Is Transcendental Meditation Right for You? Understanding Its Benefits and Effects

Transcendental Meditation (TM) has been gaining attention for its potential benefits in mental health and spirituality. However, the practice has complex effects on the brain and may not be suitable for everyone. This article explores the factors to consider before investing in a TM course.

Understanding the Science Behind TM

Transcendental Meditation is a form of meditation developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It involves a prescribed mantra that is repeated silently to oneself for a set period of time. The practice is designed to induce a state of transcendental consciousness, characterized by deep relaxation and heightened awareness.

Sample Hand Preference: A Lighthearted Quirk

While choosing between TM and another form of meditation, it is often said that if you usually use your right hand when picking your nose or scratching yourself, think of it as a sign. But be cautious if you are predominantly left-handed. While this is not a scientifically validated indicator, it might provide some insight into your potential comfort level with the practice.

spiritual Transformations and TM

TM is not just a relaxation technique; it is also considered a spiritual practice aimed at achieving a pure sense-of-self. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder, encouraged his students to explore the scientific study of meditation and enlightenment, pioneering extensive research on this topic.

Researchers involved in these studies found that 17 subjects with an average combined meditation experience of 18,000 hours reported experiencing a continuous pure sense-of-self for at least a year. These subjects described profound spiritual transformations, including:

A sense of a larger, immeasurably vast and all-pervading self. An awareness of divine intelligence and interconnectedness. A feeling of being without edges, content, or restrictions. A continuous delight in every experience. A deep sense that the 'I' is the same for everyone.

These descriptions highlight the transformative nature of TM and how it impacts one's perception of self and reality.

The Benefits of Brain Rest

One of the key benefits of TM is its ability to bring about a more efficient resting state during practice. This state is maintained even outside of TM, making rest more effective over time. This is in contrast to mindfulness and concentration practices, which often train the brain to remain alert and never fully rest.

Health Benefits and Long-Term Effects

TM has been found to have significant health benefits, including:

A reduction in stress levels. A decrease in catecholamine levels. An improvement in cardiovascular health, including mean arterial pressure and systolic blood pressure. A reduction in Intima-Media Thickness (IMT), a marker of arterial health.

A study published in a psychological correlates study found that after 3 years of follow-up, the intervention group showed a reduction in ACR (Albumin to Creatinine Ratio) from 44 to 39 mg/g, while the control group increased from 47 to 59 mg/g. The intervention group also exhibited reduced stress levels and improved blood pressure and arterial health. However, these benefits were lost after 2 and 3 years of follow-up.

It is important to consider that these health benefits become less similar to those of mindfulness and concentration practices the longer one practices TM. The style of 'enlightenment' that emerges from TM is also quite different from that of mindfulness practices.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

Before investing in a TM course, it is crucial to understand the specific benefits and how they align with your goals. If you are seeking deep spiritual transformation or ego destruction, TM may not be the ideal choice. However, if you are interested in achieving rest-related health benefits, TM could be a valuable practice. It is sensible to try it for a period to gauge your personal response and compatibility before making a long-term commitment.