Transcendental meditation is a specific form of Mantra meditation. It is a widely practiced meditation. Just like Mantra meditation, Transcendental meditation asks you to repeat a word or phrase until you reach a state of inner peace. Unlike Mantra meditation, Transcendental meditation asks you to repeat the mantra in your head and not verbally so there will be no vibrations during this meditation.
Kathy writes in the comments:
I learned TM 41 years ago when I was living in Germany. It changed my life right away, and still it is the best thing I ever did for myself.
In a video by Maharishi International University, you will find Maharishi Mahesh Yogi talking about Transcendental Meditation. He shared that suffering is happening and is dominating life everywhere. He noted that the principle of Transcendental Meditation is simple – being is bliss in its nature.
How To Do Transcendental Meditation
The mind is always moving in the direction of greater happiness. Because the nature of inner being is bliss and infinite happiness, the mind during Transcendental Meditation takes that inward course in a more spontaneous manner.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi noted that with Transcendental Meditation, we do not concentrate or control the mind. We let the mind follow its natural instinct towards greater happiness so it goes into the bliss consciousness of the being.
You then take a specific thought that suits us. You then experience that thought during the Transcendental meditation. You will later minimize the thought to experience the finer state of that thought. You will continue with the source of thought until it is fathomed and until the conscious mind reaches the transcendental area of being.
The Benefits of Transcendental Meditation
Several studies have shown that Transcendental Meditation is effective for relaxation and mental health. It also helps reduce stress and lowers blood pressure.
TM was first taught in the 1950s by the sage Mahesh Yogi. He developed it from his interpretation of the Hindu Vedic traditions. He taught thousands of people during a series of world tours. He then began training TM teachers.
Many physiologists claim that Transcendental Meditation relaxes the body. Other studies have shown that it also increases creativity and reduces stress.
One study showed that teens who practiced TM for 15 minutes two times a day experienced lower anxiety and better self-confidence. Teens who practiced TM for a longer period of time experienced lower anxiety, greater resilience and better sleep.
Another study reported that Transcendental Meditation practitioners had decreased blood flow in areas of the brain associated with arousal and attention. They also reported lower overall anxiety and stress, improved sleep and greater life satisfaction.
The technique was later promoted internationally by Maharishi. The Beatles and the Beach Boys also became TM practitioners. Other celebrities joined their ranks.
TM is considered to be more effective than other forms of meditation. Many TM teachers emphasize mental clarity and better health. It also helps bring the full potential of the physical, mental and spiritual faculties.
The benefits of TM are said to be long lasting. TM may reduce stress, improve sleep, reduce pain, reduce anxiety and promote creativity. It can also lower blood pressure and relieve depression.
