Transcendental Meditation Explained ᐉ Benefits, Technique & Science

Proponents of Transcendental Meditation (TM) describe it as a simple technique for relaxation and reducing the body's response to stress. This may be why it has become so popular, with a following of over eight million people. At the same time, TM is perhaps the most controversial form of meditation. On one hand, there is a wealth of scientific evidence supporting its benefits; on the other, there is a storm of criticism aimed at both its founder and the technique itself.

This article explores the history of the movement, reviews the scientific research, and outlines the basic instructions for practicing Transcendental Meditation. However, due to the conflicting information surrounding the method, it is not possible to provide a completely objective analysis of its effectiveness. Therefore, this text is intended for informational purposes only and is not a guide to practice.

Transcendental Meditation is a form of Nada Yoga (the yoga of sound). The technique involves the silent, mental repetition of a mantra. This practice is said to turn your awareness inward to subtler levels of thinking, eventually allowing you to transcend thought itself and approach the Absolute. The program's founder, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, stated that he discovered the technique in the ancient Vedic scriptures.

Dr. Fred Travis, Director of the Center for Brain, Consciousness, and Cognition at Maharishi International University, categorizes all meditation practices into three types:

1. Focused Attention (Concentration)
2. Open Monitoring (Observation)
3. Automatic Self-Transcending (TM)

Each of these practices engages different areas of the brain and yields different results.

In concentration practices, brain waves typically oscillate at a frequency of 20-50 Hz (gamma waves). In observational or contemplative practices, the frequency is around 6-8 Hz (theta waves). According to Dr. Travis, these first two types of meditation help create new mental habits and can be used to resolve life's challenges. The mind is trained to become a helpful tool. During Transcendental Meditation, however, brain waves oscillate at 8-10 Hz (alpha waves). This state doesn't create specific mental states but instead automatically refines the mind, allowing it to spontaneously find the solutions it needs.

Key differences that set TM apart:

• It does not require focused attention or observation.
• The practice is done in silence.
• A personal mantra is considered necessary.
• No special posture or conditions are required.
• It does not require you to restrain desires or change your lifestyle.
• The technique is taught only in person by a certified teacher, for a fee.

The rules for practicing Transcendental Meditation are simple:

• Sit in a comfortable position.
• Close your eyes.
• For 20 minutes, silently repeat the mantra given to you by your teacher.

Students learning the TM technique are required to sign an agreement not to share the details of the practice. Specifically, they are forbidden from sharing the mantra they receive from their teacher. Despite this, there are websites wh ere these mantras are freely published, often categorized by the practitioner's gender and age at the time of initiation.

The first studies on TM were conducted in 1968, with results published in the journals Science and Scientific American. These experiments found that the practice leads to more coherent functioning in the frontal lobes, helping the brain work as a more integrated whole.

In total, more than 800 independent studies have been conducted, with many proponents claiming they confirm the high effectiveness of TM.

• Promotes deep relaxation and relieves insomnia.
• Reduces stress and anxiety.
• Helps in the treatment of depression.
• Improves overall health.
• Aids in overcoming addictions.
• Enhances mental clarity and cognitive abilities.
• Fosters a greater sense of happiness and contentment.

Reduces Stress

People who practiced Transcendental Meditation for 3-5 years showed a 30% reduction in cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in their blood.

Improves Cognitive Abilities

Students at Maharishi International University who regularly practiced TM for two years demonstrated consistently high levels of brainwave coherence, which may directly or indirectly contribute to enhanced mental abilities.

Normalizes Blood Pressure

In 2013, the American Heart Association issued a scientific statement suggesting that Transcendental Meditation could be considered as a clinical treatment for high blood pressure.

Helps Overcome Addictions to Alcohol and Cigarettes

A meta-analysis of studies on the impact of TM on alcohol, drug, and nicotine addiction found that the effect of TM was two to five times greater than that of other programs.

The teacher's real name and exact date of birth are unknown. It is believed his name was Mahesh Prasad Varma or Mahesh Shrivastava, and that he was born between 1911 and 1918 in the village of Panduka, India.

Accounts of his family background vary; some say his parents belonged to the Kshatriya (warrior) caste, while others claim they were of the Kayastha (scribe) caste. Maharishi's teacher was Swami Brahmananda Saraswati (also known as Guru Dev), a revered master who spent over 40 years living in Himalayan caves and was considered a preeminent scholar of consciousness. He agreed to accept the young Mahesh as a student only after he completed his higher education. Consequently, Mahesh enrolled in Allahabad University, graduating in 1942 with a degree in physics. He briefly worked at a factory but soon became fascinated with ancient Indian literature and Sanskrit. Later, Guru Dev accepted him as a disciple, and he studied with him until the master's death in 1953.

Because Mahesh was not born into the Brahmin (priestly) caste, he was unable to officially become a spiritual successor in the traditional Vedic lineage. This may be why he faced criticism from Indian Brahmins throughout his life. Mahesh forged his own path, establishing the "Spiritual Regeneration Movement" and a center in the city of Rishikesh. A year later, he traveled to the United States and founded an organization to spread Guru Dev's teachings. In time, TM would be practiced by schoolchildren, university students, and soldiers across America.

Beginning in 1959, Maharishi traveled the world, opening centers for his new movement in every country he visited. Eventually, various branches of his organization were established in 120 countries. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi passed away on February 5, 2008, in the Netherlands.

1. Contradictory Scientific Research.

   When speaking about the positive effects of TM, its followers frequently cite a large body of scientific research. However, critics question the validity of these studies, arguing that they were often conducted by TM practitioners themselves and that a majority were sponsored by Maharishi's own university.

   Furthermore, some independent studies suggest that the practice of Transcendental Meditation can potentially lead to negative psychological consequences.

2. Ambiguity of the Practice's Goals.

   Maharishi Mahesh Yogi himself described the practice in various terms, sometimes using religious language and calling it the shortest path to the Divine.

   His followers, however, almost exclusively promote TM as a scientifically-backed technique for improving health and solving social problems. This has created friction with different groups: anti-cult advocates accuse the TM movement of promoting ideas and practices that are dangerous to society; some religious figures see it as an attempt to replace their faith; and other spiritual practitioners criticize it for being overly utilitarian and lacking true sacredness.

3. High Cost of Instruction and Maharishi's Wealth.

   The fact that TM instruction is offered for a significant fee, combined with the founder's affluent lifestyle, has fueled accusations of greed and pseudo-spirituality against Maharishi and his followers.

While we may never know the full truth of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's motivations, his contribution to society cannot be underestimated. This was a man who sacrificed his personal life and dedicated his time to popularizing meditation and bringing ideas of humanity and mindfulness to a global audience.

Transcendental Meditation appears to be beneficial for a particular group of followers, and the movement founded by Maharishi continues to influence many areas of modern life, including medicine, politics, and education.