"Transcendental Meditation opens the awareness to the
infinite reservoir of energy, creativity and intelligence that
lies deep within everyone.
"By enlivening this most basic level of life,
Transcendental Meditation is that one simple procedure which can
raise the life of every individual and every society to its full
dignity, in which problems are absent and perfect health,
happiness, and a rapid pace of progress are the natural features
of life."
– Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental Meditation (sometimes known as TM) is a simple, natural technique of deep rest and relaxation, practised for 15-20 minutes in the morning
and evening, while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. During
the technique, both mind and body settle down and experience a unique
state of restful alertness. The
mind goes beyond (or 'transcends') all mental activity to experience its most settled state
of awareness, transcendental consciousness, where consciousness is
open just to itself. The mind is wide awake and clear, and yet deeply rested. After meditation, one engages in activity with greater energy, clarity, and organising power.
Over 600 scientific research studies have proved the benefits of Transcendental Meditation in every area of life.
Some of the most prominent benefits include:
Reduced insomnia, anxiety, and depression
Increased intelligence (IQ) and academic performance, improved memory
Reduced high blood pressure, improved overall cardiovascular health
Increased happiness, creativity, greater self-actualisation
Who can practise Transcendental Meditation?
Transcendental Meditation is enjoyed by people from all walks of
life: doctors, university professors, homemakers, sports
teams, company directors, teachers, students, retired people,
parents, unemployed people ... everyone.
It is easy to learn, simple, natural, takes just a few minutes each day
and produces deeper rest even than sleep. The technique is scientific, systematic, requiring
neither specific beliefs nor adoption of a particular lifestyle.
It doesn't matter what sort of a person you are: calm or restless, happy or anxious, active or reflective. These differences are relatively superficial. At a deeper level, everyone's mind is based on a silent reservoir of inner creativity and happiness; and this is the level we experience during Transcendental Meditation. Daily contact with this field allows the full potential of mind and body to unfold naturally.
What are the benefits?
The profound level of rest gained during TM enables the body's
natural healing mechanisms to operate fully and thereby dissolve
accumulated stress and tension, the root cause of much of all the illnesses and social problems found in modern society. By eliminating stress and improving the functioning of mind
and body, the practice benefits a wide range of health problems.
Research has shown that the technique improves intelligence,
creativity and academic achievement, reduces stress, anxiety,
insomnia and high blood pressure, decreases drug and alcohol abuse, improves all aspects of
health (according to one study health care costs are reduced by an
average of 55%), reverses ageing, and improves social behaviour and leads to more fulfilling relationships. See more benefits
How does Transcendental Meditation work?
The Transcendental Meditation technique is a simple, natural
effortless procedure whereby the mind easily and naturally arrives
at the source of all thought--transcendental consciousness--pure
consciousness, which is the source of all creative processes.
This process can be likened to a river which naturally and
effortlessly flows into the ocean and gains the status of the ocean.
This experience of transcendental consciousness develops the
individual's latent creative potential while dissolving accumulated
stress and fatigue through the deep rest gained during the practice.
It enlivens within the individual's awareness creativity, dynamism,
orderliness, and organizing power, which results in increasing
effectiveness and success in daily life.
The
practice does not involve any effort or concentration. It is easy to
learn and does not require any special ability. People of all ages,
educational backgrounds, cultures, and religions in countries
throughout the world practice the technique and enjoy its wide range
of benefits.
Transcendental Meditation (TM) - South Africa
Transcendental Meditation is taught in South Africa by qualified instructors registered with Maharishi Vedic Institute -- a Non-Profit Organisation, registration number 025-663-NPO. There are teaching centres in most of the main cities, including Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Pretoria, and Johannesburg.
Click here for more information.
