Transcendental Meditation is the most common and widely used form of meditation. This is a natural, effortless and simple meditative technique famed for its profound effectiveness. Transcendental Meditation involves the repetition of a sound or a particular mantra whose repetition, practiced with guidelines, enables the mind to settle down and relax. Transcendental Meditation allows one to experience the energy and creativity that is found almost everywhere. It also helps to settle the mind whilst turning it inward. During the practice of Transcendental Meditation the brain functions with significantly greater coherence.
History of Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental Meditation technique comes from the ancient Vedic tradition of India. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduced Transcendental Meditation in the year 1958 and was also the leader of the Transcendental Meditation Movement. The teachings and ideologies of Maharishi were based on the preaching of Swami Brahmananda.
It all started in 1957, at the end of the festival of "spiritual luminaries", which was held in remembrance of the previous Shankracharya of the North. This movement was started by Swami Brahmananda and Maharishi with the sole intention to regenerate the world. And from that point of time the Transcendental Meditation has been spreading throughout the world. It was during the 1960`s and the 1970`s that the Transcendental Meditation Movement began to be seen as part of the then current "counter-culture" phenomenon.
Theory of Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental Meditation focuses on concentrating on a particular sound or a mantra. It is through Transcendental Meditation technique, the mind unfolds its potential for unlimited awareness which is the state of transcendental awareness - a lively field of all potentials, where every possibility is naturally available to the conscious mind. The conscious mind becomes aware of its own unbounded essence, its infinite potential. Transcendental Meditation provides a way for the conscious mind to fathom the whole range of its existence – active and silent, point and infinity.
Transcendental Meditation is an experience, a mental technique that one can practice every day. According to Maharishi"s Theory of Consciousness or Enlightenment, there are seven stages of consciousness, of which the first three are very common to all. And the rest fulfil the definition of enlightenment, which is the ultimate goal of long term practice of Transcendental Meditation. This "Pure Consciousness" is experienced only through Dhyana.
Technique of Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental Meditation technique is usually practiced twice a day for 15-20 minutes, in which one sits with eyes closed. The most distinguishing feature of Transcendental Meditation is its lack of effort, as contrasted to other techniques of meditation related to concentration power or those involving active thinking.
Benefits of Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental Meditation is a simple technique, devoid of any lifestyle changes, which provides immense health benefits. It is a means of developing a state of relaxed awareness and avoiding distractions of mind. It plays a vital role in improving the quality of life. It is a simple, natural and effortless procedure which enriches all areas of life. Regular experience of Transcendental Consciousness does in fact dramatically improve both physical and mental functioning. Transcendental Meditation increases life expectancy, helps in achieving a clear thought process and also helps to avoid cardiovascular risks.
