Experiences with transcendental meditation

[Lynnel]

This one technique gets recommended a lot in Tim Ferris' most recent book and I was wondering what your experience with it are, since on the website, they put something along the line of "fast and amazing effortless results" which naturally raises concerns.

Also, they never teach it publicly and you need to be initiated by a master who will choose a specific mantra for you based on your personnality.

Nonetheless it seems to be quite effective so I don't know what to think about it

Edited January 10, 2018 by Lynnel

[cetus]

@Lynnel @Peace and Love took the TM course. They may have some useful info for ya. I do know it cost about $1500.00 US.

[Leo-Tzu]

I tried it twice since its common where live but never felt any result meditating in group if it isnt a retreat or smth. . . Im more comfortable in my self taught zazen 

[InfinitePotential]

TM is mostly how I got started (although I was not formally trained, so really it was just mantra meditation). I don't believe the specific mantra is as important as they claim but I could see there being some difference in benefits between different sounds. 

Anyways, the way I see it is that it is "concentration meditation" followed by "do-nothing meditation". One says (silently) and focuses on the mantra for a certain amount of time (say, 10 minutes or so), then completely lets go and instead of saying or focusing on the mantra, simply "hears" it and let's it evolve and change of its own accord. I.e. do-nothing. 

It's among the most beneficial techniques I've come across, especially for intense relaxation. 

[Dodo]

I've heard Osho speak negatively of TM. He said something along the lines of

"Transcendental Meditation (TM) is not meditation. Meditation is simply being alone with yourself. When you can't be alone, you need to speak a mantra, now it is you and the mantra,  you are not alone and you feel better, because you cant stand being alone."

Edited January 11, 2018 by Dodo

[Richard Alpert]

I have no personal experience with tm. I lost my interest because its commercialism and mainstream popularity.

Here is an excellent video on tm and other subject as well from 2 awakened dudes.