General Info:
What is the TM technique? It’s a simple, natural technique practiced 20 minutes twice each day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. Transcendental Meditation — brought to the West in 1959 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi — is an ancient technique that's easy to learn and enjoyable to practice. It's not a religion, philosophy, or lifestyle. Over six million people have learned it — people of all ages, cultures, and religions. What if I “can’t meditate”? Have you ever tried to meditate, and found you couldn’t do it because your mind is too active — or maybe the technique was uncomfortable in some way? It’s a common experience because almost all techniques involve some kind of control or focus. The big difference! This is what makes the TM technique completely different — it’s so easy and enjoyable that anyone can do it, even children with ADHD. No concentrating or focusing No control of the mind No mindfulness (monitoring of thoughts) No trying to “empty the mind” How can TM be effective if it’s so easy? Interestingly, it’s effective because it’s completely effortless. The TM technique uses the natural tendency of the mind to automatically draw your attention inward, through quieter and quieter levels of thought, until you experience your own innermost nature — the most peaceful and silent level of your mind. TM’s effectiveness has been documented in hundreds of published research studies. This wide range of studies has found that TM is the most effective technique for improving stress-related conditions and brain function.Why is effort in meditation counter-productive? Other techniques involving control (concentration or focus) or monitoring (mindfulness) tend to keep your awareness on the surface — on the active level of your mind. The effort (even if small) required by such techniques impedes transcending. In other words, it prevents you from naturally experiencing the state of deep inner peacefulness.