What is Transcendental Meditation?

Hello my friends! I’m so glad you’re here. My name is Lisa and I’m a spiritual intuitive and reiki master who is absolutely passionate about meditation. Specifically, I love teaching people about the incredibly transformative power of Transcendental Meditation (or TM for short).

Meditation is my jam! Although I love all forms, TM holds a special place in my heart. I find it to be the fastest, easiest way to wipe away stress and tap into subtle but powerful realms of creativity, vitality, and peace within myself. And I’m confident it can do the same for you too!

So get comfy, grab a cup of tea, and let’s dive in to unpacking the incredible world of Transcendental Meditation. I’m thrilled to be your guide on this journey! My goal is that you walk away from this article with a clear understanding of what makes TM so unique and how it can upgrade your daily life.

What are the benefits of Transcendental Meditation?

Transcendental Meditation has been scientifically proven to provide a wide range of benefits for mind, body and behavior. Here are just some of the most well-researched benefits of practicing TM:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Lower blood pressure
• Decreased depression
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Increased creativity and intelligence
• Improved memory and learning ability
• Increased happiness and wellbeing
• Improved relationships
• Increased energy and vitality

Over 600 scientific studies conducted at over 250 universities and research institutions in 35 countries validate the profound benefits of TM for mental, physical and emotional health.

How is TM different from other types of meditation?

Unlike concentrative forms of meditation that involve focusing on an object, image or the breath, TM does not involve any sort of concentration or control of the mind. It allows the mind to effortlessly settle inward to experience the most silent and peaceful level of awareness.

TM is also different from mindfulness meditation, as it goes beyond just being aware of thoughts, and allows the mind to transcend thinking altogether to experience the deepest, most silent state of consciousness.

TM is a natural, effortless technique practiced for 20 minutes twice daily. It does not require changing one’s beliefs, lifestyle or diet. One can practice TM regardless of religion or cultural background.

What does TM feel like?

Transcendental Meditation is generally described as very relaxing and rejuvenating. During the practice, the body settles into a profound state of rest and relaxation while the mind becomes quieter yet remains awake and alert.

Many describe benefitting from an experience of inner calm and wakeful rest during the TM session. Over time, this effect starts to carry over more and more into daily activity so that one feels calm, clear and focused outside of meditation too.

TM allows the mind to experience the most settled, tranquil state of awareness within, while maintaining the ability to function skillfully in daily life.

How is TM learned?

TM is always taught in personal one-to-one instruction by a qualified teacher trained in the specific TM teaching method. This personalized guidance ensures correct understanding and proper practice right from the start.

Over 5 million people have learned TM worldwide through personalized teaching. The course takes place over 4 consecutive days and includes:

• An introductory lecture providing overview of TM and its benefits
• Personal interview with the instructor
• Personal instruction
• Three follow-up sessions to verify correct practice

Instruction in the TM technique uses a standard teaching materials and format to provide the same systematic instruction for every student. The course tuition covers ongoing access to teachers for follow-up and support as needed.

Who can learn and practice TM?

TM instruction is available for anyone over 10 years old. There are no religious restrictions, dietary requirements or lifestyle changes needed.

TM has been practiced successfully across all cultures, religions and educational backgrounds. It requires no ability to concentrate or control the mind. Even children as young as 4 have learned simple forms of TM practice.

Extensive research shows that TM works effectively for any individual regardless of culture, educational background, or personal beliefs. Regular daily practice provides growing benefits over time.

How is TM different from other mantra meditations?

The TM mantras used in initiation are unique sounds with no meaning associated to any language, thought or culture. This allows the mind to easily and naturally move from more active, surface levels of thinking to the silent transcendental level of consciousness.

The specific TM mantras are kept private between student and teacher to maximize individual instruction and ensure proper use. Correct instruction and individualized guidance in TM practice is key to experiencing the technique’s profound relaxation and effectiveness.

Other forms of mantra meditation often assign the same general mantra to every student and do not provide the same systematic individual instruction, follow up and support. This difference in teaching methodology accounts for the superior and scientifically documented results achieved from Transcendental Meditation.

Can TM have negative side effects or be dangerous?

Transcendental Meditation has been practiced by millions worldwide and has over 600 published research studies validating its safety for every age, culture and background. There are no known negative side effects of TM when learned correctly and practiced properly under guidance of a qualified TM instructor.

In fact, research shows TM is safe for people with high anxiety or PTSD, unlike some mindfulness or other meditation practices that can occasionally cause negative experiences. TM specifically reverses stress and its underlying causes to bring relaxation and balance to mind and body.

Of course, as with any human endeavor, there can be misunderstandings or incorrect practice. This is why TM is always taught individually by qualified instructors. They give proper guidance for correct practice and follow up support as needed to ensure the best results.

How long until I see benefits from TM?

The effects of TM are cumulative, meaning they build and grow stronger over time with regular daily practice. Most individuals report increased relaxation, reduced stress and clearer thinking within the first week or two of starting TM.

More profound effects begin to unfold over the ensuing weeks and months, like improved health, increased energy, more positive emotions, enhanced performance at work or school. Growth continues progressively over time with regular TM practice.

Consistent daily TM practice twice a day is ideal. Even short periods of regular practice create profound improvements, just more gradually. Experienced meditators describe continuing growth over many years of TM practice.

Can I practice TM on my own after learning?

Proper instruction in TM from a qualified teacher is necessary to gain the most benefit from the technique. Self-taught meditation is unlikely to have the same results. The TM organization also recommends maintaining connection with one’s TM instructor after learning.

TM teachers are available for follow up consultations as needed to verify correct TM practice and provide ongoing guidance. Many seasoned TM practitioners continue to check in with teachers periodically for tune-ups or advanced courses to refine and deepen their practice over time.

TM initiations also include lifetime access to any TM center worldwide for follow up or to brush up on the technique whenever needed. Ongoing contact with TM teachers helps maximize and maintain the benefits of practice over the long term.

Does TM conflict with my religion?

Transcendental Meditation requires no change in personal belief or lifestyle. It has been learned and practiced successfully by followers of all religions, as well as atheists and agnostics.

TM does not involve any ritual, worship or spiritual practice. It simply uses a mental technique to allow the mind to experience subtler levels of thinking until arriving at the most calm, clear and creative level of awareness.

There is no dogma or philosophy attached to TM practice. People of all faiths benefit from enhanced spiritual development and faster progress towards enlightenment through regular TM practice. Many report TM actually strengthens their religious faith and commitment.

Conclusion

In summary, Transcendental Meditation is a simple, effortless technique practiced 20 minutes twice daily that provides deep rest and relaxation while strengthening the mind’s ability to think clearly, focus, and be creative. It is easy to learn and practice regardless of age, culture, religion or lifestyle.

Extensive published research confirms the wide-ranging benefits of TM for mental, emotional and physical health, brain functioning, relationships, performance and personal development. TM meditation enlivens the full brain potential while dissolving deep-rooted stress and fatigue for more happiness, success and fulfillment in life.

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Summary

Frequently Asked Questions