The O-town Scene - Oneonta, NY
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/113992
Going Transcendental with Maharishi From 1959 to 1980, a number of spiritual masters from the Asian countries, who were armed with their unique systems of meditation and contemplation, arrived in the USA. Some of these prominent leaders and their systems include the Transcendental Meditation of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Hare Krishna Movement of Bhaktivedanta, Divine Light Mission of Guru Maharajji, Siddha Yoga of Muktananda, and Dynamic Meditation of Bhagwan Rajneesh. These pioneers paved the way for other spiritual leaders such as the Dalai Lama and Sai Baba. In the next few columns, we will describe the unique meditation techniques of various individuals and groups who presented simplified versions of these methods to reach the general public in the West. Associated Press A January 1968 photo of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. consciousness; this blissconsciousness was the Transcendental basic nature of a human Meditation (TM): being; and it was accesIn 1959, Maharishi Masible to anyone who used hesh Yogi traveled to the West to advance the cause the technique of transcendental meditation. of the Spiritual RegeneraThe technique could be tion Movement, carrying taught easily in its two diswith him a doctrine of tinctive aspects: first, one "Creative Intelligence" and must realize that underlythe technique of "Traning the analytic mind was scendental Meditation." the source of calmness The system advocated and, second, one could by the Maharishi was use a sacred mantra, simple in content and which would take a person easy to practice. It was a from this agitated mind to watered-down version of the creative calmness at the thoughts contained in the core of one's being. the Bhagavad Gita. The Since the natural state entire system could be of a human being was joy, summarized into three the Maharishi insisted that general statements: the ultimate reality was blissthis state could be easily 8 O-Town Scene March 7, 2013 realized by anyone who learned transcendental meditation from an authorized teacher. The necessity of personal guidance was emphasized because only a teacher trained by the Spiritual Regeneration Movement was qualified to provide the aspirant with a mantra in harmony with the latter's personality, to teach the use of the mantra to experience the subtle states of thinking and, finally, to check one's experiences as one continued the practice. The attractive features of transcendental meditation were its simplicity and mechanization. The Maha- rishi told a reporter that he had mechanized the whole thing. As there were many kinds of blood specimens, so were the sounds for persons. These different sounds or mantras matched with different personalities. Once the match was established, the person using the mantra would be able to go into the depth of his being and experience instant calmness. The simple structure of the Maharishi's teaching captured the tension-ridden Westerners because it offered them a method to achieve instant nirvana without having to renounce their way of life. Followers were drawn to it because it was accessible, required no preparation, asked no rejection of the past and no resolutions for the future. This here and now, selfcentered, bliss philosophy was congruent with the hedonism of the West. It offered an appeal to the people of a technological society because it promised them worldly joy, a restful sleep at night, and an extraordinary vigor during the waking hours. What attracted a deluge of followers was the exaggerated claim that transcendental meditation could provide a realm of experience, which till now was accessible only to the sages or saints. Caution: Exercise listed below is a suggestion only. When done properly, it might be helpful. Disclaimer: The mantra listed below is available to any beginner in meditation and it has no connection to TM of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. TM can be learned only from an authorized teacher of TM. Meditation with a Mantra While sitting in the easy posture, close your eyes. Become aware of breathing in the out. As you breathe in, think about the sound "hum." As you breathe out, think about the sound "so." If other ideas come through your mind, recognize them and then set them aside. Go back to breathing in "hum" and breathing out "so." Keep your mind on "hum so." Continue your meditation with "hum so" for two minutes. After you have completed this process, go back to your normal breathing. Dr. Ashok Kumar Malhotra's work through the Ninash Foundation to build schools for the female and minority children of India earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. As a service to the community, his program on "Yoga for Relaxation" is shown at 9 a.m. Saturdays on the Public Access Channel 23.