Kara

I learned to TM when I was 18 yrs. old. I lived on Cape Cod and for those who don't know it is a really pretty ocean-side community, a penisula off Massachusetts. I was working for an organic landscaper, hanging out with my friends, and reading a really interesting book about Ayurveda (which currently by the way is my major in my undergraduate degree at MUM right now) called "Perfect Health" by Deepak Chopra. I was really fascinated with the parts of Ayurveda that traditional medicine doesn't know about, like how subtle changes in a person's diet and daily routine can alter a person's health drastically! I also was intrigued with the simple effortless technique of TM and how this also could bring great balance into an individual's life. In the back of the book was a number for a Maharishi Ayurvedic Health Clinic where I could get my pulse taken.

So, at this point I made an appointment for a consultation and went out for an adventure to Cambridge, MA to get my pulse taken (which is something I take for granted now--it is how Ayurvedic Dr.'s sense health and ill-health in the body through the radial artery on the wrist, fascinating and effective by the way). One of the Ayurvedic recommendations was to learn TM, and while I was there I met a graduate of Maharishi University of Management(Andrea York). Andrea York still owns an art center on Cape Cod and her friend and my TM teacher, Elizabeth Kupferman, taught me TM.

Right away I noticed a great and deep feeling of bliss from the TM technique. I was calmer, more energetic at work and I felt some sense that the world was more deep and magical place than I had thought before. I always knew there was something beyond the reality as we see it everday, because I had dreams about it as a child. TM helped me to be grounded enough in this world to be able to see the relative existence and its underlying values. I liked what it did to me! I learned about the Bhagavad-Gita next and I felt a kinship toward this great warrior prince who had to defeat all the evil in the world while not being attached to it through anger. A lot of revelations happened to me at this point in my life while I possessed a grounded feeling and perspective. I felt I had something that other people did not have, which made me have a sort of elevated calmness that helped me to look at my life problems and problems on the job in a way other people began to notice give compliments to me. Anyway TM helped me in my life and I hope it helps you!

Jesse

I was living a very simple life before coming to Fairfield to study and to practice TM. I didn't really have any direction I wanted to pursue in the world. I wasn't satisfied with the prospects offered at other Universities. Living with my mother was fine, yet I really knew I needed to grow up and educate myself. I knew I had an interest in spirituality and meditation, yet I hadn't found any direction to pursue with that in mind. I was fortunate to have heard of this University from my Uncle Bill, who's girlfriend had gone to this school.

I came to a visitors weekend, to check it out. I immediately felt a sense of belonging and a subtle connection with the community here. I had to return home and take care of loose ends before returning in the spring of '06. As soon as I returned I felt that sense of connection again and it has stuck with me since. I soon learned TM and practiced regularly. My favorite experience was that of the initiation into TM, I experienced a profound presence with me in the room, washing me clean of any worry and fear.

Now reflecting over the time that I have been here meditating and learning, I truly feel like I have found a place that inspires growth in me, especially with the areas I felt were lacking. I had been mediating before I came here, yet there was something missing. By being here I feel I have discovered my sense of purpose, which is to grow in consciousness through TM and the knowledge I gain from the physiology and health program. Then to help others gain greater levels of health and fulfillment through Ayurveda. I truly can't thank Maharishi and everyone enough for making this place what it is, heaven.

Jai Guru Dev

Jesse Clark Furner

Tricia

I first learned about Transcendental Meditation from a counselor who recommended learning as a way to alleviate anxiety. At the time, I was unable to afford to learn. When I began to learn about Natural Law and about our ability as individuals to manifest our desires I decided that a way would be made for me to learn. I was not sure how this would happen, but I put my desire out there and released it to the Universe. Several months later I received a call from the local TM Center, letting me know about another Vedic Technology that was being offered at the time. When I explained that what I wanted most was to learn TM, the woman told me that financing was now available, and that I should come for an introductory lecture. I knew in my heart that I would receive something that evening, and I did. I learned about a study that was just about to begin at American University on the effects of TM on student's brains. The study was being funded by the David Lynch Foundation and so that night I went home and sent an e-mail asking if I could be a part of the study. The next morning I received an e-mail confirming that I could. A way had been made!
It is almost two years later and I am now a student at MUM, about to graduate with my masters in Maharishi Vedic Science. I think this is a pretty good indication of the profound effect learning to meditate had on my life. The truth is, my life is radically different than it was the day my counselor recommended I learn to meditate. After spending most of my life suffering from severe anxiety I am truly living beyond my wildest dreams. Coming from a perspective of not seeing many possibilities, I now see infinite possibilities. I believe in humanity more and have more faith in that which created all of this manifest world than I have ever before...I feel more peace and love inside and I believe this radiates out and affects the people in my life and in my path along the way. I know myself differently, and I experience the world differently and there is no doubt that meditation has played a critical role in this shift. Life is good :)

Alvaro

Looking back at the different periods in my life, I can’t see anywhere near the extent to which I have changed since I started practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM) here at Maharishi University of Management (MUM). When I say that I have changed, I don’t mean that I have become a different person. It means that I have become more of my Self; I feel more in tune with my inner Intelligence. I see this by how much easier it is to follow my natural desires and not give attention to unnatural or non-life supporting desires that might come up. For example, feeding junk food to my cells is not something I’d feel even slightly inclined to do anymore, or when the weekend comes up I’m no longer anxious about having to do something to feel good. I can feel good wherever I am because true happiness is not dependent upon outer stimulus; happiness comes from my Self. I have started understanding and experiencing what Maharishi means by one being Self-sufficient. I only need my Self which is within me, everywhere I go or not go, in all those around me, and everywhere else. Therefore, when I feel like doing something (partying, watching a movie, studying, walking outdoors or just plain chilling) or going somewhere I do it having Being (Consciousness) as the driving force.

A few months after I started doing TM I noticed how my relationships had become more transparent and loving. For example, even though I’m thousands of miles away from my mom, I feel closer to her than ever as I have started being more communicative with her and allowing her love to grow more within my heart. I also feel a calling to eventually go back to my country and offer my services where they are most needed. One very possible idea is that when I have fulfilled my academic desires in Ayurveda, I go back to Colombia and work closely with Father Gabriel Mejia by helping restore, through Ayurvedic procedures, the health of the children and adolescents that have been recovered from the streets. Restoring balance in their physiology will allow them to have a clearer path that leads them to the reunification with the Self.

So in conclusion, practicing TM is not about becoming a monk or sacrificing your outer life for your inner growth; it’s about truly enjoying and making the most out of your outer life by awakening to your inner, higher Self. One last thing I’d like to mention is that even though TM is a great factor in my evolution I can’t isolate it as the sole cause of my development as a spiritual Being in a human body. I also recognize the application of Maharishi Ayurveda, understanding of Maharishi Vedic Science, and the AMAZING, EXTRAORDINARY!! people I have met here at MUM, as contributing factors to my growth.

Thank you ALL!!!

Wenu

Hi,

My name is Wenu. I am a graduate student at Maharishi University of Management. I am International student from Indonesia. I have chosen MUM because MUM offers the consciousness based education, even tough I had gotten some scholarship from some universities in Europe and USA, but I decided to choose MUM for my PhD. What I found after 8 months at MUM is really fulfilling, exactly different from any other universities that I had attended. At MUM every aspect of the education so integrated, from the individual level, I enhance my brain capacity through a regular practice of mediation and the most healthy food which is poison free food, organic food, that make me always fit and in perfect health. And finally, it is a great destiny for being able to be a part of the peace maker for the world, I feel all the meditator here at MUM is a hero and expert in peace maker that contribute a lot for the world peace.

Interview with the Editor

Stephen Cardinal, fellow TM practitioner and graduate of the Communications Program at Maharishi University of Management, talks with Johan Svenson, the editor of the Meditating Student Blog.

Stephen: Let's get to know the man behind the curtain. Johan, you're a man of many talents. How did you become involved in this project?

Johan: Well Stephen, it's actually part of my doctoral project. My dissertation adviser suggested it. Actually I'm surprised it hasn't been done already. I think this new generation is one that values large scale communication more than ever. People want to know whats going on, how to get involved. It's like Farris Beuller said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once and a while you just might miss it."

Stephen: Cool. So you mentioned that people now days want to know more and get involved. How does this blog serve that purpose?

Johan: Two reasons really. Those that don't meditate but who are looking for some larger understanding of themselves based on personal experience, could benefit from hearing the stories and insights
of those who are making these discoveries for themselves. And for those already meditating, it's a way for them to stay connected with one another. It can help confirm some of their experiences and give them ideas on how they could make a positive impact in the world using this new understanding of who they are.

Stephen: Well this sounds incredible! I have to ask, how, when and why did you get started meditating?

Johan: My parents meditated when I was growing up, so I got a bit of a head start on the process. They had me instructed in the children's walking TM technique when I was three. When I was old enough to learn the sitting technique they asked me if I wanted to try it. I wanted to be sure I wasn't missing anything. So I gave it a try. I learned when I was eleven in Seattle, WA. I remember it so vividly. It was like waking from a dream.

Stephen: Interesting story. For those out there that are not familiar with TM can you give them a brief introduction?

Johan: It's an easy, natural mental technique for getting rid of stress and learning about yourself. Ultimately, meditation is self-discovery, something we could all use a little of. After all, if you don't know who you are... what are you doing?

Stephen: I agree with you there 100%. Well it is very exciting to see you doing this blog! What can we do as readers to get involved and contribute to this project?

Johan: If you have a meditation experience or story you'd like to share, send it to me and I'll post it. Otherwise just check out the posts and give us some feedback. I'd like everyone to be able to see for themselves the impact meditation can have in one's life. So take a look and send us your thoughts. You might be surprised at what you find and have to share.

Stephen: Well Johan, all of this sounds very intriguing and I look forward to seeing the content offered from others out there. It really seems like people are hungry for this kind of thing considering the state of our world today. Any final words?

Johan: I do want to thank you for taking your time to conduct this interview. And I'd like to thank the readers too. If you've made it this far in reading the interview, your the kind of seekers this world needs.