In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, finding solace and inner peace often seems like an elusive dream. I, too, was caught up in the chaos until a serendipitous encounter led me to a meditation guru who would transform my life eight years ago. My perspective shifted, and I started to see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Embracing the teachings of the meditation guru who selflessly shares her wisdom, I learned the essence of practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM) without expectations, guided by the motto “Take it as it comes.” This philosophy discourages judgment and expectations, emphasizing the importance of embracing the practice as it unfolds.
TM, rooted in ancient Indian traditions and integrated into the Yoga system and Ayurveda, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The teachings of great spiritual figures, such as Lord Krishna, Lord Buddha, and Christ, all share the essence of TM as a path to inner transcendence and peace.
His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi inspired by his master Brahmananda Saraswati, played a pivotal role in reviving the tradition of effortless TM. In 1955, Maharishi began to introduce TM to India and the world. Today, millions of people in over 150 countries practice TM, unlocking the full potential of life through a simple, effortless, and natural approach.
TM allows the active mind to settle, leading to a silent and peaceful level of awareness. Its simplicity does not imply it is only for beginners, rather it reflects an elegant simplicity that can be learned from the age of ten.
TM is effortless, involving neither contemplation nor concentration, and is natural, aligning with the innate direction of the mind toward happiness, charm, energy, and intelligence.
Notably, TM is not a religious practice but a scientific discovery and technology applicable independently of religious beliefs. No lifestyle changes, special attire, or dietary adjustments are required, and concentration is unnecessary for its practice.
So far, 700 research has been done on the technique of transcendental meditation in more than 235 research institutes and universities in 32 countries.
TM serves as a natural way to release accumulated tensions, going deeper than sleep to address deeply rooted traumatic stresses. Research, including a Harvard Medical School study, indicates that TM induces a state of rest twice as deep as the deepest sleep, leading to a fourth state of consciousness beyond waking, sleeping, and dreaming.
The analogy of the ocean with waves on the surface and calm depths illustrates the functioning of the mind. Similarly, the constant activity on the surface of the mind gives way to inner silence and peace when the mind transcends thoughts, revealing the unbounded source of creativity, happiness, clarity, and focus.
The practice of TM is described as enjoying each moment without attachment or anticipation, leading to a blissful experience. His Holiness Maharishi’s writings highlight the conscious nature of thinking, linking it to the source of thought to bring limitless life energy from the transcendental Being.
In his 1963 book, The Science of Being and The Art of Living, His Holiness Maharishi wrote: “The art of thinking, and it’s practical application, lies in bringing the mind to the source of thought in a conscious manner so that when the mind picks up the seed of thought it brings along with it limitless life energy from the field of transcendental Being as well.” “Rest is the basis of dynamic activity.”
His Holiness Maharishi went on to write: “The art of archery is to draw the arrow back on the bow as far as possible and then to release the arrow, sending it ahead with great force.” He further wrote that as thinking becomes more powerful, through our TM practice, desires and aspirations are more easily fulfilled.
At the same time His Holiness Maharishi always cautioned against the artificial habit of positive thinking which he considered mood-making. He said, a beggar may have the thought, “I am a King, I am a King,” but he will still be dressed in rags. Our daily life is a practical reality that we spontaneously live and we don’t need to remind ourselves about it.
My TM journey reflects a deep connection to the ancient wisdom of meditation, offering a path to inner peace, creativity, and fulfillment in a way that transcends religious boundaries and aligns with the natural course of the mind.
