Transcendental Meditation

Transcendental meditation is a technique described as simple and effortless, in fact advocates of this method said that it can be learned easily by anyone and it is also offers enjoyment when practicing it. The meditation last for 15 to 20 minutes twice daily. A person meditating would sit quietly and comfortably in a chair with their eyes closed appearing for all intents and purposes to be resting quietly.

According to individuals who practice transcendental meditation, they say that they instantly get the benefit from the technique and progresses overtime. They have reported experiences that are positive for mind, body and relationships, the same has been corroborated by many systematic investigations conducted by top medical schools and published in over 350 peer-reviewed scientific journals. Interestingly, transcendental meditation requires no belief system and is not grounded in any philosophy or religion. In fact, proponents believe that you can be thoroughly skeptical about the technique and it will still be fully effective. Likewise, there is an adequate amount of research which indicates that transcendental meditation techniques improve the overall health and well-being of those who practice it. Some studies also show that these individuals have warmer interpersonal relationships, less anxiety and improve self-esteem. Further, research funded through medical schools and by the National Institute of Health show that transcendental meditation is the most effective mind-body practice for reducing stress related diseases, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke and atherosclerosis.

Accordingly, an individual doing the technique of transcendental meditation will be placed in a state where the mind easily and naturally arrives at the source of a settled state of mind. Further, it is also strongly believed by the proponents that this is the source of all creative processes and when practiced for 15 or 20 minutes in the morning and evening, it will increase an individual\’s awareness and assist the person in experiencing a restful state of alertness. Moreover, as the body becomes deeply relaxed, the mind transcends all mental activity to experience the simplest form of awareness, thus the descriptive term transcendental meditation.

In like manner, proponents also believe that transcendental consciousness, where transcendental meditation leads, develops an individual\’s creative potential while relieving stress and fatigue. This experience is said to lighten creativity, orderliness and organizing power which ultimately results in increased effectiveness and success.

Originally developed over 40 years ago by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, this technique is taught at established alternative medicine centers of education throughout the world. The Maharishi believes that everything is possible through knowledge of natural law and natural law-based programs. He taught that to perpetuate life in accordance with natural law and create natural law-based problem free government in every country, governments with the ability to prevent problems through the use of transcendental meditation would naturally be better protected.

It must be understood however that is not a religion, philosophy and requires no change in anyone\’s lifestyle. And the technique of transcendental meditation is not similar to any other form of meditation technique and processes. What makes it unique from the other forms of meditation is the fact that it can be easily integrated to any lifestyle and still with the same profound effectiveness. The technique is taught by certified teachers through a systematic course personalized instruction. The learner gets the maximum amount of benefit and correct technique is guaranteed to be taught and learned the first time. Similarly, in 1995, efforts were exerted proposing the inclusion of transcendental meditation into the public school systems. According to John Black (director of a transcendental meditation program) the use of meditation in classroom may increase test scores, reduce teenage pregnancies, get rid of campus violence and drugs and diminish teenage burnout.

Transcendental meditation is indeed beneficial to practice however not everyone using the technique is satisfied with it. Yes, research may show that the technique can in fact reduce stress and improve general health but there are also systematic inquiries which produce the same effect as that obtained from transcendental meditation like when one listens to a soothing music or by simply performing basic relaxation exercises.

While it may be true that proponents really believe that transcendental meditation can do all these things there is not enough strong proof that it will accomplish these goals for the price. The crisis of stressed out people in the school systems will not be completely solved by introducing a program that can also be accomplished through the use of soothing music.

Individuals who are looking for ways to slow their lives down and improve their health may find that transcendental meditation is just their ticket. However, it should be cautioned that any time a person is given a mantra to repeat over and over while relaxing and opening their minds they are using New Age techniques which are not acceptable to all individuals.

RESOURCES

Scientia: Independent Information on Transcendental Meditation

Transcendental Meditation for Women

The Independent: Trying Transcendental Meditation Not that Easy

The Transcendental Meditation Program

David Lynch Foundation

Maharishi University of Management: Transcendental Meditation