Natural Law Party (United States)

The Natural Law Party (NLP) was a minor political party in the United States that advocated for the application of Transcendental Meditation and related principles to government and policymaking. It was founded in 1992 and remained active until the early 2000s.

The party's platform centered around the belief that scientifically validated techniques, particularly Transcendental Meditation, could reduce stress, crime, and other social problems. They argued that these techniques could create coherence in national consciousness, leading to more effective and harmonious governance.

The NLP nominated John Hagelin, a physicist and proponent of Transcendental Meditation, as its presidential candidate in 1992, 1996, and 2000. Hagelin also ran for the U.S. Senate in 1992 in Iowa. The party fielded candidates in numerous other federal, state, and local elections.

The party's specific policy proposals often included preventative healthcare, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and fiscal responsibility. However, its core message always emphasized the use of consciousness-based approaches to problem-solving.

While the NLP never achieved significant electoral success, it gained attention for its unusual platform and its consistent focus on Transcendental Meditation. The party gradually declined in activity in the early 2000s and eventually ceased to operate as a national political organization. Although it no longer exists as a formal political party, the ideas and principles it promoted continue to be discussed within some circles.