andy@cged.co.uk (Andy Boswell) (03/08/91)
> From: abvax!iccgcc.decnet.ab.com!fleischer@uunet.UU.NET > Subject: How *do* those TM folk pick their Mantras? > I have a question about the selection of a Mantra for meditation. > I read a book titled "How to meditate without attending a TM class" (or > something like that). I believe the meditation technique described in > the book is identical to that taught in TM classes *except* for the > selection of a Mantra. I am very skeptical about the book to which you refer. I have been practising TM for nearly two years now. Although, I believe it is just one of many effective meditation techniques, it has some particularly attractive points to people in everyday lives. It is simple and easy to learn, may be practised anywhere, AND is taught in a pure form (it is very difficult to tell with many New Age techniques/methods what their history/origin is - but this is clear with TM). One of the Maharishi's objectives when starting the movement was that the knowledge of the technique should not become abused and diluted. To this end, I understand all teachers spend some part of their training with Maharishi. Therefore when you learn from a TM teacher you are receiving the technique only one level removed from the Maharishi. I do not believe that the knowledge can be captured in, nor effectively learned from, a book. > Unfortunately, I find that I become > quite depressed after meditating for a few days. This statement is proof of what I have just stated. I have never become depressed as a result of meditating. Previously, in my life I have experienced mild depression on occasions. Since practising TM, I have found that this occurs much less, and I am more capable of making sense and learning from the experience. As far as the mantra is concerned, I would be most surprised if anyone who knew the basis of mantra selection in TM would tell you. Only the teacher and student know the students individual mantra, and the student is asked not to divulge it for the very reason that the technique should not become diluted by people trying to teach themselves. Anyone who has learnt TM properly realises the value of this, and would be unlikely to break their promise not to divulge it. I recommend the following book to anyone interested in TM: The TM Technique by Peter Russell published by Arkana in the UK. This is an excellent introduction to the technique. This includes an interesting discussion of the role of the mantra. One interesting point I remember was that different mantras are chosen for people in the world and for people removed from the world (ie Hindu ascetics). I suggest that this would be a useful place to find out more about the mantra. (I would have summarised more here, but currently my copy of the book is on loan to a friend). Andy Boswell Principal Application Engineer Tel: +44 225 482744 Computer General Electronic Design Limited Fax: +44 225 442751 The New Church, Henry Street, Bath, BA1 1JR, U.K. email: andy@cged.co.uk