Transcendental Meditation opens the awareness to the infinite reservoir of energy, creativity, and intelligence that lies deep within everyone. – Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Have you ever wanted to learn more about Transcendental Meditation (TM)? Arguably one of the most popular forms of meditation on the planet, it’s ironically challenging to learn without spending lots of money and joining the TM movement.
So we wanted to provide a first hand account of this hugely popular approach to meditation. In this episode of the OneMind Meditation podcast, I interview AboutMeditation.com cofounder Tom Bershad about his experience practicing Transcendental Meditation.
Sweeping Into The Mainstream
TM was first popularized by the Beatles when they went to India and learned TM from the great Indian teacher, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. TM swept into the mainstream on the coattails of the Beatles and the wave of liberation movements which characterized so much of the ’60s.
TM took another leap after it was famously featured as a centerpiece in the immensely popular book by Harvard-trained physician Herbert Benson called The Relaxation Response.
In The Relaxation Response, Benson controversially revealed the secret training methods of TM, but also legitimized meditation through his groundbreaking research into the health benefits of meditation as embodied by practitioners of TM.
In fact, the TM organization has amassed an extensive body of research—recognized and supported by the National Institute of Health, the American Heart Association, and the American Medical Association—chronicling the physical, psychological, and emotional benefits of meditation.
Maharishi’s original vision for the transformative impact of TM was global in scale and truly awe-inspiring.
Tom’s Experience of TM
Tom Bershad started meditating in 1973 when he was formally initiated into TM practice at the age of 15. He’s been meditating regularly ever since.
I wanted to interview Tom about TM so he could share with you his first-hand and in-depth experience with this highly effective practice. If you’ve ever wondered about TM—what it is, how it works, and the philosophy behind it—then this show is for you.
Through the interview, You’re going to learn about Mantras, yogic philosophy, and the kinds of experiences you can have as both a beginning and advanced practitioner.
We only scratch the surface, but I think you’re going to find this interview informative and inspiring. Tom’s combination of passion and precision is refreshing and illuminating.
In this episode of the OneMind Meditation Podcast, Tom and I explore:
- What happens at a TM initiation ceremony
- Why Tom started meditating at age 15
- The social, academic, an life transformation Tom experienced through TM
- How TM freed Tom from external drama in his life
- The Monroe Institute
- What kind of experiences can you expect to have in TM
- What progress looks like and feels like in TM
- The difference between newer and more seasoned TM practitioners
- The relationship between TM and Yogic philosophy
- Herbert Benson’s study of TM and his resulting book The Relaxation Response
- Why it’s important to practice consistently and treat meditation as a habit
- How TM and all meditation paths lead to the same place
- The quality of deep rest one experiences in meditation
- Why TM is so popular today
Show Notes
- Listen to previous episodes with Tom Bershad
- Learn more about Transcendental Meditation
- Learn more about The Monroe Institute
- Learn six steps to stimulate your Relaxation Response
Learn how to meditate in 5 easy lessons with our Free How To Meditate Mini Course.
(Photo credits via Flickr Creative Commons: Alex Berger, Khánh Hmoong)
Thank you
Hi Edward,
You’re welcome! Best to you, Morgan
Thanks! Loved this article!
Alina
http://www.allmeditate.com
http://www.zenhabits.net
Wonderful! Thanks for the feedback Alina and I’m happy you liked it.
Thank you so much for this wonderful interview on TM!
Ive been practising TM for a few months now and Tom insight gave me the answers to a lot of unanswered questions I had…
Morgan and Tom you run the best website on meditation I have ever come across, your passion and commitment to educating the world on the benefits of meditation are exemplary. Your courses, podcadts and literature have inspired me to continue on this journey.
Thank you guys xx
Hi Chiara,
Thanks so much for your generous comment. I’m really happy to hear that the interview was helpful for your TM practice. That makes my day and it’s definitely why we are doing this. Thanks again for your kind feedback!
Have been listening to your podcasts over the last few days and they are amazing!!!. You come across so genuine. I have been meditating for about 18 months , Deepak Chopra to start with then Jon Kabit Zin mindfulness for beginners , now have recently started Tm but feel oversold on it, perhaps i’m trying too hard, I would really value what you really think about it, I feel I’ve been sucked into all the hype. I feel I have to commit to trying as i have now invested in it.
Hi Jay, Thanks so much for your kind comment! I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying the podcast. That’s awesome. I guess with TM, the thing is that although I haven’t taken the course or paid for it myself, etc, it does sound like it’s pretty overpriced. A lot of people say that and it is a lot of money. That being said, the TM folks really have it down and you will probably get a lot out of it. And I agree with you, now that you’re invested, I would go for it and see what happens. Please keep us posted. Do some field research and bring back news :-)! Thanks again, Morgan
A little late but just finished listeneing to this interview with Tom. Thank you so much! It was interesting and informative. I too had been curious about tm and most of questions were answered here. I also want to mention that I did the free meditation course here, then the other one that was inexpensive and am so happy with the ease with which you instruct and even steady tone you use during the guided meditations, Morgan. I feel like I should move on cause I’ve been using these for 10 months but I really don’t want to! Thank you for your wonderful site and instruction. I’ll be going to itunes to leave a review as well. Thanks again, sincerely, Susan
Hi Susan,
Thanks so much for your feedback. I’m really happy you enjoyed the interview with Tom and it answered so many of your questions. And I’m thrilled to hear about the impact of the course. I’ve been adding more guided meditations to the podcast lately, and you might enjoy those too. Thanks, too, for the rating and review in iTunes. That’s such a big help. Xox
TM way to go folks
jai guru dev
MW
Thanks for your endorsement of this popular practice MW! I believe there are a lot of people who agree with you 🙂