Meditation & Yoga
 

                           Transcendental Meditation (TM)
                                   Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1918-2008)
                                            

Brief Biography: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (birth name: Mahesh Prasad Varma) was born tentatively on January 12, 1918 in Pounalulla, in a Central Province of British India and died on February 5, 2008 in Vlodrop, Netherlands. He founded and developed the Transcendental Meditation technique and related programs and initiatives, including schools and a university with campuses in the United States and China. Around 1939, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi became a disciple of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati who, from 1941 to 1953, was the Shankaracharya (spiritual leader) of Jyotir Math, located in the Indian Himalayas.

Transcendental means to go beyond; Meditation means thinking. Transcendental Meditation (TM) simply means to go beyond thinking.  To go beyond thinking is the same as non-thinking. Or, its innermost meaning is to go to the source of thoughts generation. Thoughts have energy because they flow. Thoughts have intelligence because they can choose the direction of the flow. The source of thoughts is therefore an infinite field of energy and intelligence. By practicing the TM, one can reach that source of thoughts, and can attain the state of transcendental consciousness, where the peacefulness, blissfulness or ecstasy of expanded awareness can be experienced.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple meditation technique that was introduced to the United States and Western World in the 1960s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It involves sitting comfortably and saying a mantra (word or phrase such as RAM) over and over again for twenty minutes twice a day. The goal is to drive out distracting thoughts and reach a heightened level of awareness that produces a profound sense of deep rest.

TM is Practiced Twice a Day: TM is practiced for 15 to 20 minutes once in the morning on an empty stomach before breakfast to start the day with alertness and energy, and once again in the late afternoon just before dinner on an empty stomach to eliminate the accumulated stress of the day and as a basis for an enjoyable evening and a good night’s sleep.

How to Do TM (Transcendental Meditation)
When doing TM, you can sit crosslegged on a rug, carpet or pillow in yogi-style position or you can sit comfortably on a chair. You can meditate in any environment (outdoor or indoor) as long as it is safe. You can meditate outdoors when the light is not too bright and the place is quiet; you can meditate indoors, even in your apartment, as long as the place is quiet or noise level is low. You can practice TM anywhere in your office after work, while riding the subway on a comfortable seat, while traveling in an air plane by sitting on a comfortable seat, or even in your car parked at a highway rest stop. However the best place to practice it is in the comfort of your own home with peace of mind.

Make sure you are not interrupted for 20 minutes while you are on meditation. Take the phone off the hook and send the kids out to play with instruction not to disturb for the next half an hour. TM prescribes that you meditate for 20 minutes each session twice a day. Since meditation takes you away from time keeping frame of mind, you should have a watch or clock arranged nearby in such a way that you can easily see it without having to change your sitting position. Then approximately by the end of 20 minutes, you can open your eyes slightly to check the time. Don’t be surprised if you guess it’s only 4 or 5 minutes and then open your eyes to discover that it’s been 15 minutes. Meditation works that way as your mind shuts down from being alert. With practice you will develop a pretty good sense of when to come out of your meditation session (20 minutes), and the watch or clock won’t be even necessary any longer.

MANTRA: Now for the mantra, the word RAM, one of the Hindu names of God, is used. The person who meditates is supposed to say silently within the heart the mantra RAM or RAMA.  It is pronounced to rhyme with “bomb” RAM or RAMA.

The people of Hare Krishna Organization use RAMA for chanting the song:
“HARE KRISHNA, HARE RAMA; RAMA RAMA, HARE HARE.” 

RAM was the last word Mahatma Gandhi uttered when he was assassinated with a gunshot.

                     Mahatma Gandhi Used to Chant His Favorite Hymn Everyday:

TM is used to attain mental stability no matter how excited your state of mind is. With the aid of TM, mind settles down to a silent state of awareness where the mind is calm, collected, yet fully expanded and fully awake. This state of mind represents the simplest but pure form of human awareness. It is pure consciousness. This original settled state is completely natural. It has always been there. Only it has been lost from the experiences of human activities, lost from its use because of the noise, perturbance, stress and other factors. However TM allows the mind to attain pure consciousness rapidly and easily and effortlessly and more importantly TM practice is pleasurable and enjoyable. Extensive scientific research findings showed that, through TM, the body gains a state of profound rest and relaxation that is far deeper than any other meditation technique. They called it "deep rest."

Pure consciousness is the source of unlimited creativity and intelligence of the mind. Research has shown that attaining pure consciousness back to its natural state twice a day makes the mind more alert, creative and intelligent enough to take wise decisions by being productive in work and enjoy the life. Moreover, the deep rest provided by TM eliminates the build-up of stress and tension.

Deep Rest Thru TM Is Better Than Sleep, Physical Activity and Entertainment:
Pure consciousness can be accomplished by the deep rest thru TM meditation. Rest eliminates the stress. The deeper the rest, the better the elimination of stress is. The rest gained during a good night’s sleep may eliminate some of the stress and fatigue that comes from the daily activity. Sleep alone may not be enough to attain full relaxation as we may not be completely free from fatigue accumulated throughout the day. Some may exercise to help cope with stress, play tennis, work out at gym, take an evening walk, or listen to music, watch TV, go to a cinema, read a book, go fishing or go on a trip to ocean. But all these physical and entertainment activities may not remove the stress completely because stress clings on to the nervous system and builds up day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year. Too much worry and personal problems add up and stress levels could be multiplied to become a disaster. Therefore deep rest such as TM meditation, twice a day, is essential to bring the consciousness to its pure state. Deep rest eliminates deep stress.

Scientific findings showed that Transcendental Meditation (TM) is by far the most effective meditation technique in reducing anxiety, improving psychological health, increasing self-actualization, and reducing drug, cigarette and alcohol-related addictions.

TM is a practical and proven technique for developing more energy, creativity and intelligence¾for awakening the unlimited potential of mind and body and for enjoying greater health, happiness and success in life.

TM is Not a Religion, Not a Philosophy, Not a Lifestyle
[According to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi]
TM is practiced by millions of people of all religions including Clergy. TM supports all religions because it releases stress and purifies the mind, body and emotions of the person who practices it. However please note that some courts in US ruled that TM is a religion.

TM is a simple mechanical technique. Turning on a light switch is a technique, not a philosophy; using a lever to move a large rock is a technique, not a philosophy; Similarly Transcendental Meditation is a simple technique that is universally applicable, repeatable and verifiable by anyone anywhere without any philosophical background.

TM is so easy that it can be easily learned and practiced by anyone without ever changing the lifestyle. The benefits of TM are rewarding and highly enjoyable.

Proof that TM Lowers High Blood Pressure
TM is a simple meditation technique that was introduced to the United States in the 1960s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi of India. It involves sitting comfortably and saying a mantra (word or phrase such as RAM) over and over again for twenty minutes twice a day. The goal is to drive out distracting thoughts and reach a heightened level of awareness that produces a profound sense of rest, which Dr. Benson calls the "relaxation response."

The cardiovascular benefits of meditation are not limited to TM, according to Dr. Benson, associate professor of medicine and president of the Mind/Body Medical Institute at Deaconess Hospital. Many other techniques that involve sitting quietly, repeating a word or sound, and ignoring distracting thoughts can bring about the relaxation response. Dr. Benson emphasized one note of caution: "It's essential for people with hypertension who want to try TM or any other relaxation technique to work with their doctor and not change or stop taking medication on their own." Refer to American Journal of Managed Care, April 1996, pp. 427-437. See Dr. Benson's books below.

Benefits of TM
¨ Clearer Thinking, Improved Memory, Better Quality Sleep, Concentration and Creativity
¨ Reduces Stress and Anxiety While Increasing Energy and Vitality
¨ Improves Health, Lowers High Blood Pressure, and Promotes Reversal of Aging
¨ Improves Memory, Creativity and Intelligence
¨ Enriches and Strengthens Personal Relationships
¨ Expands the Mind to its Unlimited Cosmic Potential
¨ Develops Inner Contentment, Happiness, and Fulfillment¾the Sate of Enlightenment
¨ Creates Waves of Peace and Harmony in Individual and Collective Consciousness


Adverse Effects of TM
Some people, including a study at Stanford Research Institute, reported harmful effects of TM such as mental disorders, depression, increased negativity and less motivation in life. So it is strongly recommended that you study the effects of TM carefully before adopting it permanently and you should evaluate whether or not TM is beneficial and suits your body and mind.

For more information on TM, read the following books:  

4. TM - Transcendental Meditation : A New Introduction to Maharishi's Easy, Effective and Scientifically Proven Technique for Promoting Better Health, Unfolding Your Creative Potential, and Creating Peace in the World (Paperback)
Author: Robert Roth
Price: $8.95

5. The Transcendental Meditation TM Book: How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life (Paperback)
Author: Denise Denniston
Price: $1.99

 

Osho (real name: Bhagavan Shree Rajaneesh) was an Indian sage, born in a small village Kuchwada, Narsinghpur District, Madhya Pradesh State, India on December 11, 1931.

Osho's Amazing Enlightenment: Osho alleged in his biography that he became spiritually enlightened on 21 March 1953, when he was 21 years old. He claimed to have dropped all effort and hope. After what he describes as an intense seven-day process he went out at night to a garden in Jabalpur, India, where he sat under a tree.

Osho revealed: The moment I entered the garden everything became luminous, it was all over the place¾ the benediction, the blessedness. I could see the trees for the first time¾their green, their life, their very sap running. The whole garden was asleep, the trees were asleep. But I could see the whole garden alive, even the small grass leaves were so beautiful. I looked around. One tree was tremendously luminous¾the maulshree tree. It attracted me, it pulled me towards itself. I had not chosen it, God himself has chosen it. I went to the tree, I sat under the tree. As I sat there things started settling. The whole universe became a benediction. 

It is difficult to say how long I was in that state. When I went back home it was four o'clock in the morning, so I must have been there by clock time at least three hours, but it was infinity. It had nothing to do with clock time. It was timeless. Those three hours became the whole eternity, endless eternity. There was no time, there was no passage of time; it was the virgin reality¾uncorrupted, untouchable, immeasurable. And that day something happened that has continued, not as a continuity, but it has still continued as an undercurrent. Not as a permanency¾each moment it has been happening again and again. It has been a miracle each moment. 

DYNAMIC MEDITATION
60 Minutes of Daily Activity for 21 Days:
10 Minutes Breathing + 10 Minutes Expression + 10 Minutes Action + 15 Minutes stillness + 15 Minutes Dance

In Osho Dynamic Meditation, you have to be continuously alert in a standing position, conscious, and aware. You should remain a witness of everything happening to you throughout the meditation.

Osho Dynamic Meditation lasts for one hour long and is performed in five stages. It can be done alone, and can be even more powerful when it is done with others. When doing this meditation with others, the meditation remains an individual experience, so you should remain oblivious (unaware) of others around you and keep your eyes closed throughout, preferably using a blindfold. A blindfold will be helpful to keep your attention focused inward. It is best to have an empty stomach and wear loose, comfortable clothing. As with all meditations, make sure you are in a situation where you will not be disturbed or interrupted. To see significant results, you should do it 21 days continuously.

• First stage: 10 minutes of Intense Breathing
Breathe rapidly in and out through the nose for 10 minutes, let your breathing be intense and chaotic. Allow the breath to move deeply into the lungs, and don’t follow any set pattern or rhythm, and let it go disorganized. Allow your body movements as disorderly as possible and do not follow any set pattern. Use these natural body movements to help you build up your energy. Feel energized, and keep all the energy within you.
• Second stage: 10 minutes of Expression
After 10 minutes of intense breathing, explode to a much higher level of energy! Let go of everything that needs to be thrown out. Go totally mad, scream, shout, cry, jump, shake, dance, sing, laugh, throw yourself around. Through this frenzy activity, through out all madness and frustration that has been within you. Hold nothing back, keep your whole body moving without any premeditated course of action. Don't allow your mind notice what is happening. Keep going like that for 10 minutes.
• Third stage: 10 minutes of Mantra Action
Raise your arms, jump up and down shouting the mantra HOO! HOO! HOO! as deeply as possible and as loudly as you can. Each time you land, on the flats of your feet, let the sound hammer deep into the sex center. Give all you have, exhaust yourself totally.
• Fourth stage: 15 minutes of Stillness
STOP jumping! Freeze where you are in whatever position you find yourself. Don't arrange the body in any pre-determined posture. A cough, a movement, anything will dissipate the energy flow and the effort will be lost. Be a witness to everything that is happening to you.
• Fifth stage: 15 minutes of Celebration
Celebrate it with happiness! You have just thrown away all your madness and frustrations into the vacuum that is vastly available in the space. Sing and dance for what you have just accomplished, be appreciative of yourself, and be proud of yourself. Carry these positive feelings throughout the day wherever you go and whatever you do. Be mindful of your true self as your consciousness will reach its pure natural state in 21 consecutive days.
 

KUNDALINI MEDITATION
60 Minutes of Daily Activity for 21 Days:
15 Relaxing & Shaking + 15 Dance + 15 Minutes Sitting & Standing + 15 Minutes Stillness

Osho Kundalini meditation is a more relaxed form of Active meditation compared to dynamic meditation. Osho Dynamic Meditation lasts for one hour long and is performed in four stages. This meditation is ideal for rejuvinating and energizing one’s self.

• First Stage: 15 minutes of Relaxing and Shaking the Body
In a standing position, shake the body for 15 minutes as vigorously as you can allowing your whole body remain loose without any direct muscle control.
• Second Stage: 15 minutes of Dance
Dance spontaneously for another 15 minutes in a relaxed manner, expressing yourself wherever your mood takes you.
• Third Stage: 15 minutes of Sitting and Standing
Exercise yourself for 15 minutes by sitting and standing yet allowing your whole body be entirely still, and observing and becoming a witness of both inner and outer sensations as they occur.
• Fourth Stage: 15 minutes of Stillness
Lay down as if you were suddenly collapsed for another 15 minutes, with your arms balanced at either side of your body and relax entirely, just forgetting all your problems, and making no effort to do anything.

For additional information read the books of Osho listed below.

Testimonials
"Osho is an enlightened master who is working with all possibilities to help humanity overcome a difficult phase in developing consciousness." -- Dalai Lama

"Osho's brilliant insights will benefit all those who yearn for experiential knowledge of the field of pure potentiality inherent in every human being." -- Deepak Chopra

 

7. The Best Guide to Meditation
Author:  Victor N. Davich
List Price: $17.95  Price: $12.21

8. Self-Meditation (Paperback)
Author:  Barbara Ann Kipfer  List Price: $8.95  Price: $8.95

9. The Meditation Bible: The Definitive Guide to Meditations
Author: Madonna Gauding
List Price: $14.95  Price: $10.17

10. Opening to Meditation: A Gentle, Guided Approach (Book & CD
Author: Diana Lang
List Price: $19.95  Price: $13.57