Yogi's disciples 'not so scary'". Knight Ridder Tribune Business News. Washington. p. 1.
  27. Hammel, Paul (April 27, 2009). "If you lived here, you'd be om now". Omaha World - Herald. Omaha, Neb. p. A.1.
  28. Proposed Peace Palace: Lincoln, Nebraska 40°49′19″N 96°55′36″W
  29. WALTKE, KENDRA (August 24, 2005). "Peace Park closing, for now". Lincoln Journal Star. Lincoln, Neb. Archived from the original on August 30, 2010.
  30. LAUKAITIS, ALGIS J (August 23, 2010). "Prairie Peace Park is facing its end". Lincoln Journal Star. p. B.1.
  31. "NEWS NEAR YOU". Richmond Times - Dispatch. Richmond, Va. November 28, 2008. p. B.2.
  32. HESTER., WESLEY (August 17, 2007). "'Peace Palace' in Goochland? / Centerville structure would focus mainly on TM technique". Richmond Times - Dispatch. Richmond, Va. p. B.5.
  33. Donovan, Sandra Fischione (March 1, 2007). "Meditation organization wants township's nod". Pittsburgh Tribune - Review.
  34. Proposed Peace Palace: Moon, Pennsylvania 40°30′28″N 80°12′33″W
  35. Jares, Andrea (December 17, 2007). "Sitting between artist's rendering and reality". Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
  36. Gammage, Jeff (November 29, 2006). "Maharishi urges Philadelphia to give peace palaces a chance". Knight Ridder Tribune News Service. p. 1.
  37. Hacker, Tom (February 2, 2007). "Wellington plan includes Peace Palace, 'vedic' village". Northern Colorado Business Report. Vol. 12, no. 10. Fort Collins. p. 1.
  38. Keen, Judy (May 23, 2006). "Maharishi meets the Bible Belt". USA Today. p. 03A.
  39. GUTHRIE, PATRICIA (April 21, 2003). "Local group's TM mantra: Find money". The Atlanta Journal - Constitution. p. D.1.
  40. Levin, Steve (December 5, 2005). "MAHARISHI PLANS FOUR PEACE PALACES FOR TM ACTIVITIES". Pittsburgh Post - Gazette. p. B.1.
  41. OVERALL, MICHAEL (July 21, 2005). "City said in line for 'Peace Palace'". Tulsa World. p. A.9.
  42. "Peace palace proposals prompt concern". The Evening Star. March 14, 2008.
  43. Smith, Richard (April 3, 2008). "Suffolk to get a 'Peace Palace'". East Anglian Daily Times.
  44. Potter, Tom (June 12, 2013). "Rendlesham: Meditation 'palace' nears construction". EADT24. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  45. COLLINS, TONY (August 21, 2002). "THE YOGIC FLYING SQUAD! ; Peace palace plan to help meditators fight crime in city". Evening Mail. Birmingham (UK). p. 5.
  46. Smith, Graeme (August 2, 2002). "Cool meditation in crime-ridden area". The Herald. Glasgow (UK). p. 6.
  47. Morrison, Nick (November 25, 2002). "Flying in the face of the war-mongers". Northern Echo. Darlington (UK). p. 10.
  48. Potter, Tom (June 12, 2013). "Rendlesham meditation palace nears construction". EADT24. Retrieved July 4, 2013.
  49. Prentice, Michael (October 10, 2002). "63,000-square-foot 'peace palace' planned". The Ottawa Citizen. p. C.10.
  50. Gablinger, Tamar (2010). The Religious Melting Point: On Tolerance, Controversial Religions and The State. Germany: Tectum Verlag. pp. 100–102.
  51. SPRINGALL, Lesley (August 29, 2004). "Meditation and the art of capital-raising". Sunday Star-Times. Wellington, New Zealand. p. D.1.
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