Transcendental Meditation

Transcendental Meditation is primarily a system of yoga and meditation techniques that were introduced to the West in the 1950s by the yogi Maharishi Mahesh. Transcendental Meditation was popularized by the Beatles in the 1960's. To date, almost 6 million people world-wide have been trained in Transcendental Meditation techniques. The practitioners of this form of meditation report feelings of profound peace, the ability to focus well, better sleep and more creative energy.

History

According to Transcendental Meditation's founder, known familiarly as Maharishi, this technique was offered to humankind by the Hindu god, Krishna, over 5,000 years ago. It is based on an esoteric school of Vedanta Hinduism known as Advaita Vedanta. In the quiet of the Himalayan mountains, this classic yogic technique went underground until it resurfaced during the time of the Buddha. After the life of Buddha, the technique was again lost until the ninth century when a Hindu philosopher by the name of Shankara revived the tradition. Since that time, the techniques have been passed down in an unbroken lineage from guru to student. In our contemporary times, Maharishi brought this ancient form of meditation to the west.

Technique

The Transcendental Meditation technique is a technique of mantra meditation augmented by breathing practices and yoga postures. Mantras are words that hold "seed syllables" in them. These seed syllables are said to hold the energy of the universe. By using a mantra during meditation, a student of Transcendental Meditation is able to quiet his or her mind and rest in the abiding silence underpinning all reality. Transcendental Meditation is usually practiced twice a day for twenty minutes by a beginning to intermediate practitioner.

There are a number of advanced Transcendental Meditation techniques including, among others, yoga postures, breathing exercises, meditation practices and even "yogic flying". The incorporation of all of these practices is called "rounding" in Transcendental Meditation circles. Practicing all of these techniques in a regular, balanced way will help to quiet the mind and rejuvenate the body. Transcendental Meditation is promulgated in the west as a compilation of scientific yogic techniques that support a practitioner's well-being and vibrant good health.