Most people who have never tried meditation mistakenly assume that all meditation practices are the same. However, there are many meditation techniques aimed at different results. Let’s look at the difference between such a type of meditation as transcendental meditation and why it is worthwhile to engage in it.
Currently, meditations are divided into three different categories:
Concentration techniques (Zen, qigong, vipassana) require effort to hold a controlled attention on an object and are characterized by high-frequency activity in the front and center of the brain.
Open-observation involves mindfulness techniques where experiences, experiences, and sensations are passed through awareness without attempting to control or manipulate them. It is characterized by theta activity, mainly in the anterior part of the brain.
Automatic self-transcendence does not involve an exercise of concentration and reason, as the evaluation, control, and manipulation of thoughts and sensations prevents one from transcending. This category includes transcendental meditation and other techniques that promote transcendence, that is, transcending consciousness. During this meditation, alpha waves (seen with reduced mental activity and relaxation) spread throughout the entire brain. Blood flow to the front part of the brain is increased, while the central part remains calm, thus achieving a state of alertness during deep calm, a state of pure consciousness.
Is transcendental meditation the best? Each meditation technique has its own advantages. The first two categories work with the mind, with the surface level of the mind, training it to achieve specific results. Transcendental meditation, however, is the most effective for delving into the “depths” of consciousness. After all, everyone’s consciousness holds pure space, and during this meditation there is a transcendental transition that allows us to immerse ourselves in this pure, vibrating space. While in this state, we can expand our own consciousness, experience a sense of bliss, and find the source of ideas. We spontaneously return to activity, filled with new thoughts and strength, immune to stress and external aggression.
Transcendental Meditation Among the Stars
The list of celebrities practicing Transcendental Meditation is impressive. And, as a rule, artists and musicians turn to this kind of meditation to get rid of negative emotions and find the source of creative ideas. In the 1960s, The Beatles began to learn the practice from its founder, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Musician Moby, after discovering transcendental meditation, created a four-hour playlist specifically for meditation. David Lynch, in his book Catching the Big Fish, details his experiences with the practice, how it has influenced his life and work, and why he decided to found a foundation that funds the teaching of Transcendental Meditation to children and youth.
Other benefits
Despite the repetitive name, Transcendental Meditation is very easy to practice and accessible to all. It can be practiced in the office, on an airplane, or at home. It is enough to find a quiet place and to carve out 20 minutes in the morning and in the evening. The main advantage of this practice is its naturalness and easiness; it does not require any special conditions, concentration and control of thoughts and breathing. Transcendental meditation is the key to our potential, tranquility, ideas, and expanded consciousness.
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