040-Transcendental Meditation - Buddhism in daily life

Many practitioners think very highly of transcendental meditation, and it is reported that this form of meditation is very effective. This form of meditation is very good for me, within a short time I reach a calm state of consciousness. You can practice sitting, standing or lying down.

The transcendental meditation is a method "invented" by the Indian guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, which is also trademarked. In my eyes a very lonely trademark right, but the "garden of the Lord" is just unfathomable. Although the name "transcendental meditation" is legally protected, this meditation was used in all countries long before the guru. In Chan it is a widespread practice, but all Buddhists have probably done mantra meditation at some time. Only the name is protected, the form of meditation is not; anyone can perform or teach a mantra meditation.

In this form of meditation, a constant mantra is chosen and repeated constantly (spoken aloud or softly, or just quoted in the mind) until the practitioner reaches a meditative state. A mantra can be either a single word (Om), or a whole sentence. After a few repetitions, or with given practice, one comes closer and closer to the subconscious, and the search for the true self can begin. Thoughts, perceptions and the environment should be meditatively switched off.

Which mantra one chooses depends solely on one's own state of mind; what appeals to me, what has a meaning for me? It doesn't matter if it's in Chinese or Sanskrit, maybe in your mother tongue, maybe just the primal sound Om, it doesn't matter, the main thing is that it works for you. Which words or phrases have meaning for you, what could be behind them, why just these sounds, words or phrases? You will find out, I am sure, because all the knowledge of this world is already slumbering in you, you just have to uncover the accesses.

For my part, I have chosen for my mantra the song that I heard constantly and everywhere in Shaolin Temple China almost 40 years ago, the Amithofo. Sometimes I could not really distinguish, was it an earworm, or a mantra that accompanied me.

A mantra meditation (or: transcendental meditation) has the great advantage that you can really practice anywhere (on the bus, train or on the sofa), within a short time and without effort you can experience an absolute silence, reach a pure consciousness and switch off your thoughts.

No matter if you have only one minute on the platform, or if you take real time for your mantra meditation (Transcendental Meditation), the way is the goal!

Suppose I practice the meditation of holding my breath

- Buddha - honorary name of the Indian philosopher Siddhartha Gautama - 560 to 480 before the year zero

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