Maharishi Mahesh Yogi illegally destroys part of monastery

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi claims that his Transcendental Meditation techniques lead to enlightenment. However, that did not withold his followers from illegally destroying part of a monumental Sankt Ludwig monastery, located on the guru's property in Vlodorp, Netherlands, where the Maharishi's cult is headquartered.

Yogi's organization has long wanted to destroy the monestary, a protected monument built in 1908, in part because it is considered too large and impractical. In its place, the organization wants to build a 'Vedic university.' A demolition permit was first requested in 1996. The city of Vlodorp and the state of Limburg issued the permit. However, a committee of local citizens and a historical foundation filed legal complaints that led to delays. The action group also fought against plans to built the university next to the monestary - which is located in an area designated as 'quiet space.'

Last Wednesday, September 12, the Council of State voided the demolition permit. Maharishi spokesman J. Uijen was present at that meeting. He claims that he phoned a representative of the Maharishi organization, instructing him to not proceed with the demolition. According to Mr. Uijen, his instructions were misunderstood.

The city of Roerdalen, which includes Vlodorp, has filed charges against the organization for violating the Monument Law. It also wants the organization to fully restore the damaged part of the monastery. Building technicians are asssessing the damage, said to run into millions of guilders.

Meanwhile, Dutch newspaper De Limburger on September 27, reported that the Council of State has issued a permit that allows the Maharishi's movement to build its planned university next to the monastery.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi lives at the property with some 200 of his followers. The organization is of great economic importance to the small city of Vlodorp. The city of Roerdalen, which incorporates Vlodorp, is again looking into the possibility of issueing a demolition permit for the monastery. If that happens, the action group can fight the permit in court.

Update, Oct. 25, 2001

The Dutch TV program, ''Van Gewest tot Gewest,'' on Oct. 25, 2001 included an item about the illegal demolition of part of the historical Sankt-Ludwig monastery located on property owned by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Locals from Vlodorp talked about the destruction and said that members of the Maharishi's movement appear to follow their own laws rather than those of the Netherlands and the municipality in which they live. They said that when the Mahirihi first showed up, some 20 years ago, he noted the peaceful silence of the area. But ever since, the locals claim, that silence has been disturbed.

While the Maharishi has declared a media silence, the program makers nevertheless obtained on-camera comments from a follower who for many years had been responsible for the upkeep of the building. The man declared that the main issue with the building was its ''incorrect orientation.'' (Among other architecturial pronouncements, the Maharishi stipulates that the entrances of all buildings must face East).

Pictures were shown of extensive destruction of the monastery's facade. The TV program also reported that the Maharishi's organization has been ordered to take steps to prevent further damage, to store and protect material that can still be used, and to clear off useless rubble. The organization must do so before December 15, 2001, or face a Dfl. 50,000 a day fine ($20,322.60 at today's rate. See Currency Converter

). Interestingly, the local city leaders are still contemplating whether or not to issue a new demolition permit. [...more...] [Need the full story? Read this]