Trancendental Meditation

Trancendental meditation was introduced to the western world in 1958 by a guru named Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It is an extremely simple meditation technique to practice, nevertheless, bringing immense practical benefits to all areas of life. Trancendental meditation is a particularly unique form of meditating giving a profound quality of rest to the mind and body, thus releasing stress and tiredness in a very natural way. It does not involve or require any faith or belief. It simply utilises the natural tendency of the mind to quieten down experiencing the least excited state of consciousness, a state of restful alertness and rumination.

It is believed that trancendental consciousness, or TM as it is often referred to, is said to be a fourth major state of consciousness, distinct from waking, sleeping or dreaming. When the mind settles down during this type of meditation, a state of deep "restful alertness" is experienced. Thought becomes quieter until the mind is no longer bound by thoughts or perceptions but experiences awareness conscious only to itself. This is what is known as a state of "amness", or "Being", the limitless pure consciousness that is the source of all thought and emotion. Trancendental meditation is the fourth state of Consciousness with the past three being:

• Dreamless Sleeping State of Consciousness
• Dreaming Sleeping State of Consciousness
• Waking State of Consciousness

Those who practice trancendental meditation find it to be a very practical and simple form of reaching a state of rumination, suitable for all people, particularly those who lead very hectic lives, finding it difficult to set aside time. Various other techniques may require an hour plus to practice and may also require considerably more consideration and contemplation. 15-20 minutes twice a day, sitting comfortably with the eyes closed is all that is needed in trancendental . This may possibly even be done on the bus, train, lunch hour, to all intents and purposes, anywhere that is safe and comfortable for you to sit with eyes closed for those 15-20 minutes.

Trancendental meditation is now established in just about every country around the world and listed are just a few of the many benefits:

• Reduces anxiety attacks, as it lowers the levels of blood lactate.
• Builds self confidence.
• Increases serotonin which influences moods and behaviour. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, headaches and insomnia.
• Enhances energy, strength and vigour.
• Reduces stress and tension.
• Helps with P.M.T.
• Increases concentration and strengthens the mind.
• Helps reduce heart disease.
• Helps with weight loss.
• Helps to boost the immune system.

By Kiks