Anyone who loves the Beatles has heard of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, but did you know he started a project of opening 3,000 Peace Palaces around the world? One such palace is the Maharishi Peace Palace of Bethesda, Maryland. Like all the palaces in the project, both those already built and those still in the planning stage, the Bethesda Peace Palace is dedicated to spreading the teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and to training people in the science of Transcendental Meditation, or TM. Another of the primary functions of the Peace Palaces like the one at Bethesda is as an alternative to modern medical practice, offering instead a variety of ancient and modern non-medical healing techniques.

The Grounds

The building itself is designed with healing in mind. Built using ancient Ayurvedic principles, similar to Chinese feng-shui, the palace is faced in a particular direction which is harmonious with the surroundings. This, along with the dimensions of the building and the placement of the rooms combine to create a peaceful environment conducive to study, meditation and healing.

There are no overnight accommodations at the Maharishi Peace Palace of Bethesda, but don’t let that stop you from visiting for more than a day at a time. There are plenty of local accommodations in the area. Visit their website to make reservations for the program or treatment you desire to attend and plan for yourself a full day, or even several full days, of activities uniquely fitted to your TM interests.

Daily Activities & Special Programs

The programs at the palaces are educational rather than devotional in nature. They focus on developing basic and advanced skills in the practice of TM. Every Saturday at 1pm there is an introductory lecture on the basics of TM. This lecture is available by appointment as well. You can also take the Transcendental Meditation program which is a prerequisite for all of their other TM specific courses. All of the other programs and courses they offer are by appointment only.

Graduates of the basic TM program gain access to a variety of programs and classes. They can attend advance lectures on TM and science topics related to TM. They can choose from many Classes on advance techniques. They can attend special residence weekends designed to boost the benefits of a daily TM practice. The special TM-Sidhi program increases the internal benefits and abilities of the TM practitioner. The TM-Sidhi program is also a prerequisite for still further education.

Those who have not yet completed the basic TM program can take heart, though. There are plenty of classes and programs that you can attend. These offerings are in interestingly diverse areas of study. One of these is Vedic Architecture, in which the different aspects of building design and construction are approached from a spiritual standpoint. Another is Vedic Agriculture, which takes into consideration every possible facet of the growing of happy, healthy plants for the nourishment of happy, healthy people. Vedic Astrology, another area of study, focuses on the ancient astrology system of India, which is similar to and yet quite different from our western astrology. Also presented is Vedic Music, a study of the traditional Indian form of music.

In addition to the educational opportunities are a variety of healing services based in the ancient Ayurvedic system. India’s Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest systems for health and nutrition. It is utilized by the staff at the Peace Palaces to facilitate the healing of the guests and students who come to the Palaces. Among the services offered is a consultation intended for prevention rather than cure. Ayurvedic spa treatments are available for rejuvenation of the body and the relaxation of the mind. An interesting therapy they offer is something they call Maharishi Vedic Vibration Technology. This process utilizes some of the more esoteric techniques of TM to affect healing.

Location & Hours of Operation

The Maharishi Peace Palace is placed in the perfect spot for servicing the greater Washington, D. C. area. Located in the metropolis of our nation’s capital, it serves as a center of peace in an otherwise turbulent city. Like a breath of fresh air on a smoggy day, this palace is sure to ease your burden. More detail on all programs and other offerings can found at their website.

The Maharishi Peace Palace
5504 Edson Lane
North Bethesda, Maryland 20852
Site: www.bethesdapeacepalace.org