If you love exploring the nature of consciousness—and enjoy the kind of conversation that lingers long after it ends—this book club is for you.

Each month we dive into a chapter of a carefully chosen book that illuminates consciousness from different angles: Vedic knowledge, psychology, philosophy, neuroscience and the lived experience of meditation. Whether you’re new or have been practising meditation for years, you’ll find a welcoming space to reflect, question, and expand your understanding.

In our very first gathering, our Consciousness Book Club turns to one of the most revered works in the field of meditation and human development: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Science of Being and Art of Living. First published in 1963, this book remains a clear, powerful exploration of consciousness and the mechanics of inner growth—remarkably relevant for meditators today.

Maharishi presents a simple but profound idea: that the experience of Being—the silent, unbounded field at the source of thought—is not only accessible to everyone but is the foundation for a life lived with clarity, creativity, and ease. Through practical explanations and elegant insights, he describes how the effortless practice of meditation allows the mind to settle into this field naturally, and how this inner experience enriches every aspect of daily life.

For meditators, the book offers both familiarity and discovery. Many of us have felt the benefits of meditation; Maharishi gives language to those experiences and places them within a broader understanding of human potential. Whether you’re new to meditation or have been practising for decades, this month’s discussion promises to be rich, grounding, and deeply relevant.

We will explore:

• Key themes from the book and how they relate to our own meditation experiences

• Maharishi’s explanation of consciousness and the nature of Being

• How effortless practice supports growth, resilience, and fulfilment

• Reflections, questions, and insights from the group

This is our pick for the first book, however we are open to your ideas. We will build a Wish List of  your recommendations as the course progresses. It’s a relaxed, friendly space—no pressure to have read every chapter, and no prior knowledge required. Just bring your curiosity and your lived experience.

Come for the book. Stay for the conversation.

Our Book Club is less about “getting through the pages” and more about deepening our experience of consciousness and community. Whether you’ve read the book many times or are opening it for the first time, your perspective adds something valuable and we look forward to rich, thoughtful conversation.

Your Presenters

Fully qualified teachers of the Transcendental Meditation technique