Transcendental Meditation ™ is a form of silent mantra meditation that was developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the mid-1950s. TM is practiced for 15-20 minutes twice a day, using a personalized mantra that is given by a certified teacher. TM claims to offer various benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, such as reducing stress, enhancing creativity, improving health, and expanding consciousness.
In this article, we will explore the origins, principles, and methods of TM, as well as some of the scientific evidence and personal testimonies that support its effectiveness. We will also provide some tips and resources for those who are interested in learning TM or deepening their practice.
What is Transcendental Meditation?
TM is based on the ancient Vedic tradition of India, which teaches that there is a field of pure consciousness that underlies all creation. This field is also known as the unified field, the self, or Brahman. By accessing this field through meditation, one can experience a state of transcendence, where the mind settles down to its most silent and peaceful level, while the body gains deep rest and relaxation.
According to TM, transcendence is the natural state of the human mind, but it is usually obscured by stress, distractions, and mental activity. By using a mantra, which is a sound or word with no meaning, one can effortlessly direct the attention inward and allow the mind to transcend its boundaries. The mantra acts as a vehicle that carries the awareness to finer levels of thinking until it reaches the source of thought.
TM does not involve any concentration, contemplation, or visualization. It does not require any belief system or lifestyle change. It is simply a technique that anyone can learn and practice with ease and comfort.
How did Transcendental Meditation start?
TM was founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1918-2008), who was a disciple of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati (1870-1953), also known as Guru Dev. Guru Dev was the Shankaracharya (spiritual leader) of Jyotir Math, one of the four main seats of Vedanta in India. He taught Maharishi the science and art of meditation and entrusted him with the mission of spreading it to the world.
Maharishi began teaching TM in India in 1955 and later traveled to many countries to share his knowledge and vision. He also established various organizations and institutions to promote TM and its applications in different fields of life, such as education, health, business, culture, and world peace. He trained thousands of teachers who continue his legacy today.
Maharishi gained fame and popularity in the 1960s when he met and taught TM to some celebrities, such as the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Mia Farrow, and Clint Eastwood. He also initiated several large-scale projects and experiments to demonstrate the positive effects of TM on individual and collective consciousness. He introduced advanced techniques of meditation, such as the TM-Sidhi program and Yogic Flying, which aim to develop higher states of human potential.
Maharishi passed away in 2008 at the age of 90. His successor is Dr. Tony Nader (born 1958), who is a neuroscientist and a Vedic scholar. Dr. Nader is the head of the Global Country of World Peace, an organization that oversees all TM-related activities worldwide.
How do you practice Transcendental Meditation?
To practice TM, you need to learn it from a certified teacher who will instruct you personally and give you your own mantra. The course consists of four sessions that last about 90 minutes each. The first session is an introductory lecture that explains the nature and benefits of TM. The second session is a personal interview with the teacher who will assign you your mantra based on your age and gender. The third session is the instruction session where you will learn how to use your mantra correctly and experience your first meditation. The fourth session is a verification session where you will review your practice and receive further guidance.
After completing the course, you will be able to practice TM on your own for 15-20 minutes twice a day: once in the morning before breakfast and once in the afternoon before dinner. You can meditate anywhere that is quiet and comfortable: at home, at work, in a park, etc. You just need to sit with your eyes closed and repeat your mantra silently in your mind without any effort or strain.
During TM, you may notice various thoughts, feelings, sensations, or impressions arising in your awareness
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