What is transcendental meditation?

Transcendental meditation is a special form of “silent” meditations , a very simple and natural way of achieving peace of mind and general relaxation, which does not involve contemplation or concentration. The best effect is achieved by regular practice twice a day for twenty minutes. The goal of Transcendental Meditation (hereinafter TM) is to transcend thought itself and achieve a state of “pure consciousness” in which the root cause is realized, but without the object of thought. Long-term practice of TM can lead to a state of cosmic consciousness in which the experience of transcendence is always present in consciousness, even during vigorous activity. One may come to experience oneself as universal and omnipresent. It has been found that transcendental meditation is characterized by the activation of alpha brain waves in the brain ( Theta meditation ), which are characteristic of a state of relaxation. Also of interest is the fact that although the goal of TM is not to develop the ability to live and become aware of the experience of the present moment (Mindfulness Meditation), those who practiced TM regularly for more than 3 consecutive months also increased their ability to become aware of the “moment”.

4 important positive effects

1) Stress Relief.

Of course, this effect is present as a result of practicing most meditations. However, stress is in many cases the root cause of ailments and dysfunctions of the body and mind. Transcendental Meditation provides deep relaxation of the body and mind, resulting in a normalized nervous system, normalized hormones, and the ability to sleep well.

2) Improves cognitive abilities

Numerous studies with students at different ages and levels of educational sophistication (high school, undergraduate, graduate, etc.) show that practicing TM increases intellectual capacity and learning ability.

3) Normalizes blood pressure

Numerous studies confirm that TM reduces blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension, heart disease regardless of the practitioner’s age and level of daily activity.

4) Helps to successfully overcome addictions to alcohol and cigarettes

You don’t have to necessarily quit smoking, drinking alcohol or taking other intoxicating substances to practice TM. However, research shows that quitting such addictions comes naturally to practitioners. The faster addicts achieved stress reduction through meditation, the faster they were free of their addictions.

Technique

Mantras

. Although transcendental meditation is not mantra-based meditation in the sense that its raison d’etre is to attain the transcendental - to go beyond experiential cognition, it nevertheless involves the use of mantras as a tool to overcome “mind wandering” and thoughts. When using a mantra, the practitioner first thinks of the sound of the mantra, and in the course of the practice this active thought of the mantra itself is nullified, and there comes the realization of the source of thought itself, and the conscious mind reaches the transcendental realm of being. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the Indian guru who popularized the TM technique for widespread use, said:

Scientific basis

One can find many English-language publications devoted to research on the effects of Transcendental Meditation on various diseases, general physical and psychological condition of a person. Such publications substantiate that regular practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) has a positive effect on health. Let us cite only some of them: