Transcendental Meditation
From LoveToKnow Yoga
The principles of transcendental meditation, or TM, stem from a place called “restful alertness.” Transcendental consciousness refers to the fourth state of consciousness; the other three are deep sleep, dreaming, and wakefulness.
The History of TM Founder Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
The practice of TM has attracted devotees and critics for more than 50 years. Founder Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, born Mahesh Prasad Varma, built the program based on his studies with Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, or Guru Dev, who discovered a lost Veda meditation technique in ancient Hindu teachings.
The story is that Guru Dev asked Maharishi to find a way to make meditation available to everyone, not just a select few. After studying the ancient technique for two years, Maharishi, whose name in Sanskrit means “great seer,” set out to teach the masses TM.
Maharishi (produced mah-HARSH-ee) wanted the Western world to understand a version of meditation that was easy to perform, required little-to-no concentration, and promised a deeper exploration of the mind.
In 1955, Maharishi published his first book, Science of Being and the Art of Living. In 1958, he began training others in his meditation program. He made the cover of Time magazine in 1975, and continued to be a popular speaker throughout the world. He passed away in February, 2008 at the age of 91.
Celebrities Popularize TM
The Beatles cemented Maharishi in pop culture when they traveled to his ashram in India in the late 1960s. At the time, anything the Beatles did prompted thousands to emulate them. Consequently, the practice of TM and Maharishi’s other teachings spread rapidly through Western Europe and the United States.
Soon, other musicians and celebrities practiced TM, including the Beach Boys, Donovan, The Rolling Stones, and Stevie Wonder. Even famed football quarterback Joe Namath took advantage of transcendental meditation’s benefits.
Today, many individuals in entertainment credit the practice of TM for helping them find true creativity and peace, including actor Stephen Collins, actress Heather Graham, and filmmaker David Lynch.
The Practice of TM
A reported six million people practice TM. Practitioners claim to have more energy, reduced anxiety, greater awareness, a deeper connection to self, and experience a host of other benefits. As with most meditation techniques, it is not a religion, philosophy, or lifestyle, but a method that many individuals report enables them to access their full potential.
However, to start a transcendental meditation program, you can’t just pick up a book or DVD. It’s a copyrighted practice, requiring instruction from certified teachers.
These teachers guide new meditators through the course, culminating with a special ceremony. In this ceremony, the TM teacher grants the meditator his or her personal mantra, which is never to be shared with anyone. This mantra is the foundation of the individual’s TM practice for life.
Performing TM
It’s hard to explain the precise method of TM, as individuals are required to sign a contract agreeing not to show anyone else the TM method unless they become a teacher.
In general, the program is rooted in a 20-minute session, performed once in the morning and again in the late afternoon. Individuals mentally chant a personalized mantra, made up of syllabic sounds, to promote increased relaxation and pure consciousness. The purpose of the repeated mantra is to allow the brain to slip out of everyday thought and into a deeper knowledge base, while at the same time, relaxing and rejuvenating the body.
Practitioners can perform TM anywhere they can sit quietly upright and close their eyes. Some people have special meditation rooms in their homes. Others believe in the meditative power that radiates from a large group and the effect that has on the world, so they choose to go to specified locations to practice. These locations are not open to those who do not practice TM.
Seven-Step Technique
Individuals learn TM through a special seven-step course. The steps include:
- Introductory lecture
- Preparatory lecture
- Personal interview
- Personal instruction
- Three “checking” stages
The checking stages guide the practitioner in the ways of meditation practice, what happens to the mind and body during practice, and the extended benefits of it over time.
Benefits of TM
Benefits of this practice, like any other mind quest, vary by individual. But, those who believe in TM say that the primary benefit of eliminating stress, not just managing it, literally transcends into other parts of life, improving:
- The mind/body connection
- Relationships
- Professional achievement
- The world at large
The Cost of the Practice
The current fee for learning TM in the United States is $2,500. This fee includes the seven-step course, a follow-up session, and lifetime access to advanced lectures and progress checks. The primary aspects of the practice are taught in a four-day intensive program. Introductory lectures to the practice are free.
Other Maharishi Interests
What started as a spiritual pursuit has become a global enterprise, which includes the Maharishi University of Management, the Maharishi College of Consciousness Based Health Care, and Maharishi Peace Palaces. Maharishi was involved in a number of large real estate holdings as well, and reportedly died a billionaire.
He also inspired the incorporation of Maharishi Vedic City, just outside of Fairfield, Iowa. The city has its own government, currency, and all buildings follow the principles of Vedic architecture. Also located there is the Raj, a well-known therapeutic retreat specializing in Ayurvedic healing methods.
Various Controversies
The legitimacy of TM is in constant debate because of a number of factors, including:
- An apparent cult-like following
- The insular nature of the practice
- The assertiveness that TM is “the only way” to meditate
- Many of the studies involving TM are generally initiated by Maharishi University or published by it
Some critics also point to the focus on real estate acquisition and the singular channel of Maharishi-based teachings, to the exclusion of other influences, as other indicators that the practice is less about an individual’s personal meditative journey and more about the man who started it.
To Learn More
- Visit the official Transcendental Meditation website.
- Read Stephen Collins’ personal journey with TM.
- Also review one man’s view of the possible negative aspects of the Maharishi organization.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,588 times. This page was last modified 14:14, 27 April 2008.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
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