Transcendental Meditation is so much more than relaxation

For most people the goal of meditation is relaxation and reduction of stress. We could all use more of that with the current challenges and uncertainties of life. Transcendental Meditation provides this in an easy and effective way but also allows us to access the deepest levels of the mind and tap into our full mental potential.

We understand that when we are busy and tired we are more likely to forget things and feel overwhelmed, so taking time out for meditation is important. However once you get past the waves of fatigue and agitation of a stress- filled mind, there are profound levels of intelligence and insight.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who brought Transcendental Meditation from the Himalayas to the western world, at one stage wanted to change the name of Transcendental Meditation. People had all sorts of preconceptions about meditation; that it was hard to do and took ages to get results, that it required concentration and controlling the mind and that it made people impractical. 

Maharishi’s technique of Transcendental Meditation is easy, enjoyable and people experience the benefits straight away. It is a highly practical technique to use more of the latent potential of the mind and to rejuvenate the body. It is not a matter of switching off the mind but rather illuminating all the depths of the mind. Maharishi said that instead of calling it Transcendental Meditation he should have called it the Science of Creative Intelligence. 

As a science it has both the theoretical and the practical aspect. There is the theory of how it works and what will unfold in the individual’s consciousness, and the practical experience inner Transcendental Consciousness. The development of consciousness that comes about through the experience of Transcendental Meditation is not a random experience, it is a verified phenomenon that can be understood in relation to Quantum Physics.

The reason why he wanted to call it Creative Intelligence is that in TM the awareness fathoms all levels of the mind, that correspond to all levels of life, from the superficial level of reality that we all experience to the subatomic level of fluctuating particles. When the mind experiences these subtle levels of life, it comes out infused with creativity and energy. While you may not be able to directly perceive subatomic levels of your surroundings when you first learn TM, you are able to take in more of your environment. Meditators report that the world appears more vibrant, intuition is enhanced and there is a greater sense of unity with other people and the surroundings.

Scientific research shows that regular practitioners of Transcendental Meditation can raise their IQ. Brain imaging shows that during TM there is more blood flow to the brain and increased EEG coherence. Transcendental Meditation is used in schools, prisons and businesses. Successful athletes, film directors and musicians attribute their success and creativity to their daily TM practice and in turn meditation is being accepted as a necessary key to a balanced life.