Difference Between Transcendental Meditation and Meditation

Meditation exists in several different forms, ranging from techniques that vary from concentration on the breath, an image or a sound to walking and other forms of movement. One such unique yet an easy form of meditation is Transcendental Meditation (TM) which is practiced by millions of people worldwide. Unlike other forms of meditation, TM involves chanting a single mantra repeatedly in a quiet room with no distractions.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is the practice of meditating using a set of techniques intended to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and a better sense of inner peace. Meditation is one of the most effective ways to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and improve both physical and mental health. It has been practiced in cultures all over the world. When you meditate, you basically set your mind on a particular object, activity, or thought to achieve that emotionally stable state where your mind is free of everything. There are many different forms of meditation exist, but there are two main types: concentrative mediation and mindfulness meditation. Concentrative meditation is the concentration of attention that involves focusing on a particular object, while mindfulness meditation is a mental training practice that involves suspending judgment and paying attention to your thoughts as they pass through your mind.

What is Transcendental Meditation?

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a very simple, effortless way to meditate, commonly done in a quiet, dimly-lit room with no distractions and outside noises. TM is simple because there is a profound, elegant simplicity to the practice. It involves silently chanting a mantra repeatedly for about 15 to 20 minutes a day, sitting comfortably in a chair with the eyes closed. This technique is always taught one-to-one, at least initially, by a certified teacher who is a longtime meditator trained by Maharishi Foundation USA, a federally recognized non-profit organization. TM does not involve any change in lifestyle or eating habits; TM is not a philosophy or lifestyle. It’s a way to achieve a greater sense of peace and calm into daily life. The mantra is the key which acts as a vehicle to help the mind settle down, and it’s nothing but a sound with no particular meaning.

Difference between Transcendental Meditation and Meditation

Technique 

– Meditation involves a set of techniques, such as mindfulness to achieve a greater sense of emotionally calm and stable state. Meditation is one of the most effective ways to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and pain. Meditation exists in many different forms, one of which is transcendental meditation (TM), which is a simple, effortless meditation technique involves silently chanting a mantra repeatedly for about 15 to 20 minutes a day, sitting comfortably in a chair with the eyes closed.

Concentration

 – Meditation can be divided into mainly two types: concentrative meditation and mindfulness meditation. When we think of meditation we think of something that involves control of the mind, or concentration – you follow your breathing or you focus on a particular object or thought or an idea. TM is an effortless meditation that involves no concentration; it’s the effortless transcending that distinguishes TM from other forms of meditation. TM simply involves silently repeating a mantra for as long as 20 minutes to help settle down your mind.

Benefits

 – Meditation is one of the best ways to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and pain. It increases self-awareness and allows you to gain a fresh perspective on complicated situations. It also increases your tolerance and patience, and it also has physical health benefits. TM is a way to achieve a greater sense of peace and calm into daily life. It is a simple, mental process that enables you to experience the source of creative intelligence at the deepest level of the mind and apply it to all aspects of life. It helps the mind settle down, which may lead to reduced stress and anxiety levels.

Transcendental Meditation vs. Meditation: Comparison Chart

Summary

Transcendental Meditation is a simple, effortless meditation technique taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who developed it from his Indian spiritual tradition. TM has been practiced by cultures from all over the world since ages and it’s still one of the best ways to achieve a greater sense of peace and calm into daily life. The mantra is the key which acts as a vehicle to help the mind settle down. Meditation, in general, helps you focus and feel more connected to the present moment. Unlike other forms of meditation, TM involves no concentration.

What are the 3 types of meditation?

Meditation exists in many different forms, but the three most common types of meditation include concentrative, mindfulness and transcendental meditation.

Is TM the most effective meditation?

TM involves focusing on a specific mantra which you have to repeat during meditation for around 20 minutes every day. This mantra acts as a vehicle for the practitioner to help his mind settle down, free of all negative thoughts. It has several health benefits too. TM is a very simple meditation technique to learn and practice, but probably not the most effective.

Can you learn TM on your own?

TM is a very simple, effortless meditation technique that holds no ties to any group or philosophy or spiritual belief system. It simply involves repeating a mantra or a phrase for about 20 minutes every day to calm your mind. It is a simple practice to learn, so you can practice it anywhere you want on your own.

What type of meditation is Transcendental Meditation?

TM is a form of silent mantra meditation introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1975 to promote a state of relaxed awareness. While practicing TM, the practitioner sits in a comfortable chair with the eyes closed and silently chanting a mantra repeatedly. 

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