Transcendental Meditation

TM is a technique derived from the Vedic tradition of India by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.  76 In TM, a meditative state is purportedly achieved in which the repetition of the mantra no longer consciously occurs and instead the mind is quiet and without thought.  77 During the practice of TM®, the ordinary thinking process is said to be “transcended” (or gone beyond) as the awareness gradually settles down and is eventually freed of all mental content, remaining silently awake within itself, and producing a psycho physiological state of “restful alertness.”78,79 These periods, referred to as pure consciousness or transcendental consciousness, are said to be characterized by the experience of perfect stillness, rest, stability, order, and by a complete absence of mental boundaries.80

Main components:

In the TM technique, the meditation state is achieved by the repetition of a mantra. The mantra is a meaningless sound from the ancient Vedic tradition and is given to the mediator by an instructor in the TM technique.  81, 82 TM practitioners sit in a comfortable posture, with eyes closed, and silently repeat the mantra.83 though there are reports of the components of the mantras and how they are assigned, it is difficult to confirm these reports as many of the details of practice, including mantras, are revealed only to those who have formal instruction in TM. Instruction in the TM technique is a systematic, but individualized process. It is believed that keeping the techniques confidential prevents students from having preconceptions about the technique (making the learning process simpler) and that it maintains the integrity of the technique across generations.

Breathing:

TM involves passive breathing; no breath control procedures are employed and no specific pattern is prescribed.80 Attention and its object. TM® is described as not requiring any strenuous effort, concentration, or contemplation.80, 84 However, mediators are instructed to direct their attention to the mantra.83

Attention and its object:

TM is described as not requiring any strenuous effort, concentration, or contemplation.  80, 84 However, mediators are instructed to direct their attention to the mantra.83

Spirituality and belief:

The TM technique has a theoretical framework that is described in Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s writings on the nature of transcendental consciousness and the principles underlying the TM technique.81However, it is unclear to what extent this theoretical framework, including any of its implications for spirituality, is a part of the practice. Sources that discuss this issue contend that the practice of the technique requires no changes in beliefs, philosophy, religion, or lifestyle, 78, 80, 85 implying that the theoretical framework plays no role in its practice.

Training:

TM is usually taught in a course comprising five to six hours of instruction over four days. 84 general information about the technique and its effects is presented in a 1.5- hour lecture. More specific information is given in a second 1-hour lecture. Those interested in learning the technique meet with the teacher for a 5- to 10-minute interview. The participant learns the technique on a separate day in a 1- to 1.5-hour session, following a short ceremony in which the mantra is given to the prospective practitioner. The next three sessions consist of 1.5-hour meetings held in the 3 days following, in which further aspects of the technique are explained. The teacher explains the practice of the technique in more detail, corrects practice if necessary, and explains practical arrangements (e.g., when to practice), the benefits of practice, and personal development through the technique.

In addition, the technique is regularly checked by the teacher in the first months of practice to ensure correct practice, and the student is advised to continue with periodic checks thereafter.86, 87 Clinical reports indicate that this technique can be learned easily by individuals of any age, level of education, occupation, or cultural background.78, 80, 85 The technique requires systematic instruction by a qualified teacher to ensure effortless and correct practice.  78, 84, 86 The technique is practiced twice daily for 15 to 20 minutes, usually once in the morning (before breakfast) and once in the afternoon (before dinner).78, 85, 88

Criteria of successful meditation practice:

The successful practice of the TM technique is determined by a qualified teacher. As many details of the TM technique are restricted to those who receive instruction, a description of the criteria used by the instructor for the assessment of the technique is not available in the scientific literature.