An effortless technique to allow the mind to settle inward, beyond thinking, to experience pure awareness is what Transcedental Meditation is all about. It does not require any lifestyle changes. The late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi derived TM from the ancient Vedic tradition of India.
| A simple, natural procedure that effortlessly allows the mind to transcend — to experience transcendental consciousness — a state of “restful alertness.” |
With meditation, the ordinary thinking process is “transcended.” It’s replaced by a state of pure consciousness, a state, when the meditator achieves perfect stillness, rest, stability, order, and a complete absence of mental boundaries.
Transcendental Meditation (TM) long-lasting health benefits have been reported. In Nov 2012, a journal of the American Heart Association published a 5-year randomized controlled study on patients with established coronary heart disease reporting a 48% reduction in death, heart attack, and stroke in subjects in the TM group compared to controls. Another study published in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (October 2013) found significantly greater effect of TM in reducing trait anxiety than treatment-as-usual and other alternative treatments, including mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) and other meditation and relaxation practices.
Learning Transcedental Meditation
To begin with, a TM teacher presents general information about the technique and its effects during a 60-minute introductory lecture. That’s followed by a second 45-minute lecture in which more specific information is given. People interested in learning the technique then attend a 10- to 15-minute interview and 1 to 2 hours of personal instruction. Following a brief ceremony, they’re each given a mantra, which they’re supposed to keep confidential.
Each student is monitored for 3 days for correctness with 1 or 2 more hours of instruction. Students are told to breathe normally and focus their attention on the mantra. In these sessions, the teacher,
- Explains the practice in greater detail
- Gives corrections if needed
- Provides information about the benefits of regular practice
Once trained, people are supposed to practice TM twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes. Once in the morning before breakfast and once in the afternoon before dinner.
Special Benefit for Women
- TM practice creates a safe haven within that cannot be replicated in the outside world.
- It helps women “regroup within” and multi-task with greater ease and focus—beyond the frenzied pace that so often characterizes our lives.
- It helps young women deal with challenges and insecurities of adolescence, peer pressure, and self-image.
- Benefits women who may be dealing with a serious illness, eating disorders or depression.
It is the key to effortless serenity—a respite from the rollercoaster of life and a new avenue for self-care and spiritual growth.
Come, awaken more subtle, powerful levels of the mind—the place deep where truth dwells.
Alert: Meditation can cause or worsen symptoms in people with certain psychiatric conditions or produce feelings of disorientation and anxiety. If you have an existing mental condition, consult your doctor before starting TM.
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