Transcendental Meditation: A Cult Or A Practice?

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of silent meditation developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the mid-1950s. It involves silently repeating a mantra for 15-20 minutes, twice a day. TM is taught by certified teachers through a standard course that costs a fee, which varies by country. The TM movement has been described as a cult by some, while others disagree.

TM has been practised by many celebrities, including members of The Beatles and The Beach Boys. The TM organisation has been criticised for using celebrity endorsements as a marketing tool.

TM has been described as both religious and non-religious. While it is presented as a non-religious method for self-development, some claim that it is rooted in Hinduism.

Some people have reported positive experiences with TM, while others claim that it is a cult that has caused them harm. There have been allegations that the TM organisation uses manipulative fear-and-intimidation tactics and imposes strict rules on followers' lives.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of silent meditation developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Maharishi began teaching TM in India in the mid-1950s, building on the teachings of his master, the Hindu Advaita monk Brahmananda Saraswati. The Maharishi taught thousands of people during world tours from 1958 to 1965, expressing his teachings in spiritual and religious terms. TM became more popular in the 1960s and 1970s as the Maharishi shifted to a more secular presentation, and his technique was practised by celebrities, including members of the Beatles and the Beach Boys.

TM is described by its movement as a non-religious method that promotes relaxed awareness, stress relief, self-development, and higher states of consciousness. However, it has been variously described as both religious and non-religious, and some have characterised it as a cult. While it does not require adherents to adopt a belief system, and is practised by people of various religious affiliations or none, it has been accused of misappropriating and spinning Hindu religion into a lifestyle empire.

TM has been criticised for its high costs, which some claim can reach nearly $1000 for a mantra, and for using celebrity endorsements and scientific claims as a marketing tool. There have also been concerns about its secretive nature, with critics arguing that it is not transparent about what the organisation entails beyond the initial meditation intro.

Some have also pointed to the existence of advanced courses that supplement the basic TM technique, including an advanced meditation program called the TM-Sidhi program, which includes "yogic flying". There have been reports of TM leaders making fantastical claims, such as the ability to become invisible, walk through walls, levitate, and fly, and the possibility of immortality.

There have also been concerns about the cult-like characteristics of the TM organisation, with strict rules governing what adherents can eat, wear, read, and where they can live. Critics have also pointed to the existence of a personality cult around Maharishi, with followers adopting a cliquish and elitist attitude, and those who deviate from the program being shunned and branded as outcasts.

Despite these concerns, TM has been practised by many notable figures, and research has suggested that it may have positive effects on mental and emotional health, and could potentially lower blood pressure. However, there is also conflicting evidence, and some critics have argued that TM does not have any beneficial effects on psychological stress or well-being.

TM involves the silent repetition of a mantra for 15-20 minutes, twice a day

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of silent meditation developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The technique involves the silent repetition of a mantra for 15–20 minutes, twice a day. It is taught by certified teachers through a standard course of instruction, which costs a fee that varies by country.

TM is practised for 15–20 minutes, twice a day, and involves silently repeating a mantra. The mantra is chosen by the teacher and is based on information provided by the student on an intake form. It is meant to be kept secret and not shared with anyone. The practice is taught by certified teachers, who lead students through a standard course of instruction. The cost of the course varies by country.

TM is said to promote relaxation, stress relief, self-development, and higher states of consciousness. It has been described as both religious and non-religious. While it is based on Hindu traditions, it does not require adherence to a belief system and is open to people of all faiths or none.

TM has been taught to millions of people worldwide, including many celebrities. It has been incorporated into schools, universities, corporations, and prison programmes. Research on TM has found that it may have positive effects on mental and physical health, including reduced blood pressure. However, there is also criticism and controversy surrounding TM, with some people labelling it as a cult.

TM has been criticised for its high cost, secretive nature, and potential risks. Some former practitioners have shared negative experiences and referred to it as a cult. There have also been concerns about the way the organisation is run, with allegations of manipulation, intimidation, and strict rules governing various aspects of followers' lives.

Overall, while TM has its supporters and may offer benefits to some practitioners, there are also concerns and criticisms surrounding the practice and the organisation that teaches it.

TM is taught by certified teachers through a standard course, which costs a fee that varies by country

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of silent meditation developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The technique involves silently repeating a mantra or sound for 15–20 minutes, twice a day. It is taught by certified teachers through a standard course of instruction, which costs a fee that varies by country.

TM is taught through a seven-step course. The first step is an introductory session, where prospective students learn about the benefits of TM and the structure of the course. This is followed by the course itself, which is typically spread out over four days and includes both instruction and practice. The final step is a check-in session, where students can receive guidance and support from their teacher if they are having difficulty with the technique.

The cost of the course varies depending on the country and the financial situation of the student. In some cases, scholarships or discounts may be available for those who cannot afford the full fee. In other cases, TM may be offered for free to certain groups, such as veterans, first responders, or underprivileged students.

While TM has been criticised as being cult-like, with accusations of deception and misuse of funds, it continues to be practised by millions of people worldwide, including many celebrities.

TM has been described as both religious and non-religious

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of silent meditation developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the mid-1950s. It involves silently repeating a mantra or sound for 15-20 minutes, twice a day. The technique is taught by certified teachers through a standard course, which costs a fee that varies by country.

The similarities between TM and religious prayer rituals are undeniable. For example, Muslim prayers have prescribed postures and verbal repetitions, while some Christian prayers include repeated phrases and specific postures. On the other hand, TM does not involve petition or appeals to a divine spirit, and practitioners focus on their own spirit rather than a Divine Spirit.

TM has been described as an aspect of a new religious movement and as a non-religious practice for self-development. It has been called a cult by some, while others contend that it is not a cult, as participants are not required to adopt a particular belief system. The organisation has been labelled a cult by several parliamentary inquiries and anti-cult movements worldwide.

TM has been labelled a cult by several parliamentary inquiries or anti-cult movements

Transcendental Meditation (TM) has been labelled a cult by several parliamentary inquiries or anti-cult movements. The organisation has been accused of having a "shroud over the truth", with new members only being told about 1% of what the entire TM organisation entails. TM has also been accused of using science to sell its product, and of funding studies with positive results.

TM has been described as having a "deeper [level] with more rules", and of being led by a leader who "isn't questioned". Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of TM, has been accused of using fear and intimidation to motivate his followers, and of creating a personality cult.

TM has also been accused of misappropriation, with the root of the practice being in Hinduism, but with Maharishi spinning the religion into his own lifestyle empire. TM has been described as having "unlimited offerings", making a lot of money, renting and buying real estate, and hosting retreats.

TM has also been accused of causing harm, with some people dying as a result of their involvement with the organisation.

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