World Peace Day at MERU

Can meditation create world peace? The science behind the idea

Start: Saturday • 19 September 2026 • 14:00
End: Saturday • 19 September 2026 • 16:30

Type: Event
Location: In-residence
Open to: Everyone
Application deadline: 17 September 2026
Fee: €15

What to expect

21 September is the International Day of Peace, recognised by the United Nations. We are marking it on 19 September with an afternoon at MERU that looks at a question that is rarely asked seriously: can meditation actually contribute to peace in the world?

The short answer, based on decades of published research, is yes. This afternoon introduces that research, the theory behind it, and gives you a direct experience of group meditation.

No experience with meditation is needed.

The afternoon runs as follows:

  • Introduction to Maharishi’s knowledge of consciousness and collective coherence
  • Overview of the scientific research on the Maharishi Effect, including published studies on crime reduction, conflict reduction and social coherence
  • Group meditation, no experience needed
  • Tea and refreshments
  • Discussion and questions

Your course leader(s):

Conny Postel Jung's headshot

Conny Postel Jung

Conny Postel Jung works for the international Transcendental Meditation organisation and has been a TM teacher for 37 years. She also has expertise in Ayurveda and Consciousness Based Education.

Hubert Hol's headshot

Hubert Hol

Hubert Hol is a Transcendental Meditation teacher based in the Netherlands. At Maharishi European Research University in Vlodrop, he coordinates the in-residence courses. With a deep dedication to Maharishi’s knowledge, he strives to live and share a consciousness-based way of life.

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For whom is this workshop?

This afternoon is open to everyone. It is a good fit if you care about world peace and are wondering what you can do about it, if you are curious about the relationship between individual consciousness and collective wellbeing, or interested in what the scientific research on meditation actually shows.

No prior experience with meditation or Transcendental Meditation is needed.

What will you take away?
  • An understanding of Maharishi’s model of collective consciousness and why it matters
  • Familiarity with the key studies on the Maharishi Effect and what they found
  • A direct experience of group meditation
  • Practical context for understanding how individual practice connects to the wider world
What's included?
  • Presentations on consciousness, coherence and the Maharishi Effect
  • Scientific research overview
  • Guided group meditation
  • Tea and refreshments
  • Time for discussion and questions
Want to make more of the day?

Overnight accommodation is available at MERU in Maharishi Vastu rooms. You are also welcome to book a treatment at the Maharishi AyurVeda Health Centre.

Learn more about accommodation / Learn more about treatments

About MERU

MERU was Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s residence for 18 years and is now home to the international Transcendental Meditation organisation, welcoming visitors and participants from around the world.

Here you will find Maharishi’s Peace Palace, meditation halls, residence buildings, a new lecture hall, and the recently opened Maharishi AyurVeda Health Centre. All buildings at MERU are built according to Maharishi Vastu principles, designed in accordance with natural law to support harmony and wellbeing.

International Yoga Day is a good opportunity to come and experience the atmosphere of this place for yourself.

What past participants say

Fariza, participant of the Marma course's headshot

MERU is a very special place. The atmosphere is very silent and lively, and you feel it right from the beginning when you arrive. The community nourishes the atmosphere through deep meditation, and you just receive it when you come here.

Fariza, participant of the Marma course
Guido Jacobs, participant of the Winter Assembly's headshot

I love coming to MERU to enjoy the group meditation. Whenever I’m here, I have really deep meditations and feel deeply at rest.

Guido Jacobs, participant of the Winter Assembly
Michelle Smart, participant of the Winter Assembly's headshot

There is such a deep silence here that you feel truly nourished and rested, in a way that goes far beyond ordinary sleep. I felt a deeper level of rest and healing than I’ve experienced anywhere else.

Michelle Smart, participant of the Winter Assembly
Sarah, participant of the Marma course's headshot

MERU is a really special place to do a course. It has a unique, quiet, settled atmosphere, and the group meditation program together is so powerful here. I’m definitely going home very rested. It feels like you’ve known people a lifetime, even if you just met them last week.

Sarah, participant of the Marma course
Livia Kaegi, participant of the Winter assembly's headshot

Our stay made us aware again of the incredible work and precious attention that continues to flow in each step of the process and in every small detail of the creation. We enjoyed our stay so much. RF said he rested better than in our Vastu home. 

Livia Kaegi, participant of the Winter assembly
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Location

MERU was Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s residence for 18 years and is now home to the international Transcendental Meditation® organisation, welcoming visitors and participants from around the world. Here you will find Maharishi’s Peace Palace, meditation halls, residence buildings and the recently opened Maharishi AyurVeda Health Centre. All buildings at MERU are built according to Maharishi Vastu principles.

MERU, Station 24, 6063 NP Vlodrop, The Netherlands
events@meru.internationalmadai
Phone: +31 475 53 8552

Accommodation and Comfort Packages

LIGHT

No accommodation,
meals included

285€ – 400€

CLASSIC

Stay at MERU

680 – 800€

PREMIUM

Stay at MERU and enjoy wellness & personal care

1.605€ – 1.800€

Participation in the course / retreat / event

Organic vegetarian meals

Accommodation in a Vastu room or suite – single or shared occupancy

M

Welcome basket with Maharishi Ayurveda & VedAroma products

M

10% discount on Vaidya consultation (pulse reading), Abhyanga, Shirodara, Marma Therapy, Maharishi Light Therapy with Gems and Maharishi Aroma Therapy, Vedaroma and Ayurveda products during this retreat

M

One Vaidya consultation (pulse reading) with personal health advice, one Maharishi Ayurveda Marma Therapy, one Maharishi Light Therapy with Gems as well as 10% discount on all additional Ayurveda treatments during this retreat

M
M

Private airport transfer (Eind-hoven or Düsseldorf) as well as a personal host for coordi-nation and support

M
M

Early check-in or late checkout (subject to availability).

M
M

– Essential package –

LIGHT

No accommodation,
meals included

285€ – 400€

Most popular

CLASSIC

Stay at MERU

680 – 800€

Limited availability –

PREMIUM

Stay at MERU and enjoy wellness & personal care

1.605€ – 1.800€

Comfort packages

LIGHT

No accommodation, meals included

€595

CLASSIC

Stay at MERU

€910 – €1,225

PREMIUM

Stay at MERU and enjoy wellness & personal care

€1,610 – €1,925

Participation in the course
M
M
M
Organic vegetarian meals
M
M
M
Accommodation in a Vastu room or suite – single or shared occupancy
M
M
M
Welcome bag with Maharishi Ayurveda & VedAroma products
M
M
M
10% discount on Vaidya consultation (pulse reading), Abhyanga, Shirodara, Marma Therapy, Maharishi Light Therapy with Gems and Maharishi Aroma Therapy, Vedaroma and Ayurveda products during this retreat
M
M
M
One Vaidya consultation (pulse reading) with personal health advice, one Maharishi Ayurveda Marma Therapy, one Maharishi Light Therapy with Gems
M
M
M
Private airport transfer (Eind-hoven or Düsseldorf) as well as a personal host for coordi-nation and support
M
M
M
Early check-in or late checkout (subject to availability)
M
M
M

– Essential package –

LIGHT

No accommodation, meals included

€595

Most popular

CLASSIC

Stay at MERU

€910 – €1,225

Limited availability –

PREMIUM

Stay at MERU and enjoy wellness & personal care

€1,610 – €1,925

Would you like to watch a free taster?

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to MERU and when should I arrive?

MERU is located in Vlodrop, Station 24, The Netherlands, close to Düsseldorf Airport in Germany, as well as Eindhoven and Maastricht Aachen Airport in The Netherlands.

You can find detailed travel guidance, including recommended routes and transport options, on our travel information page. If you would like assistance with transport from the airport or train station, our MERU Travel Office at travel@meru.international will be happy to help arrange this.

For most in-residence courses, we recommend arriving a few hours before the course begins. The course start and end times are listed at the top of the page under the course title. Exact arrival and departure details will be shared after application.

What is the daily schedule like?

Each course has its own rhythm, but in general the days are structured and immersive.

You can expect a balanced flow of knowledge sessions, morning and afternoon group programme, meals, and time to rest. The atmosphere is focused, yet relaxed.

Exact daily timings vary depending on the specific course. A detailed schedule is shared upon arrival.

What kind of accommodation can I expect?

All accommodation at MERU is built according to Maharishi Vastu architecture, designed to support rest, balance, and well-being in harmony with natural law. The rooms are located in a peaceful forest setting within the MERU campus.

You can choose between a single or double room. A detailed price breakdown is available in the application form. If you would like to share a room, you are welcome to book together with someone you know.

Each room includes a private bathroom. Bedding, towels, and basic toiletries are provided. Organic Ayurvedic vegetarian meals are served in the dining hall during your stay.

You can read more about accommodation here

What if I need to cancel or change my booking?

We understand that plans can change. Our standard cancellation and refund policy applies to all bookings. You can find full details here in Terms & Conditions.

Can’t decide?

Talk with our course advisor

Have a personal call or a chat.

Ready to experience World Peace Day at MERU?

Start your registration now and we look forward to welcoming you to MERU for an afternoon of research, direct experience, and a question worth taking seriously: can we actually meditate the world into greater peace?

6 days left until registration deadline

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