Learning Transcendental Meditation

The benefits of learning Transcendental Meditation are numerous, but for many people the cost is prohibitive.

Meditation on a Mountain

What is Transcendental Meditation?

Practiced throughout the world, Transcendental Meditation was first introduced outside of India in 1958 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Also known as TM, Transcendental Meditation is a technique that is used to bring the mind and body to a state of balance and deep rest through a form of mantra meditation.

Followers of TM, practice the technique twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes sitting in a comfortable position in a calm, quiet setting. By repeatedly focusing on their mantra word, the person meditating experiences a sense of restful alertness and awareness. To achieve this state the body must reach a very deep state of restfulness while the mind is in a complete state of wakefulness and inner calmness.

Benefits of Transcendental Meditation

Through the years there have been more then 600 scientific research studies conducted in 27 countries at 210 independent research institutions and universities. The results of these studies have been printed in more than 100 scientific journals. Based on these studies the benefits of transcendental meditation include:

• Reduced anxiety and stress
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Improved overall health
• Improved learning, creative and mental abilities
• Quicker reaction time
• Increased self-confidence

The Seven Steps of Learning Transcendental Meditation

Transcendental Meditation is taught in similar programs throughout the world at Maharishi Vedic Universities, Schools and their affiliates. In their programs there are seven steps to learning TM:

1. Introductory Lecture - Approximately 90 minutes long, the first session is a public lecture that covers topics including a description of Transcendental Meditation, its benefits and how to get started learning the technique.
2. Preparatory Lecture - The next session covers the mechanics of the TM technique in a ninety minute public lecture and discussion session. The session covers how Transcendental Meditation works, the differences between TM and other meditation methods, its origin and the basics of learning the technique.
3. A Personal Interview - The third session is a personal interview with a trained transcendental meditation teacher that will last approximately fifteen minutes. During his time you will have a chance to ask any questions that you may have.
4. Personal Instruction - The fourth day is a two-hour session of one-to-one instruction from a qualified Transcendental Meditation teacher where the technique is taught.
5. Checking Seminar Day One - The fifth day consists of a two-hour seminar used to review the techniques of TM. This session is attended by everyone that received personal instruction the day before.
6. Checking Seminar Day Two - The following day the same group attends another two-hour seminar to check on individual TM techniques, answer any additional questions and explain how to stabilize the benefits of Transcendental Meditation.
7. Checking Seminar Day Three - On the seventh day the group meets to answer any new questions. The teacher will also go over everyone’s individual Transcendental Meditation technique and discuss goals.

In addition to the basic steps, there are many follow-up programs that are optional, including TM-Shidi and Yogic Flying.

The Cost of Transcendental Meditation Instruction

In 2008, attending the seven step course at any Maharishi Vedic University, School or affiliate costs $2,500. There are additional charges for any follow-up courses or programs. The TM- Sidhi program, a follow up extension of TM, claims to help a person reach the state of enlightenment. The fees for follow-up courses, TM-Sidhi and Yogic Flying can range from $1,000 to more then $10,000.

Transcendental Meditation Learning Centers

Transcendental meditation is only taught at Maharishi Vedic Universities, Schools and their affiliates. There are centers located throughout the world.

Alternatives to TM Learning Centers

Many former teachers of TM have branched out on their own and are teaching mantra meditation which is very similar to TM. One reason many teachers left the Transcendental Meditation movement was the $16,000 recertification fee imposed on them. Others left because of the rising cost of the technique’s instruction. They felt many people that could benefit by learning the technique could not afford the high instruction fee.

Conclusion

Learning Transcendental Meditation is a useful technique for reducing stress and achieving an overall healthier lifestyle. However, due to the high cost of instruction many people need to consider alternate forms of meditation techniques.

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