Kansas, USA - Residents of Smith County in Kansas have varied opinions regarding the planned multi-million complex called "World Capital of Peace", the new headquarters of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi followers and transcendental meditation practitioners.
Recently, local ministers have signed an open letter which stated that the new city is a threat to "the eternal souls of the people." County commissioners have also passed a resolution aiming to stop land-use changes while a group called Smith County Alliance has sought the help of cult experts and former transcendental meditation practitioners to expose the movement's flaws.
On the other hand, some residents see the complex as a way to spur the economy. A local resident relates that people leave the town because there is no work. One professional house painter and local resident sees months of painting jobs. "All they want is to meditate for peace. How could people like that be so bad?" the resident adds.
The "World Capital of Peace" will be a haven for transcendental meditation, organic farming, among others. It will include building serving as living quarters and meeting spaces, and also a university. One local farmer expresses his sentiment by saying that he will have to live with whatever challenges the new change may bring to their community.
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