Mark Bunn Inspires Maharishi Primary Students on Growth, Adaptability, and Wellbeing

**Mark Bunn** – former AFL player, professional keynote speaker, health activist, and best-selling author of *Ancient Wisdom for Modern Health*.

On Thursday 21st August, Maharishi Primary School welcomed Mark Bunn – former AFL player, professional keynote speaker, health activist, and best-selling author of Ancient Wisdom for Modern Health.

Mark, who also served as CEO of the David Lynch Foundation of Australia (a global organisation bringing Transcendental Meditation (TM) to schools and communities), shared his insights on health, happiness, adaptability, and higher consciousness. With over 30 years of TM practice and deep study of Ayurveda and mind-body wellness, Mark has become a respected voice on living with balance and purpose and has travelled extensively throughout South East Asia.

Speaking with the Emerald Class – Lessons on Adaptability

Our Emerald students, who have been studying the Fundamentals of Growth with a focus on adaptability, were inspired by Mark’s talk and had a productive and informative Q & A session. He explained that adaptability is not only a key trait for athletes, but also an essential life skill for everyone. Drawing on examples from his AFL career, Mark highlighted that true success comes not just from physical strength, but from the ability to stay calm and composed under pressure.

He also introduced the concept of Dharma, our natural purpose, and encouraged students to discover their unique talents and strengths. Living in alignment with these, he said, is the “secret formula” for a fulfilling and purposeful life.

The Power of Transcendental Meditation and Pranayama

Mark described how short practices like Pranayama breathing and the regular use of Transcendental Meditation can help students (and adults alike) reduce stress, balance the mind and body, and build resilience.

He explained that Transcendental Meditation balances both hemispheres of the brain, leading to a more integrated style of functioning. The recommended practice of 20 minutes twice a day is designed not just for monks, but for everyday people with families, jobs, and busy lives, making meditation accessible in daily routines.

Using his analogy of dyeing a cloth, Mark showed how consistent practice builds lasting change: dipping the cloth in blue dye again and again until the colour becomes permanent, just as regular meditation gradually stabilises peace, clarity, and inner calm.

Wisdom from the East – Ayurveda and Simple Living

Mark also spoke about the difference between Eastern and Western medicine. While modern Western science often separates the mind and body, Ayurveda recognises the holistic and interconnected nature of human health. He encouraged students to listen to their body’s inner intelligence — the gut feeling or intuition — as a guide to wellbeing, something TM naturally cultivates.

Drawing from his experiences in Bali, Mark described how traditional communities live in harmony with nature, placing importance on family, seasonal cycles, and community connections. He contrasted this with the stress and complexity of modern Western lifestyles, noting that many of today’s challenges — from mental health to poor sleep — could be eased through simplicity, balance, and community.

A Lasting Impression on Student Wellbeing

For our Emerald students at Maharishi Primary, Mark’s visit was both educational and inspiring. They gained a deeper understanding of adaptability — not just as coping with change, but as thriving by staying calm, resilient, and true to their natural purpose.

We thank Mark Bunn for sharing his wisdom, stories, and practical advice. His talk has left a lasting impression, encouraging our students to live more balanced, adaptable, and purposeful lives, with wellbeing at the heart of their growth.

Warm regards,
The Maharishi School Team