Spiritual Growth through Transcendental Meditation

Transcendental Meditation is a simple effortless technique that aids relaxation, relieves stress and provides physical and mental energy. As such, it does not conflict with any existing beliefs, religious or otherwise. However, many people do report that regular meditation gives clarity and perspective to their highest aspirations.

We have already seen how Transcendental Meditation improves our body - better health; mind - clearer thinking; and heart - more loving relationships, but TM has much to do with the spirit - or the Self - as well. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation, defines spirituality as developing the whole person - the whole being greater than the parts. The perfect integration (which is the true meaning of union or yoga) of the individual mind-body-spirit, is the goal of any spiritual seeker and many people who start TM remark that within a short time life does get better in each of these areas of life.

When we meditate, our attention goes naturally inwards and the mind spontaneously settles down and begins to experience finer and finer levels of thought. Eventually thought itself is left behind - transcended - and pure consciousness or the Self is experienced. This is a state of inner wakefulness: the body is deeply relaxed and the mind is silent, unbounded and fully awake. On coming out of meditation, some of this silent reservoir of unlimited energy, creativity and intelligence is infused into the waking mind. We experience growth in love and joy, creativity and intelligence; we have less stress and fatigue and accomplish much more in life.

This is why practising Transcendental Meditation has a holistic, spiritual effect - all aspects of your self are refreshed - mind, body and spirit.

In fact, many people after learning TM report that their understanding and appreciation of their religious beliefs - whatever tradition they belong to - are enhanced and deepened. And many sceptical non-believers find that they begin to appreciate more the spiritual dimension to life which hitherto they had ignored.

But we must emphasise that Transcendental Meditation is NOT a religion. The roots of TM stem from the Vedic tradition in India where it was used to develop the full mental, physical and emotional faculties of seekers of knowledge. It is not a form of Hinduism, and no worship of any kind is advocated or practised during TM. Transcendental Meditation is a technique, pure and simple. It involves no worship, belief, philosophy or change in lifestyle.

There are some fundamentalist religious groups who publish on the internet, and other places, misleading and mistaken ideas about TM. These ideas originate from hearsay, from an incomplete understanding, and contain many inaccuracies. We strongly urge the reader to ignore them.

In his book "Silent Music", Father William Johnston, a Jesuit, has written:

"Christians have sometimes asked me about the relevance of TM (and other forms of meditation) for their faith; and I have answered that whatever develops human potential should also develop Christian faith, provided this faith is alive and nourished by scripture and liturgy. I mean that if human potential is enhanced, then the totality of one's commitment to Christ can also be deepened."

Leaders of other churches and other religions have also expressed their appreciation of Transcendental Meditation.