Silva Method: A Transcendental Meditation Technique?

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of silent mantra meditation, practised for 15–20 minutes twice per day. It was developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s. TM involves no concentration, control, or training, and aims to allow the mind to go beyond surface-level thinking towards silence. The Silva Method, on the other hand, is a collection of ESP techniques based on the alpha waveband of brain functioning. It is structured as a four-week course with 12 hours of instruction each week. While TM and the Silva Method are both systems of self-cultivation, they are not congruent. TM involves dismissing thoughts that occur during meditation, while the Silva Method involves recognising meaningful input from the subconscious.

Transcendental meditation is a form of silent mantra meditation

Transcendental meditation (TM) is a form of silent mantra meditation. It involves silently repeating a mantra to oneself for 15-20 minutes, twice per day, while seated comfortably with closed eyes. The mantra is assigned by a certified teacher and is based on a range of factors, including the student's age, life stage, and spiritual needs. It is intended to facilitate deep relaxation and transcendental experiences for the practitioner.

TM is distinct from other forms of meditation in its focus on the recitation of specific mantras, each holding a unique vibration and meaning. These mantras are not just words but are believed to be the essence of consciousness and the subtle sounds of the universe. When meditated upon, they are said to unlock realms of untapped potential within the individual.

The mantras are chosen for their sound quality rather than their meaning, resonating at frequencies that can harmonize the mind with the subtle rhythms of the cosmos. The practice of TM is about allowing the mind to naturally settle down and follow the mantra into the deeper layers of awareness, rather than forcing the mind to be silent or focusing on breathing.

The effectiveness of TM in reducing stress, improving mental clarity, and increasing happiness has been supported by extensive research. It is purported to promote a state of relaxed awareness, stress relief, creativity, efficiency, and physiological benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. TM is accessible to anyone, regardless of their background or belief system, as the mantras are not confined to a single culture or belief system.

It was developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s

Transcendental Meditation (TM) was developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the mid-1950s. Yogi, born Mahesh Prasad Varma, earned a degree in physics at Allahabad University in 1942 and later became a disciple of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, also known as Guru Dev.

In 1955, Yogi began to introduce Transcendental Deep Meditation to India and the world. This technique was later renamed Transcendental Meditation. Yogi travelled around India for two years, interacting with his audiences in an "Indian context". In 1957, he renamed his movement the Spiritual Regeneration Movement.

Yogi's first global tour began in 1958, and in 1959, he began his first world tour. During this time, Yogi lectured and taught the Transcendental Meditation technique in Honolulu, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, New York, and London. Yogi's teachings gained popularity in the late 1960s when celebrities such as the Beatles and the Beach Boys became his devotees.

TM is a form of silent mantra meditation practised for 15-20 minutes twice per day. During the meditation, the practitioner silently repeats a mantra given by the teacher while seated with their eyes closed. The benefits of TM are similar to other forms of meditation, including reduced stress, decreased anxiety and depression, improved sleep, and enhanced executive functions such as purposeful thinking and decision-making.

It is practised for 15-20 minutes, twice a day

The Silva Method is a meditation technique developed by José Silva. It is based on the alpha waveband of brain functioning. The method involves a process of relaxation and meditation, visualisation, developing intuition, mental programming, and problem-solving.

The technique is practised for 15-20 minutes, twice a day. The process begins with deep, rhythmic breathing. The meditator breathes in slowly through the nose, holds for a few seconds, and exhales slowly through the mouth. As they breathe out, they visualise tension leaving their body. They then begin to count down from 100 to 1, using each number to deepen their state of relaxation. Once they reach a state of deep relaxation, they can enter a meditative state to clear their mind and focus their thoughts.

The next step is visualisation. The meditator imagines their goals and desires as if they have already been achieved. They engage all their senses in this visualisation, making the image detailed and vibrant. They include sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile sensations.

The third step is developing intuition. The meditator tunes into their inner voice or gut feeling. They pay attention to their immediate thoughts and feelings, learning to trust and act on their intuition over time.

The fourth step is mental programming. The meditator uses positive affirmations and self-suggestions to reprogram their subconscious mind. They phrase these suggestions in the present tense, as if their desired outcome is already happening. They repeat these affirmations daily to reinforce positive beliefs and attitudes.

The final step is problem-solving. The Silva Method offers techniques for creative thinking and finding solutions to challenges. These practices involve reaching a deep level of the mind to gain insights and promote well-being.

Consistency is key to effective results with the Silva Method. Regular practice can lead to increased self-awareness, stress reduction, improved decision-making, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and a more positive outlook on life.

It does not require belief or religion

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of silent mantra meditation practised for 15–20 minutes, twice per day. It does not require any form of belief or religion. In fact, TM is counter-productive to try to force the mind to go somewhere it already wants to go naturally. It allows the mind to go beyond surface-level thinking towards silence and concentration, focus and control, as well as freedom and creativity.

TM is based on the Theta waveband of brain functioning. It involves no concentration, control, or training. The only thing you need to do during the meditation is to repeat the mantra, which the teacher gives you, silently in your mind while seated with your eyes closed.

TM is different from other meditation techniques in that it does not require any form of belief or religion. It is based on the idea that the mind naturally tends towards a state of pure awareness or "cosmic mind", and that by simply allowing the mind to relax and settle, it will naturally move towards this state. This is in contrast to other meditation techniques that require focus, concentration, or visualization.

The Silva Method, on the other hand, is based on the alpha waveband of brain functioning. It is a collection of ESP techniques that can help you reach a deep meditative state. With the Silva Method, you learn to recognize meaningful input from your subconscious instead of habitually dismissing it. While TM focuses on silent mantra repetition, the Silva Method may incorporate other techniques such as breathing, counting, visualization, and the use of chanting and gongs.

Both TM and the Silva Method are systems of self-cultivation, but they are not congruent in their approach. While TM emphasizes the dismissal of thoughts that occur during meditation, the Silva Method encourages recognizing and interpreting these thoughts. TM is a form of Yoga meditation, while the Silva Method is a more structured program that offers four weeks of classes, divided into 28 days, with 12 hours of instruction each week.

It involves no concentration, control or training

The Silva Method and Transcendental Meditation (TM) are distinct practices. TM is a form of silent mantra meditation practised twice a day for 15-20 minutes. It involves no concentration, control or training. Instead, it allows the mind to transcend surface-level thinking and move towards silence, the source of thought.

TM requires no association, visualisation or focus of attention. It is based on the assumption that a state of complete rest allows the conscious mind to become familiar with deeper levels of the mind, bringing the subconscious mind within the capacity of the conscious mind. TM does not require any form of belief, religious or otherwise.

The Silva Method, on the other hand, is a collection of ESP techniques. It is based on the alpha waveband of brain functioning. It is a structured business, offering four weeks of classes, divided into 28 days and consisting of 12 hours of instruction each week. The Silva Method teaches meditation techniques to deepen your understanding of the four levels of consciousness.

TM and the Silva Method differ in their approach to thoughts that occur during meditation. In TM, you develop the habit of dismissing thoughts that occur and returning to your meditation technique. In the Silva Method, you learn to recognise meaningful input from your subconscious instead of dismissing it.

While TM does not require any concentration, control or training, the Silva Method involves a more structured and instructional approach to meditation.

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