Here is a video of Maharishi explaining what is Transcendental Meditation (click on blank box if you have flash-blockers).
What is Transcendental Meditation (TM) | Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
What is Transcendental Meditation or better-known as just TM? A simple, natural, effortless procedure (inner meditation) practised twice daily while sitting comfortably in a meditative pose or on a chair with the eyes closed. It’s not a religion, philosophy or lifestyle – but is one of the most widely practised and most researched forms of meditation available to the mind settle beyond thought to experience the most silent and peaceful level of consciousness, the innermost Self.
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Name: |
Transcendental Meditation founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi |
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Birth, Age, Death: |
Maharishi 12 January 1917 – 5 February 2008 |
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Nationality: |
India |
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Method/Religion started: |
Transcendental Meditation (TM) |
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Holy book/teachings: |
Transcendental Meditation technique |
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Followers: |
Over 5 million |
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Lifestyle requirements: |
Recommend vegetarian diet and simple life; avoid excessive sensual indulgence |
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Form of practice: |
Mantra Meditation, breathe and other advanced based on levels. Recommends 20 minutes twice daily. |
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Wiki (encyclopedia) link: |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharishi_Mahesh_Yogi |
As with other great gurus, he had a surreal sense of humour so often laughed during interviews earning him the title of “giggling saint”. He saw life is game, in which we children play wholeheartedly and entertain our holy Father. He said “”being happy is of the utmost importance. Success in anything is through happiness. Under all circumstances be happy. Just think of any negativity that comes at you as a raindrop falling into the ocean of your bliss… within everyone is an unlimited reservoir of energy, intelligence, and happiness”
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is reported to be one of the most widely practised and researched meditation techniques with countless studies all over the world regarding its renowned benefits. It should be noted however, meditation alone provides benefits so how much extra the Transcendental Meditation (TM) method provides is unclear.
The Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice involves the use of a sound or mantra and is practised for 15-20 minutes twice per day, while sitting comfortably with closed eyes. It is recommended immediately upon waking in the morning and in the afternoon before dinner, but not recommended immediately before or after sleeping, or after eating. The mantra is given by the teacher. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi selected the mantra from hundreds in the Vedas, he was led to them after encountering his own sat guru, Shankaracharya Swami Brahmananda Saraswati.
- “The whole purpose of life is to gain enlightenment. Nothing else is significant compared to that completely natural, exalted state of consciousness. So always strive for that. Set your life around that goal. Don’t get caught up in small things, and then it will be yours.”
- “We have an infinite number of reasons to be happy, and a serious responsibility not to be serious.”
- “Love opens all doors; no matter how closed they may be, no matter how rusty from lack of use. Your work is to bring unity and harmony, to open all doors which have been closed for a long time. Have patience and tolerance. Open your heart all the time.”
- “Meditate and enjoy. TM in the am and the pm. Water the root to enjoy the fruit. 20 minutes in the bank, all day in the market place.”
