Transcendental Meditation (TM)

Brief Description: Transcendental Meditation was introduced to the west by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi who based TM on the ancient Vedic tradition in India. TM technique allows the mind to relax beyond thought to pure awareness, known as transcendental consciousness – your inner most self. TM techniques are taught by certified teachers through personalized instruction, follow-up and support, completed in a 7-step program. During the personalized step, the student is given a sound called a mantra, which has no meaning assigned to it and is utilized as a thought in the mediation process as a way to quiet the mind. The meditation is described as effortless, natural, simple. TM is not a religion or lifestyle or philosophy but rather a technique to meditate. Of all meditations, TM has been the most scientifically studied and is said to be the most practiced mediation in the world. TM is purported to improve brain function, health, focus, creativity, equanimity, relationships, happiness and peace.

What is the main focus? To achieve a natural, deep state of rest.

Is it a religion? The technique is non-sectarian but has influences by ancient Indian and Hindu tradition.

Does it involve chanting? No but a mantra (sound) is used as a quiet thought.

What is the meditation posture? Any seated position as long as the practitioner is comfortable.

What is the average meditation practice time? 20 minutes, twice per day

Where is the technique usually practiced? Anywhere the practitioner can find a comfortable seat.

How do you learn the technique? Sanctioned TM teachers offer Standardized courses throughout the world.

Scientifically proven benefits: “Well controlled research has shown that for reducing stress and promoting health, all meditation practices are not equal. People who come to me for relief from stress—and stress related disorders—need a meditation that won’t take a long time to master and will produce consistent results right away. Even though TM is a mental technique, because of the mind/body relationship the practice has extensive physiological effects. This can only result from the fact that TM allows the mind to settle very deeply inward in an effortless, natural way. TM teachers call this transcending. It’s what sets TM apart and why the practice is so beneficial—for mind and body—right from the start.”

—Gary Kaplan, MD, faculty, New York University School of Medicine.

The most significant breakthrough came in 1967 when Dr Herbert Benson a professor of medicine afraid of what his peers would say to a study on transcendental meditators, sneaked 36 of them into his laboratory and found that when they meditated they used; 17% less oxygen, lowered their heart rates by three beats a minute, and increased the brain waves that come just before sleep. His studies went on to be known famously as The Relaxation Response.
http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/benefits-of-buddhist-meditation-1017650.html

Over 600 scientific studies at more than 200 independent research institutions make the TM technique the most thoroughly researched program in the field of human development. What Research Says: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has spent more than $21 million conducting research on the beneficial effects of the Transcendental Meditation program on heart disease alone. Benefits for Everyone. Scientific studies confirm that the technique works—and brings remarkable benefits to people around the world. Research on the TM has been published in more than 100 leading scientific journals, including Scientific American, Business and Health, Science, and the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Positive effects of TM Include:

Mind: Development of Intelligence—Increased IQ in University Students, Improved Memory, Increased Use of Hidden Brain Reserves, Increased EEG Coherence During Transcendental Consciousness

Body: Physiological Indicators of Deep Rest, Reduction of High Blood Pressure, Younger Biological Age, Decreased Insomnia, Reduction of High Cholesterol , Reduced Illness and Medical Expenditures, Decreased Outpatient Visits Indicating Healthier Aging, Decreased Cigarette Smoking, Decreased Alcohol Use

Relationships: Decreased Anxiety, Increased Personal Development, Decreased Depression, Increased Calmness

Professional Life: Increased Job Satisfaction, Improved Job Performance
World: Decreased Terrorism, Decreased Crime Rate in Cities, Global Maharishi Effect: Reduced International Conflict http://archive.tm.org/discover/research/

Cost to learn? Adult course fee: $1500, Full-time student: $750, Those in financial need, for example, retired people on fixed income, and single parents in need: $750, Couple: $1500 + $750 for partner, Children under 18 (if learning to meditate with a parent): $375

More Information:

http://www.tm.org/
http://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/
http://www.maharishi.org/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY97P07PMho&feature=related

Yelp Reviews:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/transcendental-meditation-program-beverly-hills
http://www.yelp.com/biz/david-lynch-foundation-hollywood#hrid:VaJNP2wJERXNBgmQGurabw/src:search/query:transcendental%20meditation

Famous TM Meditators:

Heather Graham (Actress)
Mick Jagger (Singer)
David Lynch (Director)
Andy Kaufman (comedian)
The Beatles
Russell Simmons (Entreprenur)
Jerry Seinfeld (Comedian)