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Transcendental Meditation Complete inner peace and pure consciousness: Those who practice Transcendental Meditation (TM) are said to enter this very state, where thinking is transcended and thoughts are switched off. In other words, the mind "transcends." This trademarked, modified form of traditional yoga and continuation of mantra meditation is taught exclusively by trained TM teachers in seminars. In this, one of the most widely practiced meditation techniques worldwide, participants are taught certain, secret mantras, which they must recite mentally on a regular basis. History of Transcendental Meditation Transcendental Meditation, or TM for short, is a movement and meditation technique founded in 1957 by the Indian Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1918-2008). It is also known as the "Spiritual Regeneration Movement." Through countless travels around the globe, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi popularized his teachings in the Western world, steadily gaining new followers and gradually establishing more and more training centers. The TM movement today has several million followers, but also some critics. The technique of Transcendental Meditation Anyone who wants to learn transcendental meditation for themselves must register for a seminar taught by a certified TM teacher. These courses are offered throughout Germany and are subject to a fee. The structure of the TM Seven-Step Basic Course is standardized, but costs can vary. Interested parties first attend one or two informational sessions, where general presentations are given on the principles and effects of TM. This is followed by a personal consultation with a TM teacher, providing a general introduction to learning the technique. These preparatory sessions are free of charge. This is followed by three closely spaced, fee-based sessions of one to two hours each, in which participants are instructed in the teachings of meditation. During these sessions, you will receive a personal mantra individually selected by the TM teacher. Although the mantras are kept strictly confidential, they are said to be the names of Indian deities. You repeat this mantra mentally to yourself over and over again. However, the goal is not, as with many other meditation techniques, to control the mind, but rather to let it go. Thoughts, perception, and concentration are supposed to be switched off with the help of the mantra during meditation. The learned mental technique is then practiced regularly at home twice a day for about 15 to 20 minutes. To do this, sit upright in a straight posture with your eyes closed. Most TM teachers offer so-called check-in appointments to deepen and review the technique. Follow-up meetings, which take place about once a year, are usually free of charge. The goal of Transcendental Meditation Unlike other meditation techniques, Transcendental Meditation allows the mind to experience absolute peace and quiet without great effort. Transcending is said to be effortless for everyone and easy to learn. The peace you find in TM goes beyond simple relaxation and is even deeper than that experienced in deep sleep. Transcendental Meditation promises the positive effects of experiencing inner happiness and spiritual peace within oneself. Regular meditation is said to lead to a reduction in stress hormones and a significant increase in happiness hormones. This special form of meditation therefore has a positive effect on our overall physical and mental well-being. In addition to increasing self-esteem and intelligence, this spiritual technique can also lead to inner strength and harmony, as well as renewed energy. As a result, TM has a preventative as well as therapeutic effect on a wide range of physical and psychological ailments. These include anxiety and depression, as well as sleep disorders, addiction problems, and burnout. Transcendental Meditation also assumes that its teachings lead to an overall improved quality of life, which should have a positive impact on society as a whole. Image © loganban / 123rf.com