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Transcendental Meditation in brief:
Unique – no concentration, no mind-control, no belief system
Verified – hundreds of scientific studies in leading journals
Wide-ranging benefits: reduced anxiety, better sleep, happiness, creativity, more energy, relief from stress, improved relationships, "greater spiritual awareness", "clarity of mind", "inner calm", reduced addictive behaviour, lowering of high blood pressure, and healthier ageing, to give some examples.
Certified Teachers – regulated by the Maharishi Vedic Institute®
Centres throughout the country and worldwide organisation with advanced programmes and ongoing support.
What isTranscendental Meditation
THE QUESTIONS MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED ABOUT TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION
What is Transcendental Meditation?
Transcendental Meditation is a simple technique which gives a unique quality of rest to mind and body. It allows stress and tiredness to be released in a natural way, resulting in greater energy, clarity and enjoyment of life.
How much time will it take out of my day?
Twenty minutes, twice a day. Often this can be accommodated with no real change of routine. It can even be done on the train to work. Furthermore people often find that the extra energy and clarity gained from Transcendental Meditation actually saves them time.
Will it take me years to master?
Just the opposite. You are not embarking on a lifelong quest, but a couple of hours on each of four consecutive days, with an optional (but recommended) three-month follow-up programme to ensure that you are gaining full benefit. At the end of this time you will be self-sufficient in the practice. You are not joining a group or becoming part of an organisation.
Can anyone learn? I can't keep my mind still.
Anyone can practise Transcendental Meditation. The technique allows the activity of the mind to settle down in a natural way until it is left quiet, yet wide awake. It's so simple.
Can children learn?
Transcendental Meditation is so simple that even children as young as five can learn and practise it without any difficulty. Between the ages of five and ten, children do not sit and close their eyes to meditate, but use a Word of Wisdom™ during a period of quiet activity. The Word of Wisdom technique helps children naturally become more settled in themselves, stable, and attentive. Children continue to practise their Word of Wisdom because it it is so enjoyable and effortless.
But will it be a long time before I start to benefit?
The long-term benefits of regular meditation are cumulative, but new meditators often notice that they look and feel better almost immediately.
Will I become calm to the point of not caring; lose my edge?
No. People in positions of responsibility who take up Transcendental Meditation find that the removal of stress gives them clarity, perspective and vigour. Not to mention many health benefits and improvements in relations with friends and family.
Will I be required to study a great deal?
Not at all. The practice of Transcendental Meditation requires no intellectual effort. Everything you need to know will be explained in simple language during the course.
Will it interfere with my existing beliefs?
No. Transcendental Meditation is a simple technique that aids relaxation, relieves stress and provides physical and mental energy. The practice does not conflict with any existing beliefs, religious or otherwise; yet at the same time people often find that regular meditation gives clarity and perspective to their highest aspirations.
Will I be required to chant, or adopt unusual postures?
No. When you meditate you sit comfortably with your eyes closed, in silence. To the onlooker it will appear as though you are dozing. It is perfectly possible, for instance, to meditate on a train journey.
How does it differ from other systems of meditation?
Other systems generally involve either concentration (which means effort) or contemplation (thinking about something), both of which tend to keep the mind lively and active. Transcendental Meditation is a completely natural, effortless practice.
I have a history of ill-health. Can I meditate safely?
Yes, it is completely safe. Of course if you are taking medical treatment we recommend that you continue to take your doctor's advice.
Incidentally, a large and growing number of health professionals both practise Transcendental Meditation and recommend it to their patients.
The health benefits are far-reaching and have been rigourously examined in literally hundreds of prestigious medical publications. So much so that a delegation of British doctors has petitioned the Department of Health in Westminster to make the practice more widely available on the NHS.
The benefits sound really good, so why doesn't everyone do it?
In fact tens of thousands of people in this country and millions of people around the world practise Transcendental Meditation every day.
But in the final analysis, is it really compatible with a modern, Western lifestyle?
Absolutely! In fact the busier we become, the more important it is that we take time to rest properly - to recharge our batteries.
QUALIFICATION DETAILS Member of Maharishi Vedic Institute, professional regulatory body for Teachers of Transcendental Meditation in the UK.
