Transcendental Meditation: Exploring The Mantra-Based Practice

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a mantra-based technique that involves silently repeating a mantra for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day. The mantra is a meaningless sound, repeated to help the mind settle down and achieve a state of stillness and consciousness. TM is taught by certified teachers, who give students their own personal mantra, which is kept secret to ensure maximum results. The technique is not associated with any religion or belief system and can be practised by anyone.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) involves silently repeating a mantra for 15–20 minutes a day

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a technique that involves silently repeating a mantra for 15–20 minutes a day. It is commonly practised sitting with the eyes closed and is one of the most widely practised meditation techniques. TM is not a religion, philosophy, or lifestyle but a method for achieving a greater sense of peace and calm in daily life. It is also beneficial for those seeking relief from anxiety or hoping to slow down rapid thoughts.

TM is based on the ancient Vedic tradition of India and uses Sanskrit sounds. The mantras are meaningless sounds that act as a vehicle to allow the individual's attention to travel naturally to a quieter style of mental functioning. The vibration of the mantra has a resonance with its source in the primordial hum ('Om'), which is close to the silent, blissful level of the mind. This attracts and charms the mind, which is always searching for greater happiness, so the mind settles with the mantra towards silence.

TM instruction encourages students not to be alarmed by random thoughts that arise and to easily return to the mantra once they become aware of them. The technique is described as effortless and does not require contemplation or concentration. It is recommended to meditate for 20 minutes twice per day.

TM can be practised anywhere, but it is important to find a certified TM teacher and take courses to learn the practice. The practice cannot be learned from a book and must be learned over four sessions. The first session always involves working with the certified teacher, who will give you a mantra and teach you how to use it effectively. The teacher will also instruct you to keep your mantra secret to ensure maximum results and avoid confusion in the mind. The subsequent three sessions involve a small group and will provide further instruction on how to use your mantra effectively. After learning TM from a teacher, you will have access to free follow-up sessions with any TM teacher to refresh and refine your technique.

TM is not a religion, philosophy, or lifestyle

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a mantra-based, silent meditation technique for relieving stress and anxiety and gaining calmness of mind. It is practised for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day, with closed eyes. It is not a religion, philosophy, or lifestyle. It is a non-religious practice, which means there are no cults to follow and no philosophical, religious, or spiritual beliefs to adopt.

TM is a specific form of mantra meditation developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India in the 1950s. It is often referred to as Transcendental Meditation or simply, TM. The technique has been described as both religious and non-religious. It has been described as an aspect of a New Religious Movement, as rooted in Hinduism, and as a non-religious practice for self-development.

TM is practised by silently and effortlessly thinking a mantra or sound, which has been passed on during personal instruction by a fully-trained teacher. The mantra does not act as a focus for the mind as in other forms of meditation, but as a 'vehicle' upon which the attention gently and innocently rests. This allows the mind to settle into increasingly subtle levels of thinking, and finally the mantra itself is transcended and the mind settles into silence.

TM is not a religion. It does not require a belief in God or a Creator, and it does not have any designated scripture, doctrinal requirements, or ongoing worship activity. It does not require conversion and it does not have a religious creed. It does not interfere with its members' involvement in their various religions.

TM is also not a philosophy. It does not require a particular way of thinking or living, and it does not require any particular beliefs. It does not require any particular beliefs about the nature of consciousness or the self.

TM is not a lifestyle, either. It does not require any particular way of dressing or behaving, and it does not require any particular activities or practices beyond the meditation practice itself. It does not require any particular diet or physical activities, and it does not require any particular political or social beliefs or activities.

TM is a simple, easily-learned, effortless technique practised by over six million people of all ages, cultures, and religions. It has been found to produce many benefits to health and wellness, including increased energy and focus, improved brain coherence, broader comprehension and improved memory, reduced stress and anxiety, normalised blood pressure, a lower risk of heart attack and stroke, and reduced cortisol (the "stress hormone").

TM is a method for achieving a greater sense of peace and calm

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a method for achieving a greater sense of peace and calm. It is a mantra-based, silent meditation technique that can be practised by anyone. The process involves silently and effortlessly thinking a mantra or sound, which has been passed on by a fully-trained teacher. The mantra acts as a vehicle to allow the individual's attention to travel naturally to a quieter style of mental functioning.

TM is practised for 20 minutes, twice a day, while sitting comfortably with closed eyes. It is recommended to learn the technique from a certified TM teacher, who will provide instruction on how to use the mantra effectively. The teacher will also conduct a personal interview to get acquainted with the student and answer any questions. The mantra is chosen based on the student's age, gender, and personal background. It is important to keep the mantra secret to ensure maximum results and avoid confusion in the mind.

TM instruction encourages students not to be alarmed by random thoughts that may arise during meditation. Instead, they should easily return to the mantra once they become aware of these thoughts. This process allows the mind to settle into increasingly subtle levels of thinking, and eventually, the mantra is transcended, leading to a state of silence and stillness.

The mantras used in TM are derived from the ancient Vedic tradition of India and are Sanskrit sounds. These sounds are chosen for their resonance with the primordial hum (Om), which is close to the silent, blissful level of the mind. The vibration of the mantra attracts and charms the mind, allowing it to settle towards silence and experience a natural state of bliss.

TM is a non-religious practice that does not require adherence to any particular belief system. It is a simple and effortless technique that can help individuals achieve a greater sense of peace and calm in their daily lives.

TM is one of the most widely practised meditation techniques

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is one of the most widely practised meditation techniques. It was developed by the Indian spiritual figure Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and has been practised by millions of people worldwide. The technique involves silently repeating a mantra for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day, while sitting comfortably with closed eyes. The mantra is a meaningless sound, a Vedic word, or a repeated silent sound, that acts as a vehicle to help the mind settle down and achieve a state of perfect stillness and consciousness.

TM is taught by certified teachers, who provide personal instruction on how to use the mantra effectively. The mantra is chosen by the teacher based on the student's personal interview, age, and gender, and it is recommended that students keep their mantra secret to ensure maximum results. The TM technique is said to promote a state of relaxed awareness, stress relief, creativity, and efficiency, as well as physiological benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

TM is a non-religious practice and does not require adherence to any particular belief system. It is described as a "scientific strategy" or a "mechanical, physiological process" that anyone can learn and practise. The technique has been taught to students, business professionals, and even military personnel, and has been incorporated into social programs for criminals, the homeless, and war veterans.

TM is often characterised as a "Hindu meditation practice stripped of its religious baggage," and some religious leaders and clergy find it compatible with their teachings and beliefs. However, it has also been criticised by yogis and stricter Hindus, who have accused the Maharishi of selling "commercial mantras." Despite this criticism, TM remains a widely practised and researched meditation technique, offering a simple and accessible way for people to achieve a greater sense of peace and calm in their daily lives.

TM is taught in a standardised seven-step course over six days by a certified TM teacher

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is taught in a standardised seven-step course over six days by a certified TM teacher. The course includes a one-hour lecture and one hour of formal one-on-one training with the teacher. The course is carefully personalised for each student by their teacher.

The first step is a free, one-hour introductory talk, where students hear from an experienced certified teacher about the benefits of TM and how it differs from other practices. The teacher answers any questions students may have.

The second step is a 45-minute preparatory talk, where the teacher covers the mechanics of the TM technique, why it's easy to learn and effortless to practice, how it differs from other forms of meditation, and the technique's origins. This step is also free of charge.

The third step is a private, 10-15 minute personal interview, allowing the teacher to get acquainted with the student and answer any questions they may have.

The fourth step is personal instruction in the TM technique with a certified TM teacher. This step usually takes 1-2 hours, and the course fee is required at this point. However, students can also pay in instalments.

The fifth, sixth and seventh steps are three class meetings, usually held in a group, to verify the correctness of the practice and provide further instruction. These meetings typically last 1-2 hours each and take place over four consecutive days, including the day of personal instruction.

After completing the seven-step course, students have the intellectual and experiential knowledge to meditate effectively. However, it is recommended that they continue with a series of weekly and monthly personal "meditation check-ups" over the first six months of practice to ensure they are practising correctly and enjoying the full benefits. These follow-up sessions are optional but highly recommended.

In addition to the follow-up sessions, students have ongoing access to certified TM instructors to answer questions or discuss their practice. As course graduates, they are also eligible for a lifetime programme offered at any Transcendental Meditation centre, which includes personal guidance on their meditation practice, advanced lectures, special events, group meditations, and celebrations.

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