Transcendental Meditation (popularly called TM) is a technique involving chanting of a particular mantra to help the meditators’ mind experience pure awareness(1).
The kingdom of heaven is like electricity. You don’t see it. It is within you.
-Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Transcendental Meditation is a powerful, popular method that allows the practitioner’s mind to transcend its limits and experience transcendental consciousness(1). During the practice of this technique, the meditators chant or listen to a specific mantra. It is a simple meditative method that you can practice for 15-20 minutes, two times every day(1). When one practices Transcendental Meditation, the mind surpasses all its mental activities, helping the meditator to experience a unique state of relaxation and tranquility(1).
Transcendental Meditation is greatly different from any other form of meditative technique(1). It is an effortless method that does not require meditators to concentrate on anything in particular(2). They do not have to try to empty their mind of thoughts or monitor their thoughts through mindfulness. TM does not require practitioners to control their mind in any way(2). It follows the natural flow of the meditator’s mind and is believed to harmonize with the natural sound of the cosmos(1).
The meditation technique can be practiced by anyone and it is effective for every practitioner(2). The only thing you must do to practice Transcendental Meditation is to learn it directly from a certified TM teacher. This technique requires to be personalized for each meditator and taught one-on-one by a professional(2). When taught and practiced accurately, TM can help you control stress and anxiety; improve creativity, awareness, energy. It also helps one fight depression, addiction, insomnia, and Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)(2).
Whatever we put our attention on will grow stronger in our life.
-Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
History/Origins
Transcendental Meditation was created and introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s(1). TM has since then inspired an international organization known as the Transcendental Meditation Movement which began in India(1). After the introduction of TM, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi travelled around the world to make Transcendental Meditation internationally popular between 1958 to 1965. During this period, he taught thousands of seekers how to practice the technique and benefit from it(1).
He taught the TM technique in both religious and spiritual terms, ensuring that it appeals to everyone irrespective of their personal beliefs. He also presented Transcendental Meditation with scientific explanations(1). These might have been the key reasons why TM attracted many famous personalities who practiced it openly, resulting in more popularity of the technique during the 1960s to 1970s(1). In 1965, many organizations like schools, colleges, and well-established institutions included Transcendental Meditation in their programs. Along with these, social programs for the homeless, veterans, and prison inmates also introduced TM to their curriculum, making it widely popular(1).
Benefits
Many studies have proven that Transcendental Meditation offers a wide range of benefits. A research paper by Robert Keith Wallace(3) shows that the technique offers healthier changes in oxygen consumption, heart rate, and skin resistance. This is how TM offers positive physiological effects. Another research article published in the Perceptual and Motor Skills journal(4) also suggests the same. The study also shows that this meditation method can improve psychological health by lowering anxiety and improving self-actualization.
What we speak becomes the house we live in.
-Hafiz
A study by David R. Frew(5) shows that Transcendental Meditation has the additional benefit of improved productivity. According to his research article, the meditators experienced better performance at work, increased job satisfaction, and better relationships with co-workers and supervisors. These are the effects of continuous practice of TM that lead to increased productivity at work.
References
- Students’ International Meditation Society | Transcendental Meditation by RD king | What Is Transcendental Meditation?
- tm.org | How is TM different | What are the evidence-based benefits?
- Science | Vol 167, Issue 3926 | 1970 | Physiological Effects of Transcendental Meditation by Robert Keith Wallace
- Sage Journals | Perceptual and Motor Skills | Volume 39, Issue 1 | Transcendental Meditation and Psychological Health by Larry A. Hjelle
- Academy of Management Journal | Volume 17, No. 2 | 2017 | Transcendental Meditation and Productivity by David R. Frew
