Transcendental meditation

Dismissed by cynics, applauded by medics, transcendental meditation is nothing if not controversial 16 Comments

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‘It was a great gift,’ said Sir Paul McCartney earlier this year. ‘For me it came at a time when we were looking for some stability towards the end of the crazy ’60s. It’s a lifelong gift that we can call on any time.’

At a press conference for Change Begins Within (an initiative that hopes to get one million children involved in transcendental meditation, or TM, put together by Twin Peaks director David Lynch), Macca’s fond enthusiasm was somewhat at odds with the general malaise that soured the Beatles’ meditation retreat back in 1968. After the fab four followed Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (the man credited with introducing the Indian-Himalayan meditation technique to the West) to Rishikesh, India, John Lennon dismissed him as a charlatan. Though he apologised for his youthful outbursts later, it seemed impossible that a Beatle-tarnished reputation could ever be wiped clean.

Not so. By the mid-’70s some 40,000 Americans per month were reportedly signing up for classes, many of whom found the simple, schedule-friendly techniques so beneficial that they practise it to this day. David Lynch, a practitioner since 1973, has said that a mere fortnight of twice-daily practice was all it took to reduce the angers and anxieties that controlled his life at the time. ‘Those negative things started lifting,’ he said recently. ‘It sounds strange, but I appreciated and enjoyed the doing of things more.’ It’s not just the ageing hippies who talk it up, either. Empirical evaluations have shown that the technique can have an effect on human physiology, reducing stress levels significantly and even having some positive effect on heart diseases. Even the science bods are recommending it now.

‘It’s practised by people of all levels of intelligence, of all ages, cultures and religions,’ explains Surendra Kumar, a teacher at the Creative Intelligence Consultancy in Dubai. ‘There are many reasons they come to us. Some just want to learn, others come for health reasons and many just want to be happy in life.’ Surendra is willing to travel to teach keen students – a kind of TM delivery service, if you will. In fact, he recently finished a TM course in Abu Dhabi, which was hailed a success by its participants.

A misconception commonly held is that TM has religious connotations – possibly cultish in nature. Again, this was an unfortunate by-product of the Maharishi’s association with The Beatles: George Harrison, in particular, was an enthusiastic advocate of Indian religions, and many observers jumped to conclusions. ‘It has nothing to do with religion,’ says Surendra with the air of a man who has had to deal with this line of questioning before. ‘It’s a peaceful mental activity that takes the mind to deeper levels of the thinking process. Though it was only introduced to the Western world 50 years ago, it’s as old as life itself.’ It is estimated that six million students have studied TM in that short space of time, a number that puts it slightly beyond the realms of cult status.

But, why TM rather than other forms of meditation? Put simply: people seem to find it easier. Whereas other techniques require you to blank the mind (often the largest hurdle for many students), or focus on a single aspect, TM uses a repetitive technique – a series of vocal vibrations or sounds, often with no meaning – to lull the mind into a peaceful state, ‘transcending’ the regular thoughts and conundrums that bombard us from minute to minute.

Unfortunately, the mumbo jumbo associated with TM is hard to avoid. Wondering what the effects of ‘bliss consciousness’ and ‘self-referral intelligence’ might be, we spoke to Arif Dawood, a participant on the recent Abu Dhabi course. ‘I’ve done several types of meditation and heard about TM a long time ago,’ he explains. ‘I would say it’s one of the easiest to practise and, although it’s too early to notice any major benefits, it certainly makes me feel very relaxed.’

If it’s so easy, why bother finding a teacher? Well, just as you might benefit from instruction in the gym, an experienced teacher can help shape the techniques to suit your situation. Whether you come to it as a student of relaxation, for health reasons, or even via an out-of-control Beatles obsession, one thing quickly becomes apparent: transcendental meditation may be as old as the hills, but in this frenetic modern world where instant results are imperative, you might find it’s a lifelong gift you wouldn’t wish to return.
For more information on arranging a TM course in Abu Dhabi, call the Creative Intelligence Consultancy on 050 207 0347 or email info@tm.ae. A website will soon be up and running at www.tm.ae

By Jon Wilks
Time Out Abu Dhabi, 30 August 2009

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Posted by: Su on 16 Sep ' 09 at 09:37

With all due respect to Dr. Robert Stein, MD, Ph,D. & Mr. Vaj, this is what have to say, please readon.
JGD.

American Journal of Cardiology to
Report Transcendental Meditation
Reduces Death Rate, Extends Lifespan
Results of Federally Funded Study to Be Published May 2, 2005

“These results suggest that effective stress reduction
decreases death rates from all causes”—Robert Schneider, M.D., FACC

The American Journal of Cardiology will report in its May 2, 2005 issue that the Transcendental Meditation technique, a non-drug stress-reduction method, reduces death rates by 23% and extends lifespan.
The first-of-its-kind, long-term, randomized trial evaluated 202 men and women, average age 71, who had mildly elevated blood pressure. Subjects in the study participated in the Transcendental Meditation program; behavioral techniques, such as mindfulness or progressive muscle relaxation; or health education. The study tracked subjects for up to 18 years. Vital statistics were obtained from the National Death Index.
The study found that compared to combined controls, the TM group showed:
• 23% reduction in the rate of death from all causes
• 30% reduction in the rate of death from cardiovascular disease
• 49% reduction in the rate of death from cancer
Transcendental Meditation Reduces Risk Factors in Heart Disease
“Research has found the Transcendental Meditation program reduces risk factors in heart disease and other chronic disorders, such as high blood pressure, smoking, psychological stress, stress hormones, harmful cholesterol, and atherosclerosis,” said Robert Schneider, M.D., FACC, principal author of the study and director of the Center of Natural Medicine and Prevention. “These reductions slow the aging process and promote the long-term reductions in death rates.”
Researchers collaborated on the study from Harvard, University of Iowa, Medical College of Georgia, West Oakland Health Center, and Maharishi University of Management. The study was funded, in part, by a grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Interviews and b-roll are available.
The Center of Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, was established by an $8 million grant from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a component of the National Institutes of Health, to serve as a Specialized Center for Research and to study natural medicine in relation to cardiovascular disease in minority populations.


Center for Natural Medicine and Prevention
National Institutes of Health-Funded Specialized Center for Research

MEDITATION AND MORTALITY
New study shows Transcendental Meditation
extends lifespan, reduces death rates
To be published in the American Journal of Cardiology
during “National Older Americans Month” on May 2

Dear Editor/Producer,
Medical research has established that daily Transcendental Meditation is good for combatting the daily stresses of life. In the short term, it can reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing its risk factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking, harmful cholesterol, psychological stress, and atherosclerosis.
But what are the long-term effects of such daily stress reduction?
A new study to be published in the American Journal of Cardiology on May 2 gives a clear indication. The study found that the Transcendental Meditation technique reduces death rates by 23% among elderly people with an average age of 71 years—who had mildly high blood pressure. The study tracked subjects for up to 18 years.
Interestingly, the study will be published during “National Older Americans Month,” which is sponsored by the Administration on Aging of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
With the growing interest in meditation and yoga by people of all ages, including the elderly, here is an excellent—and timely—“feel-good” story that gives hope and practical advice to all Americans.
You could interview scientists who conducted the study, medical doctors who prescribe the TM technique to their patients, and elderly people who are using it to make their golden years healthy, satisfying, and productive.
Would you like to discuss this idea further?
Cordially yours,
Norman Zierold
641-470-1313

Posted by: Vaj on 15 Sep ' 09 at 11:32

"In response to Dr Stein's claims that research on TM is not sufficiently rigorous, I would like to draw his attention to the fact that peer-reviewed research on TM has been methodically carried out for the last 40 years resulting in original reviews and research being published in highly respected and prestigious science and medical journals. These include
TM "research" is largely looked at by neuroscientists as "junk science". A recent, wide-ranging independent study by the University of Alberta showed that TM claims were exaggerated and it was actually the worst meditation method for lowering blood pressure!

As a recent researcher noted:

"With regard to transcendental meditation’s claim of “508 scientific studies”, only 24 (3%) of these were randomised controlled trials and of these, at least 6 were published by lead-authors employed by transcendental meditation-(TM)-linked institutions, primarily the Maharishi University of Management. Such links naturally raise questions about conflicts of interest and objectivity in the reporting of results, particularly in the light of the strongly commercialised nature of the TM technique."

Posted by: Saman on 15 Sep ' 09 at 06:26

In response to Dr Stein's claims that research on TM is not sufficiently rigorous, I would like to draw his attention to the fact that peer-reviewed research on TM has been methodically carried out for the last 40 years resulting in original reviews and research being published in highly respected and prestigious science and medical journals. These include:

Science, The Lancet, Scientific American, American Journal of Physiology, International Journal of Neuroscience, Experimental Neurology, Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, Psychosomatic Medicine, Journal of the Canadian Medical Association, American Psychologist, British Journal of Educational Psychology, Journal of Counselling Psychology, The Journal of Mind and Behaviour, Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Conflict Resolution, Perceptual and Motor Skills, Criminal Justice and Behaviour, Journal of Crime and Justice, Proceedings of the Endocrine Society, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry,


Compare this level of rigour to the often rushed trials with which a prescription drug is pushed through to the mass market – often carrying health warnings because of dangerous and sometimes long-lasting side-effects whose symptoms often require further medical intervention and drug prescription - and you begin to get a more accurate picture of where dangers in healthcare strategies really lie. For years, many studies have pointed to catastrophically large numbers of deaths in developed countries that are attributable directly to medical intervention strategies - everything from misdiagnosis to inappropriate drug prescription to the problems encountered by endemic drug-toxicity intolerance. Some sources cite deaths from iatrogenic causes (causes from medical intervention) as the single biggest killer in the USA.

TM, on the other hand, is completely natural and side-effect free. The organisations that offer Transcendental Meditation insist that it is taught in a regulated, systematised manner over four days with plenty of opportunity for students to feedback to their instructor. This is then followed by an on-going programme of support which is available if and when students require it. We encourage new students to inform their doctors about their practice of TM if they have an existing medical condition, particularly if it is chronic, so that TM’s impact can be assessed and monitored along with other on-going treatments.

Posted by: Vaj on 14 Sep ' 09 at 14:31

"In the response to the comments made by Vaj, I would like to say that as a Muslim I have found absolutely no contradictions with my practise of TM and my Muslim faith. Indeed, I have notice a huge difference in my understanding and appreciation of God and in my relationship with other people of all faiths. "

Unfortunately you are mistaken. There have been fatwas issued against Transcendental Meditation!

Posted by: Vaj on 14 Sep ' 09 at 11:53

"N.B. Dear Vaj, any reference to your claim on the TM mantras? Personally I've been practicing the technique for many years and have done extensive research into the background of the mantras, I've never come across anything that mentions the mantras having any meaning."

Hi Sally, It's difficult to understand mantra without learning mantra science from an authentic teacher. Mantra-shastra, the literature and science behind mantra use delineates extensively the meaning and proper use of mantras, including all the TM mantras. Unfortunately TM is not taught by people instructed properly in this science, so it's not surprising their basic ignorance in these matters.

Cheers,

Vaj

Posted by: Dr. Robert Stein, MD, Ph,D. on 14 Sep ' 09 at 11:39

It looks like TM cultists are also bombing this web entry with manufactured praise in an attempt to skew opinion.

Beware of TM "research" claims, most of it is BS. TM has so many side-effects, most people quit and it has been associated with dissociation, psychosis and suicide. The organization is currently run by a bunch of people who dress up like pretend "rajas" or Indian Kings!:

"With regard to transcendental meditation’s claim of “508 scientific studies”, only 24 (3%) of these were randomised controlled trials and of these, at least 6 were published by lead-authors employed by transcendental meditation- (TM)-linked institutions, primarily the Maharishi University of Management. Such links naturally raise questions about conflicts of interest and objectivity in the reporting of results, particularly in the light of the strongly commercialised nature of the TM technique.

Of the 24 studies of TM, 22 were clinical trials and 2 were physiological trials assessing effects after brief training giving 37 comparisons. The author was the trainer in one study, while in 5 studies the author was employed by an institution that had formal affiliations with the TM organisation. TM was compared to low credibility controls in 19 comparisons, to moderate credibility controls in 4 instances and to high credibility controls in 14 instances. Sample size ranged from 20 to 250 participants, sample size per treatment arm ranged from 10 to 78. Drop-out rates varied from 0% to 55%. In 13 studies the statistical methods were inappropriate or not clearly described and in 16 studies the author’s conclusions were not supported by the analysis and results. "

Posted by: bliss on 13 Sep ' 09 at 09:16

This is a great article indeed, i hope more and more people learn TM and make their own lives enriched and worth living in this planet.
With due respet to vaj, the edic expert?
Iwould like to mention that i have been practicng TM since a long time and it gave enormous benefits, it improved my health on the holistically and mademe live my life in bliss.
When we eat a mango we do not relate that mango to any particular tree are garden, we eat and enjoy the taste of it, ofcourse we definitely would choose the best of its kind to have fulfillment. Likewise why bother what it means or does not mean as long as TM pactice gives you so many beautiful results and fulfillment in ones life, moreover with such simple and effortless technique.
All glory to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Posted by: Naman on 11 Sep ' 09 at 12:54

In the response to the comments made by Vaj, I would like to say that as a Muslim I have found absolutely no contradictions with my practise of TM and my Muslim faith. Indeed, I have notice a huge difference in my understanding and appreciation of God and in my relationship with other people of all faiths.

I leant in Iran many years ago and have found that TM has given me enormous peace of mind, tolerance, patience and understanding, as well as a heightened moral centeredness - all these are key features of good religious life. I'm sure that if something makes you a better and more complete human being, it can never be in conflict with God - regardless of one’s religion.
TM is a technique and not a belief system or a set of ideas or principles – religious or otherwise. The mantras used in TM (that are alluded to in the comment) have no meaning and no intellectual or emotional content. They are prescribed according to an ancient, time-tested body of knowledge whose aim is to develop an individual’s full mental potential by expanding the conscious capacity of the human brain and broadening the scope of human awareness.

People who practise TM are able to enjoy many scientifically-validated benefits, such as: better health, stronger immunity to disease, reduced need for medical care; greater energy, improved intelligence and creativity, and greater moral reasoning… again, all qualities that are supportive of religious life and observance, irrespective of creed or doctrinal positions.

Posted by: annie on 10 Sep ' 09 at 07:46

Just checking out the Emirates before visiting and noticed this.... seems to me our friends from India have a habit of attaching personalities to all sorts of words.. if you say 'Hurrah' to an Indian, they think you're talking about Shiva (or is it Vishnu?). But I am certainly not 'worshipping' when I say 'Hurrah'. In Australia our aboriginals attach personalities to just about everything. I've been doing TM for ages—with excellent results in every direction—the sounds have only that value... sound. And TM brings positive results beyond anything I've ever come across. See you all there soon.

Posted by: Sally on 05 Sep ' 09 at 12:49

Fantastic article on a technique that's so simple, so easy and so positively life changing.
For those of you already practicing the TM technique do contact info@tm.ae and get subscribed to their email invites. They have wonderful activities on a very regular basis. Advanced courses planned to start very soon.

Best Regards
Sally

N.B. Dear Vaj, any reference to your claim on the TM mantras? Personally I've been practicing the technique for many years and have done extensive research into the background of the mantras, I've never come across anything that mentions the mantras having any meaning.

Posted by: Vaj on 02 Sep ' 09 at 23:45

I think it's important to be honest.

The TM mantras are NOT meaningless as TM teachers are told to say. Vedic texts called koshas give detailed definitions of all the TM mantras. They're the mantras of various Hindu gods and goddesses. If your religion forbids the worship of "other gods" than this is important for people to know!

Posted by: Toni on 02 Sep ' 09 at 20:47

This was a really informative article. Thank you for having it here

I have been practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique for 37 years now. Everything about this technique is simple. My father practiced the last 25 years of his life. He would often joke with me that he was able to do things he had never dreamed possible, and it was my fault for introducing him to the TM technique.

Posted by: Wm. McClaughlin on 02 Sep ' 09 at 17:20

It's interesting according to Wikileaks documents, there is a concerted effort to have TM zealots respond glowingly to TM posts on the net. These are nothing more than ploys to try to conceal the cult-like nature of the TM and the fact that major research by leading neuroscientists continue to show TM is scientifically rather unimpressive. In fact a recent study by the independent University of Alberta showed of all meditation techniques, TM was the WORST at lowering blood pressure.

TM has a long history of deception in it's scientific claims. This has been known since at least the 1980's!

A recent article highlights, step by step, how TMers try to deceive the gullible:

http://alturl.com/a4mr

"Dr." Tobin, what's that degree in BTW?

Posted by: Dr. Jean Tobin on 01 Sep ' 09 at 03:54

Thank you for this article highlighting the benefits of Transcendental Meditation. I've read quite a few articles on the subject and your treatment is more precise and fair than most. I wanted to share with your readers a summary of the research on TM. TM distinguishes itself not only in how easy it is to practice, when learned from a qualified teacher, (TM.org) but also in how effective it is when compared with other mental techniques. There has been so much rigorous research validating the benefits of TM in all areas of life. The majority of these studies compared TM to other practices or control groups. 350 peer-reviewed research studies were conducted on over 10,000 subjects who were practicing the TM technique. These studies included numerous randomized controlled trials, along with eight meta-analyses of 597 separate studies on the effects of meditation. The studies were conducted at Harvard Medical School, Yale Medical School, Stanford Medical School, University of PA, University of Kentucky, and more than 200 other independent institutions, and were done by 360 scientists from 29 countries. Learning TM was the best decision I ever made. It has improved my life in every possible way. Thanks again for bringing your readers attention to an important topic.

Posted by: kennyji on 31 Aug ' 09 at 18:37

This has to be the most intelligently written article so far assessing the value of the Transcendental Meditation technique for the average individual that I've come across. It sifts out the misunderstandings of a confused past and enlightens its readers to the practical benefits of this simple but effective technique for living a less stressed and more productive fulfilling lifestyle. Thank you.

Posted by: Archie on 31 Aug ' 09 at 15:21

I love TM and have been practicing it twice a day for over 35 years. It has enriched my life in ways that I never could have expected but would never want to have had to do without. Yes, it has been a lifelong gift that I wouldn't return for anything in the world. Thank you, Maharishi.

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