1. As far as I know all the investigations which gave results in favour of TM where suspect.
2. According to the TM-theory I learned in the days I took courses, the different mantras don't cause differences in the level of concentration attained, they are given in order not to disturb the meditators personality and way of life
3. I discussed TM extensively with a very experienced vipassanateacher and he pointed out the disadvantages, being an increase in credulity and a decrease in creativity and criticism due to the overdose of zamatha, which was in perfect accordance with my experience with TM-practitioners (workoholics are not at risk, because they cannot acheive this level)
4. I've known persons who got into serious mental problems (extramural treatment for over a year) because the experience of a moment of deep samadhi disturbed their psychological stability
5. all the TM-teachers I've met only played 'his masters voice' and had very little social skills or psychological insight.
6. I've seen systems of personal bijas in some translated texts of kasmiri zaivaism (I'm sorry I cannot recall which), which could very well explain the secret of the personal TM-mantra.
7. there are groups which use the 'mantra om namo zivaya' the TM way
8. there are have been experiments in the fifties with meditation on a blue vase; the participants also experienced feelings of wellbeing and developed affection for the object.
9. the real number of TM-practicioners is considerably less then the TM-movement claims, because most people stop after a while without telling anyone
10. the argument of mr Sands is a typical example of an argument ad verecundiam and so plain sophistry

erik

"William F. Sands" wrote:

 

re: I never doubted that Transcendental Meditation and similar techniques had a
positive effect on those who practiced it (otherwise, why would they
bother?), but I am curious about exactly what that they help you achieve,
if you like: what the trade-off is for the time spent meditating. If I
spend one hour a day meditating, will it save me, say, two hours of sleep?
Will it improve my productivity, etc? Any time-saving info would be
appreciated! Particularly if it is exact!

Best regards,
 

Lars Martin Fosse
 

Lars,

People practice Transcendental Meditation for lots of reasons, ranging from reduced blood pressure, less stress, greater creativity and intelligence,  to more inner happiness and the unfoldment of enlightenment. All of the reasons have quite a bit of scientific support  (there have been about 600 published studies over the last thirty years).

The basic idea is that during Transcendental Meditation the body rests very deeply (much deeper than deep sleep according to the physiological measurements) while the mind spontaneously settles to its quietest state,  which is experienced as unbounded, blissful, wakefulness (Atma).  Physiologically this process allows the  body to release accumulated stress, and mentally it enables one to  access  more of one's innate potential. As a result, one tends to find greater clarity of mind, more intelligence (studies have found that students improve in measures of intelligence, creativity,  grades go up, ability to concentrate improves, etc.), more creativity, etc. At the same time the body benefits by having less stress, resulting in less disease (as measured by fewer insurance claims for sickness, less hospitalization, etc.) and the reversal of ageing factors.  All of this  takes place completely effortlessly and spontaneously.

In terms of the question of saving time,  it won't replace sleep (the quality of  rest, though deeper, has  different physiological characteristics), and  so any savings of time will be accrued be in terms of improved efficiency (studies have demonstrated repeatedly, and it's certainly my experience). I've been practising for over 30 years, and I would say that I have grossly understated the benefits in the above.

I hope this helps,
Regards
Bill Sands

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William Sands, PhD
280 Whispering Hills Road
Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 828-263-0054