What is Transcendental Meditation?

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple and beneficial mental technique, which induces deep relaxation, allowing stress and tiredness to be released naturally.

This gentle technique is suitable and beneficial for anyone, including children. Although it is practised by many people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, it is not associated with any specific religion, faith or belief system.

The meditation is part of the ancient Vedic system of healthcare that originates in India and is 1000s of years old. The word Veda means ‘knowledge’, and the system consists of many aspects of healthcare including yoga, diet, meditation and herbal medicine.

Knowledge of Transcendental Meditation became worldwide after it was introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi about 50 years ago. He learned the technique from his teacher after many years of studying and it was his wish to make the benefits of TM known to the world. It was first taught in the UK in 1959 and there are now approximately 40 teaching Centres throughout the UK. Transcendental Meditation is now established in almost every country of the world, with approximately 6 million people practicing the technique.

Transcendental Meditation is learned from an approved teacher over a series of tuition sessions. During the training you will be given a mantra (a word) that you are taught to repeat in a special way, while sitting comfortably, for 15-20 minutes twice daily. The repetition of this mantra naturally teaches the mind how to enjoy silence and experience profound rest.

Following training, you will be able to practice the technique yourself, although you may require an occasional check to ensure you are performing the technique correctly. The technique is not difficult to learn or practice, but you will need to do it regularly to experience the full benefits of the technique.

How is Transcendental Meditation different to other forms of meditation?

There are many forms of meditation that involve concentration of the mind and contemplation (thinking about something). Some forms of meditation engage the mind on focusing on something such as an object, the breath etc; others on keeping the mind aware of thoughts or on images. The disadvantage of some of these techniques is that they engage the mind in activity and surface thinking, which does not allow the mind to ‘switch off’. Transcendental Meditation is advantageous, as it teaches the mind to transcend thinking and experience deeper levels of restfulness and quiet, quite effortlessly.

How does it work?

Transcendental Meditation works by allowing the body to experience a profound level of rest, which in turn affects the physical body, energy levels and general wellbeing.

When you practise the technique, your mind begins to settle inwardly and thoughts gradually diminish, allowing the mind to experience pure awareness, or transcendental consciousness (your innermost Self). Silence and a great sense of peace are experienced at this level, which consequently allows the brain to function with greater coherence and the body achieve a greater quality of rest. It has been stated that a 20 minute TM session is comparable to 7 hours of ordinary sleep.

As the mind and body relax, stress levels are greatly reduced resulting in greater creativity and an increase in physical energy. When the body and mind become harmonised, there is an increase in positive attitude and a more relaxed approach to life, which improves health, success and happiness.

What are the benefits?

There are many benefits to Transcendental Meditation. A feeling of deep relaxation, peace and increased energy levels are generally experienced during each meditation. Those who practice regularly report an improvement in physical, mental and emotional health and an increase in energy, confidence and self esteem. A greater sense of creativity, focus and feelings of wellbeing and harmony are also experienced.

Over the last 40 years, there have been more than 600 scientific studies conducted into the effects and benefits of TM in more than 33 countries. The results have shown that people who practice TM experience many positive effects including a reduction in stress and various health problems.

Transcendental Meditation Studies in the US involving people with coronary heart disease revealed positive results. Patients were studied over a 4 month period and those practicing the technique had significantly lower blood pressure, improved blood glucose and insulin levels and more stable functioning of the autonomic nervous system. (The American Medical Association’s Archives of Internal Medicine, June 2006).

Recent Research with students also shows that Transcendental Meditation produces positive effects on health, brain function and cognitive development. (David Haaga, Ph.D., Professor and Director of the James J. Gray Psychotherapy Training Clinic, American University).

A study with students in the US showed that students who practiced TM had significantly lower stress levels, higher exam results and increased levels of concentration than those who did not practice it. (National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, April 2003).

How can I learn TM?

You can learn how to practice Transcendental Meditation by contacting one of the approved Teachers or Centres. Training can be expensive, but there are varying rates of fees, so what you pay will depend on your circumstances.

You can find out more about Transcendental Meditation from Transcendental Meditation Official UK Website.

Article by Julie Burke (for Third Age)
SPA.ITEC.Cert.Ed.Reiki Master
Complementary Therapists Association