tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post3003383091200670155..comments2024-03-27T02:13:58.088-07:00Comments on Integral Options Cafe: Reduced depression with Transcendental Meditation?william harrymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06981478282688361274noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-72945965581667857872012-03-28T07:20:48.041-07:002012-03-28T07:20:48.041-07:00BTW, it turns out that ALL meditation technique re...BTW, it turns out that ALL meditation technique research has been evaluated as "really bad" by the various studies that you cite.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-64407816013299359672010-04-23T02:20:47.974-07:002010-04-23T02:20:47.974-07:00Transcendental Meditation is also the better way o...Transcendental Meditation is also the better way of treatment of Depression. <br />We face many ups and downs from time to time in our life. However, we can’t tag them as depression; it is a normal part of life. But if the state of worthlessness or despair becomes a part and parcel of life, it might be appropriately called as depression. As someone has rightly said “…Depression is not sobbing and crying and giving vent, it is plain and simple reduction of feeling…People who keep stiff upper lips find that it’s damn hard to smile.” Even the state of depression has very correctly penned down by Elizabeth Wurtzel “That’s the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it’s impossible to ever see the end. The fog is like a cage without a key.”<br /><br />Everyone is very well aware of these emotional <a href="http://www.thehealthprotector.net" rel="nofollow">signs and symptoms of depression</a>, however not many would be familiar that depression has linkage with many physical symptoms, too. Coping the problematic physical symptoms could be possible only if we are acquainted with its signs and symptoms of depression . If we are enlightened with these facts, then we can expedite over the path of healing. Just remember the quote cited by Albert Ellis “You largely constructed your depression. It wasn’t given to you. Therefore, you can deconstruct it.” So let’s get going with a positive quote.<br /><br />Most people who face depression suffer chronic pains and other physical symptoms, let’s move on and check out the signs and symptoms of depression.<br />Headachessigns and symptoms of depressionhttp://www.thehealthprotector.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-46436577024327653872010-04-22T07:10:31.573-07:002010-04-22T07:10:31.573-07:00I appreciate you discussion of TM. As a TM teacher...I appreciate you discussion of TM. As a TM teacher I offer the following thoughts: First, Wikipedia may not be the most reliable source for accurate information about ANYTHING—especially a subject as subtle and revolutionary as TM, about which there is such a wide range of opinions. The TM WIkipedia page has been hijacked by fanatical anti-TM crusaders—just read the discussion pages. <br /><br />Your question, why pay for TM when there are Buddhist meditations for free? Obviously, if all meditations were the same or TM was no different from Buddhist meditation or mindfulness, there would be no reason to pay the course fee or for the TM organization to exist. <br /><br />The emerging paradigm in science is that all meditation practices are not the same. People who are experts in meditation, Zen Buddhists, qualified Yoga teachers, certified TM teachers, etc., have always known this. The various practices engage the mind in different ways and produce different results. The latest brain research makes this very clear (see the recent issue of Cognitive Processing, devoted to independent studies on various meditation techniques, which shows that brain patterns during TM are completely different from mindfulness and other practices). There are also differences in levels of rest, effects on anxiety and self-realization. <br /><br />The research shows that TM is not like other practices, as far as its holistic range of benefits. <br /><br />If you consider the actual mechanics of the practice, it is also evident that TM is unlike other practices. It is not just "mantra" meditation, but a unique way of meditating. <br /><br />Maharishi revived this ancient technique of "effortless transcending," which for 2500 years had been lost to Indian society, and he restored its original effectiveness. He systematized the practice into a seven-step course to preserve it, so that teachers could be trained to teach it in every language and the technique would give consistent, all-positive results for people everywhere—for this and future generations.<br /><br />Consider Maharishi's success as a meditation teacher: Never before in recorded history, going back as far as the birth of Buddhism and beyond, has any meditation teacher's technique been learned by so many people (6 million) during the teacher's lifetime, and with such demonstrable results. TM has spread by word of mouth. This could only happen if the technique was uniquely effective. <br /><br />So why pay a tuition to take the TM course? That's up to you.<br /><br />The standard tuition for TM is $1500, but there are special rates for anyone who can't afford the tuition. The non-profit TM org offers grants and scholarships for people in need. But there has to be a course fee to make the organization sustainable. And there has to be an educational organization to make the practice available and offer the lifetime follow-up and support—which is free for everyone. Otherwise the delicate technique of effortless, spontaneous transcending would soon get lost again. <br /><br />Best wishes,<br />www.MeditationAsheville.orgAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-67805330965523259542010-04-22T06:35:42.263-07:002010-04-22T06:35:42.263-07:00Hi Bill,
Way back some 15 years ago or so, I got i...Hi Bill,<br />Way back some 15 years ago or so, I got into TM, but didn't stick with it for pretty much the same reasons as you have for doubting it. That whole "yogic flying" thing especially left me more than a little perplexed.<br />The money plus the "secret" mantras also had a bit of a "culty" feel to it that I didn't like, but oddly enough I still use my TM mantra from time to time. Ethics of the thing aside, I do think that paying the money and having a ritualistic "secret" mantra can at least help with the motivational side of meditating.<br />At the end of the day, though, the technique itself is no different from many other forms of meditation. Centering Prayer, in particular (or what I know of it, which isn't a lot), seems very similar, with short sessions and loosely holding onto the mantra, letting thoughts come and go as they will.<br />I also appreciated the research and education side of the organization behind TM (which also somewhat justified the money they charge to teach the method), but seeing as how their research techniques may be seriously flawed, that throws a monkey wrench in that.<br />Oh well. At the end of the day, I personally am grateful to my brief foray into TM, since it started me off along a more focused spiritual practice. Don't think I'd recommend it specifically to my friends, though. ;)<br />Cheers,<br />~GreyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10247442591196124669noreply@blogger.com