Transcendental meditation is a technique that seems to be catching on quite quickly. It is quite simple and has a very calming effect on those who practice it.
While transcendental meditation in itself is not necessarily mantra-based it does involve the use of them on a deep level. According to TMhome, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is the great teacher from India who was able to introduce the TM technique to the wider world. He actually said as follows on many occasions; “Mantra is a specific thought which suits us, a suitable sound for us which we receive from a trained teacher of Transcendental Meditation.” TM is something I suggest everyone gives a chance at some point in their life.
TM Technique
(Remember techniques vary and no one technique is the ‘correct’ one. Do what works for you.)
Transcendental meditation is making a journey inward. In order to do this, you will need a mantra to use as your vehicle. This mantra is going to work as a guide for you through the unknown in a sense.
During this, you need to silence your mind. Close your eyes and sit there alone in the silence. Once you have complete silence focus on your mantra. TM mantras are mostly seed mantras but you can use any mantra you like.
Repeat your mantra. When you do this there will be one of three things happen, either the mantra will be the only thing present, it will be subtle and hidden behind other thoughts, or it will be heard but mixed with other things. Whichever of these three things happens tells us where you are and whether you are truly able to reach that level of TM right now.
If your mind is still cluttered after silencing it, this will take some work for you to achieve. That being said, if you are able to hear just the mantra as it becomes more subtle you are where you need to be. Our minds are always searching for something, truly silencing them is not as easy as we think it is. Thinking of a mantra is an innocent way to allow your mind the freedom to seek what it truly wants naturally. It removed the control from you and helps you reach something deeper.
TM is all about maintaining things effortlessly through time. Once you master this, while it may sound a bit tricky or confusing you will be able to do it anywhere and anytime. It is something that I do at least 20 minutes each day. Just sit alone comfortably and work at it.
This will remove you from the stress you are feeling at any moment if you need it to. Truly clearing our minds on this level and relaxing is far more beneficial than you think.