Former Japan Prime Minister Addresses Maharishi University of Management graduates
Dr Hatoyama speaks about the importance of peace and happiness in the world
On May 23, Dr. Yukio Hatoyama, prime minister of Japan in 2009–2010, presented MUM’s 2015 commencement address to a record 391 graduating students.
The graduates represented 61 different countries and included 96 undergraduates and 252 graduate students. Also receiving degrees were 43 students at Maharishi Invincibility Institute in South Africa who have been enrolled in MUM’s BA in business and MBA programs via distance education.
Dr. Hatoyama and his wife have been practicing the Transcendental Meditation® technique for over 25 years. In his address, he spoke about the importance of peace and happiness in the world, and about the concept of “fraternity,” which he defined as a blend of self-dignity and respect or the dignity of others. He said this principle of fraternity can promote mutual understanding between nations and help resolve disputes using constructive dialogue.
“Exercising force never leads to essential or lasting resolution of any differences or disputes,” he said.
Dr. Hatoyama praised Maharishi for realizing that the road to world peace is through the peace of individual human beings who practice the Transcendental Meditation technique. He also acknowledged the large body of scientific evidence demonstrating that the group practice of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi® program has a positive effect on lowering crime rates and conflicts.
He expressed his hope that world peace would be achieved more quickly through this group practice.
During their stay in Fairfield, Dr. and Mrs. Hatoyama visited Maharishi School, the MUM Center for Brain, Consciousness, and Cognition (EEG lab), the Sustainable Living Center, and the Golden Dome, where they were given a Yogic Flying® demonstration.
A total of 158 students received an MS in computer science — the largest academic department at the university. Twenty students received degrees in the David Lynch MA in Film. Three received PhDs: two in management and one in Maharishi Vedic Science(SM). Among undergraduate students, 20 received degrees in media and communications, and 18 in sustainable living.
Dr. Hatoyama holds an undergraduate degree in engineering from the University of Tokyo and a PhD in engineering from Stanford. He was a professor of engineering at Tokyo Institute of Technology and at Senshu University.
He was instrumental in forming two political parties in Japan and was credited by Time magazine with helping Japan take steps toward a multi-party system after decades of single-party government. He became president of the Democratic Party of Japan in 2009 and led the party to an electoral victory.
During the graduation ceremony Dr. Hatoyama was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.
