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On June 18, 366 students from 53 countries graduated from Maharishi International University. Acclaimed filmmaker David Lynch gave the commencement address and, instead of a traditional speech, he conducted a spontaneous question and answer session with four graduating students.

As part of the ceremony, the University presented Mr. Lynch with a Doctor of World Peace honoris causa degree, “in recognition of the enormous role he has played in promoting Maharishi’s knowledge throughout the world, transforming people’s lives through the work of the David Lynch Foundation, and laying the foundation for a truly peaceful world,” said MUM President Bevan Morris.

As a result of the Foundation’s activities, hundreds of thousands of people have learned and benefited from the Transcendental Meditation® technique. Mr. Lynch has been practicing the TM® technique since 1973, and has spent time on campus on several occasions. In 2006 he offered the first of three annual “David Lynch Weekends,” which brought hundreds of visitors to campus to learn about consciousness, creativity, and the brain. Mr. Lynch has also been an important member of the MUM family, as a member of the Board of Trustees and in lending his name to the David Lynch MFA in film program (DLMFA). During his visit, Mr. Lynch also met with the students of the David Lynch MFA in film program.

“Not only is David transforming lives through his Foundation, he has made countless people aware of the Transcendental Meditation technique throughout the U.S. and around the world,” said Craig Pearson, executive vice-president of MUM. “Many well-known thought leaders in the U.S. have adopted the practice and have publicly endorsed it at events sponsored by his Foundation. He presents Maharishi’s knowledge in such a clear, compelling, and heartfelt way.”

Mr. Lynch is internationally known for his highly original films and Twin Peaks television series. He has been nominated for an Academy Award four times: three times as Best Director and once for Best Screenplay.

During the Q and A session Mr. Lynch encouraged students to pursue a career they enjoy. He also praised the role of the Transcendental Meditation program in education as a means to increase students’ potential. He said that the purpose of life is to unfold higher states of consciousness and to inspire others to do the same.

“If you watch CNN, you would think in ten years we’re still going to be in a lot of trouble,” he said. “But here, in just one day back at Maharishi Vedic City and around this University, I am hearing about so many fantastic things that are going on all around the world. We are in the middle of a transition from a dark time to a beautiful, beautiful time, a time of peace and affluence for everyone. And I see these very great graduating students playing a big role in hastening this transition to its conclusion––peace on earth.”

Mr. Lynch expressed his gratitude to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi for bringing out the profound knowledge of enlightenment. He also acknowledged the many people in Fairfield and around the world who have participated in spreading Maharishi’s knowledge. He also felt optimistic that the “receptivity to Transcendental Meditation is growing by leaps and bounds.”

Watch the video of the graduation ceremonies here.