Welcome to a world of inner peace and tranquility, where you can experience a heightened state of consciousness with the help of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique. Developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s, TM has gained popularity worldwide as an effective way to calm the mind and attain a state of deep relaxation.
TM is a specific form of meditation that involves the use of a mantra, or a sound, which is repeated silently during a meditation session. While there are many forms of meditation, TM is unique in that it does not require any effort or concentration. Rather, it is a simple and effortless technique that can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their age, background or lifestyle.
To learn the TM technique, it is important to seek out a certified TM teacher. This teacher will guide you through the practice and help you to achieve the deepest level of relaxation possible. The TM technique is easy to learn, but it is important to have a certified teacher to ensure that you are practicing correctly and getting the most out of your TM practice.
TM has been shown to have many benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, increased creativity, improved brain function, and better sleep. Unlike other forms of meditation, which may require you to focus on your breath or thoughts, TM allows you to effortlessly transcend the mind and experience inner peace.
If you are looking for a way to improve your overall well-being and experience greater levels of calm and clarity, consider incorporating the TM technique into your daily routine. With the guidance of a certified TM teacher, you can unlock the benefits of this powerful form of meditation and experience the transformative power of inner peace.
We do have the full list of transcendental meditation mantras available free here on On Your Journey, so be sure to check those out.
Table of Contents
- How to Practise Transcendental Meditation
- Benefits of Transcendental Meditation
- Transcendental Meditation FAQ
- More Types of Meditation
- Share
How to Practise Transcendental Meditation
How To Practice the Transcendental Meditation Technique
Step by step guidance for how to follow the transcendental meditation technique
Materials
- A quiet space
Tools
- Yourself
Instructions
- Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit where you will not be disturbed for the duration of your meditation.
- Sit in a comfortable position with your eyes closed and your hands resting gently in your lap.
- Choose a mantra, which is a sound or phrase that you will repeat silently during the meditation. The mantra is chosen specifically for you by a certified TM teacher during the instruction process.
- Begin repeating the mantra silently in your mind. Allow the mantra to be repeated effortlessly and without any effort or concentration.
Continue repeating the mantra for 20 minutes, twice a day, in the morning and evening. - After 20 minutes, stop repeating the mantra and sit quietly for a few moments before opening your eyes.
Notes
It's important to note that in order to learn the TM technique, it is recommended to seek out a certified TM teacher who will provide you with personalized instruction and guidance. The teacher will also ensure that you are practicing the technique correctly and getting the most benefit from your TM practice. With regular practice, the TM technique can help you to experience a deeper state of relaxation and inner peace, and unlock numerous benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Benefits of Transcendental Meditation
There are numerous physical benefits associated with regular practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM). Here are a few examples of the benefits of TM.
Reduced stress
TM has been shown to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol, leading to decreased levels of stress and anxiety.
This can also lead to a reduction in stress-related symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue. It also leads to reducing chronic stress and leading to improved mental health.
Lower blood pressure
TM has been linked to lower blood pressure, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Improved sleep: Practicing TM has been shown to improve the quality of sleep, allowing for better rest and rejuvenation.
Reduced inflammation
Chronic inflammation has been linked to a range of health problems including arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. TM has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help reduce the risk of these conditions.
Increased energy
Regular TM practice can increase energy levels, making it easier to stay focused and alert throughout the day.
Enhanced brain function
TM has been shown to improve brain function, including increased cognitive flexibility, better memory and clarity of mind.
Positive effect on the nervous system
Regular transcendental meditation practice has been shown to have a positive impact on the nervous system. TM practice leads to a state of deep relaxation, which can activate the parasympathetic nervous system – the “rest and digest” system that helps the body to relax and recover.
This activation of the parasympathetic nervous system can lead to a range of benefits, including decreased heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduced levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. This in turn can lead to improved immune function, better sleep, and a greater sense of well-being.
Studies have also shown that regular TM practice can lead to changes in brain function, including increased activity in the prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, planning, and problem-solving. These changes in brain function can lead to improved cognitive function, increased creativity, and better emotional regulation.
Overall, regular practice of TM can have a positive impact on physical health, leading to improved well-being and a greater sense of vitality. As you can see, the transcendental meditation benefits are enough to consider giving it a try!
If you would like to read more about the benefits of meditation in general, with all types of meditation not just mantra-based meditation, you can read more here.
Transcendental Meditation FAQ
Is Transcendental Meditation A Mindfulness Meditation?
Should You Use Deep Breaths, Or Specific Type of Breathing in TM?
Which celebrities practice Transcendental Meditation (TM)?
What are Pure Consciousness and Transcendental Consciousness?
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is not considered a mindfulness meditation. While both TM and mindfulness meditation involve bringing the mind to a state of relaxation and calmness, they differ in their approach and techniques.
Mindfulness meditation typically involves focusing the mind on the present moment, observing thoughts and sensations without judgment. It often involves techniques such as breath awareness and body scanning.
On the other hand, TM involves the use of a mantra, which is a meaningless sound or phrase repeated silently during the meditation.
This is a different type of meditation and the goal of TM is to transcend the thinking process and experience a state of inner peace and stillness. Unlike mindfulness meditation, which can require effort and concentration, TM is designed to be effortless and easy to practice.
While both TM and mindfulness meditation have been shown to have numerous health benefits, they are distinct forms of meditation with different techniques and approaches.
In Transcendental Meditation (TM), the focus is on repeating a mantra silently in the mind. The technique does not involve conscious control of the breath or specific breathing patterns. Rather, the aim is to allow the breath to flow naturally and effortlessly.
During TM practice, the mind becomes deeply relaxed, and the body follows suit, becoming naturally more calm and peaceful. This state of relaxation can result in slower and deeper breathing, but it is not something that is consciously controlled or directed.
It’s important to note that the goal of TM is to allow the mind to transcend thought and experience a deep state of relaxation and inner peace. While deep breathing techniques can be helpful in other forms of meditation, in TM the focus is on effortlessly repeating the mantra and allowing the mind to become deeply calm and quiet.
Many celebrities have publicly endorsed and practiced Transcendental Meditation (TM). Here are a few examples:
Oprah Winfrey: Oprah has been a longtime advocate of TM and has spoken publicly about how the practice has helped her to manage stress and improve her overall well-being.
Jerry Seinfeld: Seinfeld has credited TM with helping him to stay calm and focused during the hectic years of his television show.
Hugh Jackman: Jackman has spoken publicly about how TM has helped him to deal with anxiety and stress in his personal and professional life.
Katy Perry: Perry has credited TM with helping her to manage stress and stay centered during her busy career as a musician.
Cameron Diaz: Diaz has been practicing TM for many years and has spoken publicly about how the practice has helped her to find inner peace and balance in her life.
Ellen DeGeneres: DeGeneres has credited TM with helping her to manage stress and stay centered throughout her career as a television host and comedian.
These are just a few examples of celebrities who have publicly endorsed and practiced TM. Many other public figures have also spoken about the benefits of the practice and how it has helped them to manage stress, improve their health, and achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives.
Pure consciousness and transcendental consciousness are two terms used in Transcendental Meditation (TM) to describe different levels of awareness that can be experienced during the practice.
Pure consciousness refers to the state of pure awareness that exists beyond the mind and thoughts. It is described as a state of pure being, in which the individual experiences a deep sense of inner peace, bliss, and unity with the universe. This state is said to be the source of all creativity, intelligence, and happiness.
Transcendental consciousness, on the other hand, refers to the state of consciousness experienced during the practice of TM. This state is said to be characterized by a profound sense of relaxation, inner peace, and mental clarity. It is described as a state of deep rest, in which the mind transcends thought and experiences a state of pure consciousness.
According to TM philosophy, regular practice of the technique can lead to a gradual development of these states of consciousness, resulting in a greater sense of well-being and inner peace. The ultimate goal of the practice is to experience the state of pure consciousness on a permanent basis, even in the midst of daily life.
Do not miss our list of TM mantras which will help you out in your tm meditation, as the use of mantras is key for this practice.
More Types of Meditation
Find out more about some other types of meditation which can also be powerful and healing.
- Cord Cutting Meditation: A Comprehensive Guide to Releasing Emotional Ties
- 10-Minute Self Kindness Guided Meditation
- Relaxing Guided Mindful Meditation for Sleep
- Best Incense for Meditation: 11 Scents To Try
- The Best Crystals for Meditation and How to Use Them
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Anna is a Wales-based writer and graduate from SOAS University of London.
As the voice behind On Your Journey, she empowers women to embrace holistic well-being and spiritual growth through her expert insights into wellness and symbolism.
When she isn't writing thought-provoking articles, you'll find her busy crafting and raising her 4 children.
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