Beatles 'Reunion' to Potentially Help NZ Schools

Beatles 'Reunion' to Potentially Help NZ Schools

The two surviving members of the legendary Beatles are headlining a special benefit concert this coming Saturday (April 4) in New York that could result in funding for at least two New Zealand schools under the Stress Free Schools initiative.

Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are making a rare appearance together at the Radio City Music Hall event along with other top musicians including sixties icon, Donovan, to assist the growing movement by schools to introduce the Transcendental Meditation programme as a means of improving behaviour and personal achievement . At least two New Zealand schools who want to introduce the TM programme are on the list of potential beneficiaries.

Stress Free Schools NZ spokesman, Martin Jelley, said that the two schools (a secondary and primary school) are both decile one, and funds so far have allowed TM instruction to staff members in the past six months, much to their personal benefit. He said " We are currently fund raising amongst philanthropists, Trusts and corporations and it would be gratifying if the New York event resulted in funding sufficient to extend the programme to the student bodies."

In a number of overseas schools where the programme has been fully instituted there has consistently been a dramatic reduction in violence, bullying, vandalism - and a considerable improvement in academic, cultural and sporting achievement. Students and staff practise the TM technique as a group (on a voluntary basis) for about 15 minutes at the start and end of the school day. At the same time those students not involved with the group engage in some quiet activity such as reading.

The sold-out concert at the 5,000 seat venue has been organised by the David Lynch Foundation (founded by Hollywood director David Lynch) and other performers joining the two ex-Beatles include Sheryl Crow, Eddie Vedder, Moby, Paul Horn and Bettye LaVette.

The following text is exactly how Paul McCartney's own website describes the event …

"Change Begins Within" will raise funds to teach one million at-risk children to meditate—giving them life-long tools to overcome stress and violence and promote peace and success in their lives. In 1968, the Beatles, Donovan, and Paul Horn traveled to India to study Transcendental Meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The trip's dramatic impact was evident on their music and is credited for the acceptance of meditation in the West today.
"In moments of madness, Transcendental Meditation has helped me find moments of serenity," Paul said. He added that he supports the work of the David Lynch Foundation to bring Transcendental Meditation to one million children for the same reason. "I would like to think that it would help provide them a quiet haven in a not-so-quiet world."

Ringo Starr expressed his personal satisfaction to be performing at the concert: "It gives me great pleasure to be part of this evening. I feel the aims of this charity are wonderful!"

Donovan added: "How great to be playing with Paul, Ringo, and Paul Horn again—as we did in India in 1968. And now we see the amazing results of our work from 40 years ago to bring meditation to the whole world. It's the same message today, which is, 'Change begins within.'

About the David Lynch Foundation
The David Lynch Foundation has provided scholarships since 2005 for more than 60,000 students, parents, and teachers to learn to meditate throughout the United States, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. The Foundation also funds independent university research on the effects of the Transcendental Meditation technique on stress, learning, and behaviour. For more information visit:

www.davidyynchfoundation.org

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