Together, we are co-creating a universe based on our vibrational imprints reverberating
from our response to life. By accessing transcendental consciousness, we not only benefit from
increased self-confidence, self-actualization, and improvement in mental and physical health as
evidenced through extensive scientific research, we are better equipped to bring alignment into
our lives and our world.
“Intelligence in nature” represents the systematic and orderly structure and function that exists in nature. In the materialistic paradigm, intelligence is represented by the classical laws of physics such as the Law of Least Action, where nature does the least amount to continue its functioning and support for evolution. In the consciousness based paradigm, the laws of nature support evolution and exist in the transcendental field, with the Law of Least Action supporting evolution through the experience of higher states of consciousness.
The relationship between the higher self and lower self in the state of unity consciousness is that of union. The higher self includes aspects of the personality which never changes, that of absolute being. Aspects of the lower self include the mind, intellect, and the ego, the relative aspect of existence. The lower self moves toward subtler and subtler levels, to the transcendental field, universal existence where lower self and higher self become one.
The four levels of nature, their physics fields and “objects” of study include:
Gross Level - This is the classical level of macroscopic physics containing objects (anything you can see with the eye). The gross level in VS also contains the senses, desires and the mind.
Subtle Level - In physics this is the Quantum Mechanical Field containing atoms and subatomic particles. The laws of nature in quantum mechanics are different than those at the classical level, grounded mostly in probabilities. In VS, this level includes the intellect/discernment.
Subtlest Level - In physics this is the Quantum Field, containing the subatomic particles that make up atoms and molecules. Fields interact, giving rise to wave functions. In VS, this level includes the ego/individuality.
Transcendental - Unified Field Theory, doesn’t study many different fields like in quantum field, Unified Field theory is the study of only one field in which all the laws of nature reside. All material is self interacting.
The Correspondence Principle in Physics can easily be correlated in VS. The Correspondence Principle asserts that new findings should always encompass older findings. Newer/deeper knowledge should explain the older surface knowledge. Deeper levels of knowledge can be used to explain the surface levels, but the reverse is not true (surface cannot always be used to explain deeper). In VS, higher states of consciousness can experience and understand lower states of consciousness and awareness. Lower states of consciousness cannot fully experience higher states and deeper awareness.
Statistical laws define the probability of material objects and their behavior, and generally include a margin of error compared to the volume to make assumptions. This is similar to the first level of consciousness in VS, the waking state, where the statistical classical laws of physics allow for diversity. Individual experiences are varied approximations of individual and collective interactions with the laws of nature, resulting in any number of possibilities. The “statistical law” in this example accounts for the vastness of diversity humans experience in the waking state, and perhaps even more deeply, what is statistically still possible through attaining higher states of consciousness.
The Heisneberg uncertainty principle explains that there is a limit to the precision with which complementary values can be known at the same time, that cannot be explained by the constraints of a measuring device. It is a limit in understanding of the abstract universe. This contrasts with the mechanistic approach in physics that result in a “billiard-ball” understanding of the laws where each assumption is proven to build upon past proven methods (ex: Point A moves to point B as a result of action C).
The double-slit experiment reveals that the process of observation affects the object of observation. In the experiment, a single source of light hits two slits and spreads out with an interference pattern. The pattern reflects that the waves either begin to work together or cancel each other out. When a detector is placed, the pattern results in localized placement. Similarly when atoms go through the double-slits, an interference pattern like a wave results. When the detector is present, the atoms continue to act like particles.
The third law of thermodynamics is most analogous to the phenomenon of transcending in VS. The third law of thermodynamics states that as a system’s temperature is cooled, entropy decreases. During transcendence, we reduce the “mental temperature” of the mind, reducing disorder. As the mind settles, the physiology becomes more orderly and begins to purify itself. Physiology becomes saturated with pure consciousness, resulting in less excitation.
Living systems are highly ordered and require constant energy input to maintain a state of low entropy (energy dispersal). Living systems function by means of and for the purpose of decreasing entropy locally. They do this by gathering low entropy—“drinking orderliness” (Schodinger) Living systems do so by absorbing sunlight and consuming energy-rich nutrients, and in VS, the experience of pure consciousness in the physiology.
When practicing Transcendental Meditation, coherent properties can be measured with the EEG as well as other physiological indicators such as reduced stress and increased creativity. This coherence results in a more powerful system, functioning orderly within itself. The EEG markers of Transcendental Meditation include “higher frontal, interhemispheric alpha 1 coherence”, an indicator of heightened alertness or wakefulness.
In turn, the breath slows downs, there is less sympathetic activity (fight/flight response) and more parasympathetic activity (increase calm, prevents system from overworking).
Macroscopic quantum coherence explains how the large objects of classical life reflect the unbounded and frictionless quantum level properties. Lasers an example from physics. Lasers are coherent lights all focusing in the same direction, created by stimulated emission. Stimulated emission occurs by taking an atom at a low energy level and stimulating it by a photon to move it to a higher energy level. The atom first absorbs the energy of the photon as it increases in energy, then as another photon is introduced, two identical photos are produced, resulting in stimulated emission. This is similar to experiences occurring during the practice of Transcendental Meditation. By accessing pure consciousness, we are introducing a higher source of “energy” into our biological system, resulting in the absorption of the new energy and a “stimulated emission” as pure consciousness is released in our own physiology. The result is that our own natural state of being rises to meet that of pure consciousness. A stronger, more effortless state.
The Meissner Effect is a phenomenon in which a superconductor exhibits invincibility to outside influence. While the material is actually penetrated by this outside influence, it maintains the ability to reorient itself immediately. It is instantly adaptable in response to the environment.
Similarly, higher states of consciousness create adaptability, not through separateness but through flexibility and the ability to transform diversity into harmony continually. The Transcendental Meditation technique cultivates the connection between the mind and body by bringing consciousness to the point of no excitation. It is at the point of no excitation that the mind can recognize and begin to function within itself, individual consciousness embedded in pure consciousness. The mind begins to witness the field of the body and the fluctuations of the mind independently.
Research shows that when a segment of the population continues the Transcendental Meditation practice and experiences the subsequent benefits, the Maharishi Effect can be observed. The studies show when 1% of the population in the given area practices the Transcendental Meditation technique there is an increase in quality of life indicators that cannot be attributed to other geographical variables. This impact can be attributed to the reciprocal relationship gained by rising collective consciousness in response to the growth in individual consciousness. The studies demonstrate the intimate connection of humanity and how a relatively small number of people transcending can measurably affect the whole.
What Meissner found was that when certain metals are cooled to a superconductive temperature the metal is unaffected by external magnetic fields. Superconductive metals have an extremely coherent inner structure because their atoms are all in their ground states, like meditators who are experiencing “the complete settling of the activity of the mind.” This reduces the influence of outside forces such as magnetism, for the metal, and hostilities for the meditators. Thus, the Meissner Effect in physics is analogous to the Maharishi Effect in human behavior.
Einstein discovered that space and time were not absolute as previously thought, that the mass of objects cause a distortion in space-time. Time slows down near a large gravitational mass.The previously non changing values of space and time actually reveal deeper values of change. The Vedic description of space “Akash” is a relative element subject to the ever-changing nature of the relative. Einstein’s description of space-time concludes that it is not a stage in which relativity exists but like Akash, it is a relative element subject to the ever changing nature of the relative.
Matter and energy were once thought to be completely different. E=mc2 explains the matter/energy equivalence. Energy of a given object is equal to the mass of the object times the speed of light squared. Energy is dispersed matter. Two things that were thought to be separate in fact have a deep unity. In VS, surface level reality has apparent diversity and duality but on a deeper level are unified, where all expressions of the relative are expressions of deeper unity. Previously non changing values are actually revealing deeper values of change. The world is based upon your frame of reference. VS different states of consciousness reveal different boundaries. Awareness gets collapsed and becomes trapped by the boundaries of the objects of perception. CC boundaries fall and in higher states, matter takes on celestial values, that are not illusory but just as real. Frames of reference are equally valid. Waking state w boundaries is a real experience. CC boundaryless is real. Higher states of consciousness include the lower states. Surface levels are included in the deeper levels. Boundaries can be appreciated.
Time slows down near a large gravitational mass. According to Einstein's general relativity, time runs slower in the presence of a gravitational field. This effect is known as gravitational time dilation.
Einstein’s general relativity determined that gravity is not an invisible force but a result of the shape of space and considers all the ways in which matter and energy move in space. Gravity acts within spacetime as something that emerges out of the interaction between mass and energy. “Spacetime tells matter how to move; matter tells spacetime how to curve”, John Wheeler's quote explains that general relativity incorporates all possibilities of motion. Space is not fixed, it is a mutable relative reality that is curved in the vicinity of mass, and objects just follow the path. The effect of the bent in space is what is known as gravity. The relationship between matter, the shape of spacetime, and the motion of matter is a self-referential loop.
The materialistic-based approach to physics has established classical laws that are approximations of the laws of nature. Following the classical laws of least action and the corresponding principle, quantum mechanics and quantum field studies have considerable supporting interpretations and theories. Using this existing framework, theories such as string theory, dark energy and dark matter can continue to uncover discoveries in quantum field theory. However, to further work in unified field theory, the consciousness based approach must be included to reflect the self-referential field is an unbounded field that gives rise to waves or fluctuations within itself.
The Unified Field theory is the study of only one field in which all the laws of nature reside. In order for the consciousness-based approach to be included, it must first be considered as either the one field which will be studied, or considered as a law of nature.
I have been seeking for a while. Like probably since about age 5 or 6. I just forgot. I remembered about 13 years ago when I found myself at Wattle Hollow near Devils Den, bawling in the woods during a silent retreat with dear sweet Joy Fox. Fast forward, a decade + of dedicating myself to exploration, interaction, study, and discipline. The discipline wasn’t really as admirable as it sounds, it was out of survival and a desperate need to grow and to return back to my early seeking self.
As a young child I recall spending time in my “world”. I think most of us did that right? That quiet place where it was only you inside of yourself. No one else’s words or beliefs. I remember distinctly spending time in that space, and then coming out and asking the question “is life even real?”…”am I even real?” I remember thinking that everyone must know about that place, and have those questions. At Wattle Hollow I found it again. Underneath the noise were the tears and the trauma, and then I found the quiet. It was exactly like I remembered it.
A few years ago I discovered Transcendental Meditation for its simplicity. Through this mantra based technique I found myself again. And the bonus, the founder Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a trained physicist dedicated to bring objective scientific thought to ancient teachings. My other favorite, Abraham Hicks, also describes processes that simplify connection. Connection to your highest self. To the life you have already defined for yourself but for some reason won’t let yourself in.
Today I don’t have the answers but I am beginning to see the simplicity of higher states. How to know when you are “in” or when you are “out” and how to help yourself in the in between.
Seven Stages of Consciousness (as I understand them)
1-3 Waking, Sleeping, Dreaming. Evolution of desires. Experiencing the full emotional range in response to life’s experinces.
Fourth - beyond the activity of the mind, silent pure awareness. Allows you to align with your greatest potential and that of the greatest support in creativity. Scientific markers include alpha brain coherence, decrease in skin conductivity, increase frontal blood flow, reduced respiration that pervade all higher states. Distinctly different from stages 1-3. Meditation can cultivate access to this stage. Life in turn responds to desire. Peace, joy, bliss felt naturally and easily during the stage.
Fifth - Duality, seeing your “normal” self living and experiencing life PLUS feeling your inner space of quiet, the inner silent pure awareness. Allowing awareness to have a constant presence. Occurs naturally after spending time in stage 4. Our opportunity to align with desire and life’s response. Peace, joy, bliss grow. The dual perspective allows us to consciously move up emotional scale.
Sixth - Union with the highest support in nature, that is always around, supporting the precious you. For the spiritual, experiencing God’s love for you. For the metaphysical, experiencing the magnetic law of attraction. For the scientific, change in metabolic rate that corresponds with changes of experiences in the environment. Getting really good at the alignment of our desire with life. Peace, joy, bliss stabilize even during diversity. Experience stability of higher emotional states.
Seventh - Maintaining union. Steadiness. Spiritual, metaphysical, scientific - whatever your belief about it is exactly perfect. Maintain the union between Self and guaranteed support. Embracing diversity because of the desire that is born. Deep appreciation for all manifest and unmanifest. Peace, joy, bliss stabilize during diversity. Experience permanence in higher emotional states.
Meditation is the number one way to reset yourself, to “remember” your quiet pure state of awareness. Once you find it, you can access it anywhere. You can feel it beside you all day. You can tell when you have gone away from it. You experience the support of nature when you maintain it. Your direct experience reveals your path toward it and with it. Your direct experiences determine your practice and dedication to it.
For my personal path, mantra-based meditations are the easiest. In February I’ll be certified to teach Primordial Sound Meditation with Chopra. The course will include 7 hours of scientific and spiritual lessons about consciousness to help you fine-tune the path inward and a personal mantra that you can use for the rest of your life, calculated to your Vedic vibration. Email me at sunnymlane@gmail.com to schedule your personal or group session. With so much love, Sunny
Presentation of the teachings on the Seven States of Consciousness, and how they unfold in our experiences in life and emotional responses.
The journey inward holds a distinguishable path to directly experience the pure awareness that is available inside every person. Different teachings propose paths and individuals interpret their experience of it through their own unique nervous system. By experiencing pure awareness available through the Transcendental Meditation technique, we unlock a reservoir of healing that is available in higher states of consciousness and benefit from the associated physiological improvements. This essay will explain higher states of consciousness as described by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and define the development, characteristics, and examples of seven distinct states.
Maharishi was a scholar and teacher devoted to learning the wisdom of integrated life that was advanced by the Vedic Rishis of ancient India. He later introduced the Transcendental Meditation technique to the world and described seven stages of consciousness. The first three are experienced routinely and automatically: waking, dreaming, and sleeping. The subsequent stages are Transcendental Consciousness, Cosmic Consciousness, God Consciousness, and Unity Consciousness.
The Transcendental Meditation technique offers clarity and processes to experience “pure consciousness”, or Being. Maharishi (2011) describes Being as, “Underneath the subtlest layer of all that exists in the relative field is the abstract, absolute field of pure Being, which is unmanifested and transcendental. It is neither matter nor energy. It is pure Being, the state of pure existence”, (Being, The Essential Constituent of Creation). Being may be directly experienced as the silent state of pure awareness that is available inside every person. “During this technique, the individual's awareness settles down and experiences a unique state of restful alertness; as the body becomes deeply relaxed, the mind transcends all mental activity to experience the simplest form of awareness—Transcendental Consciousness—where consciousness is open to itself.” (Maharishi, 1993, pp. 280-81). Transcendental Consciousness is the experience of silence while fully awake where the mind is alone in pure consciousness. Maharishi frequently compares the experience of this pure consciousness to the colorless sap found in a rose. On the outside, we observe the varying characteristics of the rose that have all been created by the same colorless sap. Like the sap, pure consciousness itself doesn’t display any qualities, yet contains all the qualities within it.
Researchers Fred Travis and Keith Wallace (1997) defined physiological markers of Transcendental Consciousness to include slow inhalation, heightened alpha 1 brain frontal coherence, elevated frontal blood flow, and skin conductance responses at the onset of breath changes are consistent physiological markers of the transcendental consciousness state (Travis & Wallace, 1997). During Transcendental Consciousness, the physiology is saturated with pure consciousness allowing the body to naturally heal by releasing stress from the nervous system. Directly experiencing Transcendental Consciousness and returning back to daily life repeatedly saturates the physiology with pure consciousness, allowing accumulated stress to release from the nervous system.
As Transcendental Consciousness is developed, it remains hidden in the silent field of awareness because the physiological functions are limited. As physiology becomes more purified, the expansive state of Transcendental Consciousness is felt during activity, outside of meditation bringing rise to the next state, Cosmic Consciousness. In Supreme Awakening, Pearson (2016) explains the rise of inner potential is acknowledged and achieved, because the silent field is no longer hidden (p. 183). Maharishi (2015) explains in the following excerpt:
“This is brought about by the mind gaining alternatively transcendental consciousness and the waking state of consciousness passing from one to the other. This gradual and systematic culture of the physical nervous system creates a physiological situation in which the two states of consciousness exist together simultaneously” (p. 314).
Maharishi (1967) explains that this is an experience of duality that includes two perspectives, one perspective is the silence of Transcendental Consciousness and the other perspective is the relative level of consciousness (p. 145). With regular meditation, the witness perspective that develops begins to experience life through these two states of awareness simultaneously yet is aware of each. Additionally, during Cosmic Consciousness, there is a decrease in attachment to objects without feeling detached or uninterested in life (p. 153). A sense of greater delight and deeper contentment exists that is pervasive even in the midst of diversity. There is less reliance on objects for satisfaction, while still being able to enjoy them without the limitations of attachment.
Maharishi (2011) explains that Cosmic Consciousness is the foundation for continued expansion and fulfillment in God Consciousness, “It is as if gaining cosmic consciousness is not actually attaining the ultimate fulfillment of life, but it is merely gaining the ability for acquiring real and ultimate fulfillment” (Fulfillment in Life). Preparing for the true fulfillment in life that naturally occurs by support in nature and feeling the natural increase in love and devotion for God, where “Being finds expression in the man's thought, speech and action” (Fulfillment in Life). In God Consciousness, the complete fulfillment of Cosmic Consciousness expresses in the outward expression of love growing, the five senses become more refined and one begins to appreciate the subtler values of the world. In Maharishi’s Yoga, Sands (2013) states that Maharishi refers to a celestial value in this state because objects of perception are “suffused with a kind of golden light” (p. 90). The continual spontaneous release of stress from the nervous system and increasing capacity for appreciation rise, the dual perception becomes less divided, and senses of perception and mental activity become more refined. Pearson (2016) describes one person’s experience, “On this subtler level, objects are perceived as almost transparent structures of soft, satiny light (unlike harsher, normal daylight) through which the very essence of life appears to flow” (p. 287). There is harmony in every object of perception, joy in every experience.
As God Consciousness stabilizes, fulfillment deepens and qualities of the heart such as love and devotion increase, moving one toward Unity Consciousness. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Maharishi (2015) explains “This direct relationship of man with God is first established on the level of Being and then comes to be on the level of feeling; from there it enters the field of thinking and then finds its way on to the sensory level of experience” (p. 443). As the physiology of the body continues to purify, the nervous system begins to function at the highest level while being nourished by the digestive system that is functioning at its highest ability. Sands (2013) describes Unity Consciousness as Maharishi’s “state of total knowledge...because the entire field of relative life is nothing other than pure consciousness, our own self” (p. 92). The purification supports the highest state of consciousness, Unity Consciousness, where one experiences everything as pure consciousness that are expressions of one’s own self. An example from Pearson’s (2016), The Supreme Awakening, describes the pervasive sense of peace and connectedness in Self awareness:
“I feel an underlying continuum of quiet bliss and fullness, of infinite and universal love. Often the deep silence of my Self seems all-pervading, everywhere the same. Objects seem transparent, and I perceive unboundedness, the unmanifest, in everything I see. Nothing seems foreign to me; I feel at home with everything, everyone, and with any situation” (p. 357).
In this state, the perception of awareness is primary and the individual experiences secondary, until only one experience of awareness persists and duality ends.
When practicing Transcendental Meditation, movement through the states of consciousness is a natural and spontaneous process. Uncovering the state of pure awareness in Transcendental Consciousness allows one to perceive a state of duality with the rise of Cosmic Consciousness. In God Consciousness and Unity Consciousness, finer values of perception are available as the body continues to naturally release stress. When the mind can be free from the heaviness of everyday life experiences, and the body free from physical residuals of stress manifesting as disease, one can truly begin to live a more integrated life within higher states of consciousness. By accessing and then cultivating unity with the quiet awareness that is inside all of us, we are tapping into a reservoir of healing.
References
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. (1993). Maharishi’s Absolute Theory of Government: Automation in
administration. (Holland: Maharishi Vedic University Press), pp. 280–281.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. (2011). Science of Being and art of living: Transcendental Meditation. [Kindle Version] Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Science-Being-Art-Living-Transcendental/dp/0452282667
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. (2015). Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad-Gītā: A new
translation and commentary with Sanskrit text, chapters 1 to 6. Maharishi University of Management Press. (Original work published in 1967.)
Pearson, C. (2016). The supreme awakening: Experiences of enlightenment throughout
time--and how you can cultivate them (2nd ed.). Craig Pearson.
Sands, W. F., & Yogi, M. M. (2013). Maharishi's Yoga: The royal path to enlightenment.
Fairfield, IA: Maharishi University of Management Press.
Travis, F. & Wallace, R.K. (1997). Autonomic patterns during respiratory suspensions: Possible
markers of Transcendental Consciousness. Psychophysiology, 34(1), 39-46.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8986.1997.tb02414.x
The journey inward holds a distinguishable path to directly experience the unique, specific expression of pure awareness that is available inside every person. By exploring and experiencing the subtle state of awareness through Transcendental Meditation, we unlock access to higher states of consciousness and the associated physiological improvements. This essay will explain growth into higher states of consciousness and define characteristics that mark the fifth state, Cosmic Consciousness.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a scholar and teacher devoted to learning the wisdom of integrated life advanced by the Vedic Ṛishis of ancient India. Maharishi introduced the Transcendental Meditation technique to the world and described seven stages of consciousness. The first three are experienced routinely and automatically: waking, dreaming, and sleeping. The subsequent stages are Transcendental Consciousness, Cosmic Consciousness, God Consciousness, and Unity Consciousness.
The practice of Transcendental Meditation is a natural, spontaneous process allowing the practitioner to connect with the always present awareness by accessing thought from the gross level of the mind to the subtle state of thoughts to arrive at the source of all thought. “Transcendental Meditation is practiced for 15 to 20 minutes in the morning and evening while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. During this technique the individual's awareness settles down and experiences a unique state of restful alertness; as the body becomes deeply relaxed, the mind transcends all mental activity to experience the simplest form of awareness—Transcendental Consciousness—where consciousness is open to itself.” (Maharishi, 1993, pp. 280-81) . According to William Sands (2013), during Transcendental Consciousness the mind transcends all thought and mental activity where “awareness becomes only open to itself - it is pure, infinite, unbounded wakefulness” (p. 82). Transcendental Consciousness is the experience of silence while fully awake where the mind is alone in pure consciousness.
Researchers Fred Travis and Keith Wallace (1997) defined physiological markers of Transcendental Consciousness to include slow inhalation, heightened alpha 1 brain frontal coherence, elevated frontal blood flow, and skin conductance responses at the onset of breath changes and are consistent physiological markers of the transcendental consciousness state (Travis & Wallace, 1997). Experiencing Transcendental Consciousness and returning back to daily life repeatedly saturates the physiology with pure consciousness, allowing accumulated stress to release from the nervous system.
This deeper awareness of pure consciousness starts to be available outside of meditation. Sands (2012) describes “By regularly alternating Transcendental Consciousness with the three relative states, the nervous system becomes accustomed to maintaining it even while engaged in dynamic activity. This creates a physiological situation in which both Transcendental Consciousness and waking state exist together (p. 8). When this occurs one begins to experience a steady state of happiness that isn’t affected by the ups and downs of life. As the presence of this unbounded happiness grows it supports the next stage, Cosmic Consciousness.
In Supreme Awakening, Pearson (2016) details markers of Cosmic Consciousness. As Transcendental Consciousness is developed, it remains hidden in the silent field of awareness because the physiological functions are limited. As the physiology becomes more purified, the expansive state of Transcendental Consciousness is felt during activity, bringing rise to Cosmic Consciousness. With this, the rise of inner potential is acknowledged and achieved, because the silent field is no longer hidden (p. 183). Maharishi (1969) explains in the following excerpt:
“This is brought about by the mind gaining alternatively transcendental consciousness and the waking state of consciousness passing from one to the other. This gradual and systematic culture of the physical nervous system creates a physiological situation in which the two states of consciousness exist together simultaneously” (p. 314).
This experience is called duality, including two perspectives, one perspective is the silence of Transcendental Consciousness and the other perspective is the relative level of consciousness. With regular meditation, the witness perspective that develops begins to experience life through these two states of awareness simultaneously yet is aware of each.
Another indicator of Cosmic Consciousness is a decrease in attachment to objects without feeling detached or uninterested in life. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Maharishi (1969) explains, “Cosmic consciousness is inclusive of Transcendental Consciousness as well as the consciousness of the relative order” bringing cosmic status to the relative life ( p. 145). Life becomes naturally full of meaning. Experiencing greater delight and deeper contentment that is pervasive even in the midst of diversity.
By accessing and then cultivating the quiet awareness that is inside all of us, we are tapping into a reservoir of healing. When the mind can be free from the heaviness of everyday life experiences, and the body free from physical residuals of stress manifesting as disease, one can truly begin to live a more integrated life within higher states of consciousness.
References
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. (1993). Maharishi’s Absolute Theory of Government: Automation in administration. (Holland: Maharishi Vedic University Press), pp. 280–281.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. (2015). Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad-Gītā: A new translation and commentary with Sanskrit text, chapters 1 to 6. Maharishi University of Management Press. (Original work published in 1967.)
Pearson, C. (2016). The supreme awakening: Experiences of enlightenment throughout time--and how you can cultivate them (2nd ed.). Craig Pearson.
Sands, W. F. (2012). Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and his gift to the world. MUM Press.
Sands, W. F., & Yogi, M. M. (2013). Maharishis Yoga: the royal path to enlightenment. Fairfield,
IA: Maharishi University of Management Press.
Travis, F. & Wallace, R.K. (1997). Autonomic patterns during respiratory suspensions: Possible markers of Transcendental Consciousness. Psychophysiology, 34(1), 39-46.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8986.1997.tb02414.x
With 87 percent of America on lockdown, most of us are feeling stressed. Parents work from makeshift home offices while homeschooling their kids and prepping meals. Others, less fortunate, have been furloughed or laid off and struggle to make ends meet. Stuck in the house, each member of the family is under stress, yet each handles it differently.
Consider this scenario, for instance. Katie, the mom, tries to keep a happy face, but instead of sleeping at night, grocery lists and visions of empty shelves whirl through her mind. Naturally thin and wiry, she can’t focus on her work deadlines and is so nervous about keeping her family safe that she finds it hard to eat properly and is losing weight. No matter how hard Katie tries to relax, she can’t stop the worry.
Let’s call the husband Charlie. A man of medium build and thinning blond hair, he’s a competitive sales person. He feels increasingly agitated when his company’s website crashes and the kids, with their impeccable timing, crowd into the closet that is now his home office. He blames his boss for not organizing online systems better before this crisis and finds his normal desire to help his co-workers and family fading as his patience runs thin and he falls behind. READ MORE…
The purpose of a teacher, or a tool, is to guide us. While Yoga and it’s different systems are perfectly structured, misinterpretations have elevated either the teacher or the practice/tool, instead of the Self.
What is the Self, with a capital S?
Our outer state of ever-changing experiences includes the things, the friends, the family in our external world. Our inner state of ever-changing experiences includes our interpretations of the outer world, our thoughts, and our physiological responses. The inner state experiences life through ego, intellect, mind, senses, and breath, all contributing to subjective life experiences.
Underneath both of these lies our inner Self. It is not just in some of us. It is in all of Us.
Yoga is a path to this inner Self, the unmanifest, unified aspect of who we are that remains unchanged by the process of manifestation. It is the pathway to connect our outer experiences to the deep inner content where man can “find their God within themselves “ (Maharishi, 2011). Experiencing Self, is the experience of Samadhi, one of the 8 limbs of Yoga.
Yoga translates to “Union” of mind and body, of awareness and physiology. Hatha Yoga is the physical Asana practice we are most familiar with and focuses on the physical practice to increase purities in the body and refine the breath through FORCE. This practice serves a purpose, but without Samadhi, it does little more than act as a “routine”.
There are 8 limbs of Yoga. The limbs are not steps, but different aspects that grow simultaneously allowing the practitioner to develop the purest state of mind. By directly experiencing this most subtle state of awareness, we align with a pure level of consciousness, experience no mental activity, just blissful awareness of “Self”. This can be known as a transcendent experience. The practice of Yoga, all 8 limbs developing simultaneously, develop this transcendental consciousness and the awareness that it is present at all times.
The distinction between the practice of Yoga includes specific techniques where the state of Yoga is a state of consciousness, a direct experience that allows the practitioner to connect with the always present Self by accessing thought from the gross level of the mind to the subtle state of thoughts to arrive at the source of all thought. By directly experiencing the subtle state of awareness, we align with pure consciousness, experiencing no mental activity, just blissful awareness of what Maharishi Mahesh Yogi calls Being, a momentary Samadhi, the brief union of body, breath, and mind. In Samadhi, the mind is only full of pure awareness, losing boundaries with inner and outer self experiences, expanding beyond all boundaries. Momentary Samadhi is practiced again and again, expanding and returning.
Preparing the physiology through movement and breath, cultures the body and mind but is not always Yoga. Other popular techniques today include meditation styles that include focused attention and open monitoring techniques. Focused attention like Buddhist meta practice increases beta/gamma activity in the brain, with associated increased activity in the brain and do not support quieting or stillness of the mind. Open monitoring techniques mindfulness produces theta activity and activates the left frontal cortex, associated with activity and evaluation. Both practices are beneficial but neither produce coherent alpha waves that are markers of transcendence. Additional markers of deep rest include activity in the front and back of the brain, while the thalamus is less active, also supporting the feelings of deep rest while actively alert during meditation. By beginning with Samadhi, we prepare the mind and body, allowing momentary Samadhi to grow toward the union of awareness, mind, body, and breath for longer periods of time, before bouncing back.
I have been a Yoga and meditation practitioner for twelve years and began practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM) three years ago. While I feel I have always been on “a path”, I was very aware of my own self sabotaging tendencies. I would reflect on my choices and wonder what it was going to take to begin making different choices? I would tighten the reigns on Yoga practice, sit longer in meditation, and put forth great effort in controlling my actions. I could see my progress, but it was like looking at the grooves on a screw. Making full loops to find myself either barely up or down in what looked like a spiral. After learning TM, I stopped looking and measuring, and I stopped naturally. I noticed one day I had boundaries. I had the ability to have a difficult conversation, and not feel myself become physically affected. I was able to speak truthfully, adding value to my experience and those around me, naturally. I still self-sabotage but no longer beat myself up for it. I know I am unfolding perfectly, and have access through my TM practice to know that my next right actions will come without effort.
The "misfortune of every teacher that, while he speaks from his level of consciousness, his followers can only receive his message on their level”…."Having forgotten the prime importance of realizing Being, society became immersed once more in the superficialities of life." These passages remind me that we can only receive at the level of our own awareness. And wherever we are, is exactly perfect. Our paths unfold from the point of our understanding. We can be enamored with the "superficialities of life" not as a distraction, but as a measurement of our own inner state. And from here….let’s begin again, with Samadhi.
The Loving-Kindness meditation is a rigorous practice based in Buddhist teachings. This practice draws upon deep wells within that may bring unprocessed emotional responses to the surface. For this reason, it can be one of the more challenging but equally fulfilling meditation styles you can experience. Welcoming these emotions to the surface is a radical act of self-love, that permeates through your life experience, and truly brings you side by side to that which is already here…deep Love and deep Kindness. This practice allows Love and Kindness to rise and lead, instead of being covered up in active negative emotions. By watching your own emotional responses through this practice, you can begin to see emotions are like touching a soap bubble. You observe the emotion like a bubble that floats by, and can even reach out and touch it…and poof, it can be gone. Developing emotional awareness attunes your natural emotional guidance system, your internal navigator, helping steer your thoughts and actions from the reactive state to the inspired state.
To prepare
Pranayama - Belly Breath awareness. 5 mins.
Phosphenes visualization - isolating space by focusing on the naturally occurring small pin pricks of lights that can be observed when closing your eyes, or gently applying pressure from your fingertips to the eye lids. 5 mins.
Loving-Kindness Internal Script
Bring to mind someone that loves you.
May you be safe
May you be strong
May you be happy
Bring to mind a person for which you have great affection.
May you be safe
May you be strong
May you be happy
Bring to mind a stranger.
May you be safe
May you be strong
May you be happy
Bring to mind a difficult person. This is not an act of forgiveness, just an acknowledge that they too desire to be safe and happy.
May you be safe
May you be strong
May you be happy
Bring to mind yourself.
May I be safe
May I be strong
May I be happy
Bring to mind all beings.
May we be safe
May we be strong
May we be happy
May We All Be This Way
Relax the body, observe your natural breathing rhythm
Sense that you are not the breather, your body breathes
Eyebrow center, see a pin prick of light. Breathe there.
Throat center, see the prick of light or point of energy
Right shoulder. Right elbow. Wrist joint
Tip of all fingers on the right hand
The right wrist joint
Elbow joint
Shoulder joint
Throat center
Left shoulder joint
Elbow joint
Rest joint
Tips of all five fingers
Wrist joint
Elbow joint
Shoulder joint
Center
Travel down to the heart center, more of the chest. Breathe into this kind of light energy there.
Right side of the chest
Heart center
Left side of the chest
Heart center
Travel from the heart to the naval center
Pelvic center
Right hip joint
Knee joint
Ankle joint
Right big toe
Second toe
Middletoe
Fourth toe
Pinky toe
Ankle joint
Knee joint
Hip joint
Pelvic center
Left hip joint
knee joint
ankle joint
Left big toe, second toe, Middle toe, third toe, fourth toe, pinky toe
Ankle joint
Knee joint
Left hip joint
Pelvic center
Naval center
Heart center
Throat center
Eye Center
Since your body as space - these points of light connect our cosmic space
The breath, a cosmic wind
The breath now is more fluid than it was before
The body breathes
Fluid, tangible breath
A breath with knowing
You are a field of awareness, pervading the whole space
The space within this body
And all of the space outside of his body.
To come out begin to breathe more deeply.
Below is a book review of Science of Being and Art of Living: Transcendental Meditation. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The Netherlands: Maharishi Vedic University Press, 2016, Kindle Edition, $9.99. [https://www.amazon.com/Science-Being-Art-Living-Transcendental/dp/0452282667]
The world was ready for Maharishi, and he was ready for us. Spending decades not only preparing his intellectual mind by becoming a trained physicist, Maharishi was a scholar and teacher devoted to learning the wisdom of integrated life that was advanced by the Vedic Ṛishis of ancient India. Maharishi later introduced the Transcendental Meditation technique to the world through personal instruction and his book, The Science of Being and the Art of Living.
With China and India on the cusp of another futile war in November of 1962, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi retreated to Lake Arrowhead, California. It was in the San Gabriel Mountains with crisp air and tall pine trees that he recorded a blueprint for practical life based on ancient wisdom and contemporary scientific thinking. The Science of Being and the Art of Living was recorded and transcribed in just a couple of months time, where Maharishi integrated milenium of knowledge in 300 pages (Maharishi Vedic University, 1986). In this timeless account, Maharishi aligns traditional systematized scientific objective knowledge with importance of direct subjective experiences. The book’s four sections, being, life, living, and fulfillment offers an alternate path to happiness and contentment by bringing a more fully integrated state of Being to the surface.
Transcendental Meditation is a natural, spontaneous process that allows the practitioner to connect with the always present “Being”, and allow the “state of Being” to cultivate through the development of higher states of consciousness. Maharishi describes “Being” as “Underneath the subtlest layer of all that exists in the relative field is the abstract, absolute field of pure Being, which is unmanifested and transcendental. It is neither matter nor energy. It is pure Being, the state of pure existence. This state of pure existence underlies all that exists. Everything is the expression of this pure existence or absolute Being which is the essential constituent of all relative life. The one, eternal, unmanifested, absolute Being manifests itself in many forms of lives and existences in creation” (Maharishi, 2011, Being, The Essential Constituent of Creation). During Transcendental Meditation, the practitioner experiences this Being through bliss consciousness, where our natural state of peace, harmony, and clarity infuses with our everyday activities outside of meditation. Maharishi explains the two aspects of the technique as first taking the mind out of the gross relative field of life’s experience, to a quiet space at the source of your thoughts and the experience of un-manifested “Being”, then brought back to the relative field of existence well-infused with the state of Being. This natural state of Being, is accessed at the transcendental field and brought out into the relative, ever changing, field of direct experience or existence. Maharishi taught students how to access a deeper space of awareness where this natural state of Being unfolds spontaneously in Transcendental Consciousness (Maharishi, 2011, Art of Being). This personally guided form of instruction continues today, through certified teachers of the Transcendental Meditation technique.
In the first two sections of The Science of Being and the Art of Living, Maharishi focuses on being and life, and aligns the philosophical and systematized knowledge on existence with the subjective experiences that result. He defines the process at which pure consciousness is experienced through the practice of Transcendental Meditation and compares the mechanics of accessing thought from the gross level of the mind to the subtle state of thoughts to arrive at the source of all thought. The grosser levels of the mind include the “outer state” of life described as those attributes that exist in form, resulting in objective experiences while the “inner state” of life can be defined as the ego, intellect, mind, senses, and breath, all contributing to the subjective life experiences. Maharishi introduces a third aspect of life as the “transcendental” field where pure consciousness can be experienced (Maharishi, 2011, What is Life?). By directly experiencing this most subtle state of awareness, we align with pure consciousness, experiencing no mental activity, just blissful awareness of “Being”. From here, one develops capacity to experience transcendental consciousness during regular activity.
The remaining two sections focus on living and fulfillment. Maharishi offers tools for all aspects of living including thinking, speaking, action, behavior, health, education, and more. He shares that when we approach these many aspects of life from a point of pure awareness, we are infused with the powerful source of creation that can be accessed in pure consciousness. Through the practice of Transcendental Meditation, the “capacity of the conscious mind enlarges not only as the basis for the great expansion of knowledge in every field of science, but also brings to man a direct way to fulfillment” (Maharishi, 2011, Introduction). All of the tools are designed to bring forth the individuals’ natural state of being, and realize fully bliss consciousness where equanimity of the mind persists through great joy or negative emotion (Maharishi, 2011, Karma and the Art of Being). Maharishi explains that fulfillment in life occurs as transcendental consciousness stabilizes and moves one toward Cosmic Consciousness through “the practice of Transcendental Meditation, which enables the individual to rise to a state of Cosmic Consciousness without much struggle and strife. The individual then comes in tune with the cosmic life, the movements of the individual are in accord with the movements of the entire cosmos” (Maharishi, 2011, Karma and the Fulfillment of Life).
Traditional science studies the objects of the known, without investigating the knower and the process of knowing. With the discovery of the unified field theories, modern science begins to support Maharishi Vedic Science “because its objective approach has now uncovered the reality of pure subjectivity” (Hodak, 2019). Vedic Science includes “the self interacting dynamics of consciousness” and reveals the subjective influence of the knower and the process of knowing on the known, which “brings human awareness in tune with those fine creative impulses that are engaged in transforming the field of intelligence into· the field of matter” (Hodak, 2019). The two sciences are complementary in that modern science begins with the unified field and the perceived objects of the known, where Maharishi Vedic Science includes the subjective relationship of pure consciousness at the unified field as the “self referral, self-interacting state that expresses itself in the infinite variety of the whole” (Maharishi, 1986). It is this systematized knowledge that can be compared to contemporary scientific field theory where matter is defined at the gross observable level but is born out of the fields that mediate interactions between separate objects (Sutton, 1999). Maharishi’s systematic approach to access pure consciousness appears to complement the maturing science of consciousness, where findings may point to consciousness as an attribute of the electromagnetic fields found in the universe (Murphy, 2019).
One of the striking parallels between traditional science and Maharishi Vedic Science is the possibility that life is created before us from predictive vibrational consequences that result in the creation of life experiences. Maharishi’s teachings allow us to experience this first hand by providing tools for all aspects of life to access pure consciousness and ensure alignment with laws of nature such as gravity, matter, and light.
This book is a must read for anyone interested in the mechanics of meditative practices and a desire to simplify this powerful tool for living. One of my favorite quotes from the text is Maharishi describing Being as ”the technique of making thought powerful” (Maharishi, 2011, How to Make Full Use of the Almighty Power of Nature). We are taught from birth to experience and respond to the observable material world, living lifetime(s) in a reactive state of existence. By cultivating the tools laid forth in The Science of Being and the Art of Living, one can directly experience the powerful individual life that follows, by making thoughts more powerful and experience the seamless merging of those thoughts that lead to actions and experiences supporting self and mankind.
REFERENCES
Hodak, P. (1988) Maharishi on Modern Science and Vedic Science. In Modern Science and Vedic Science 2(3): i-iii, 1988. [Class handout]. Online: Maharishi International University, STC 508.
Murphy, T. (2019) Solving the “Hard Problem”: Consciousness as an Intrinsic Property of Magnetic Fields. Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research, Volume 10 (Issue 8) pp. 646-659. Retrieved from https://www.jcer.com/index.php/jcj/article/view/835.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, (1986). Life Supported by Natural Law, MIU Press: Washington, DC, pg 25-27.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. (2016). Science of Being and art of living: Transcendental Meditation. [https://www.amazon.com/Science-Being-Art-Living-Transcendental/dp/0452282667]
Maharishi Vedic University (1986). His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi -Thirty years around the world: Dawn of the Age of Enlightenment, (Vol. 1). The Netherlands: Maharishi Vedic University Press.
Sutton, Christine (1999). Unified Field Theory. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica (Eds). Encyclopedia Britannica (July 20, 1998). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/unified-field-theory
We are superficially diverse but we are fundamentally unified at our source. While experiences shape our individual lives, this unification at our source also contributes to the expansion of our cumulative experiences. By reviewing Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s book, The Science of Being and Art of Living, we examine suffering, positive thinking, and karma in relation to emotions and contemporary scientific theories supporting the predictive consequences of our individual and collective vibrational make up.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a trained physicist who became a meditation teacher under the direction of his Guru Dev, and later introduced the Transcendental Meditation technique. During Transcendental Meditation, the practitioner experiences bliss consciousness, where our natural state of peace, harmony, and clarity directly infuses with our everyday activities. Maharishi explains the two aspects of the technique as first taking the mind out of the gross relative field of life’s experience, to a quiet space at the source of your thoughts and the experience of un-manifested “Being”, then brought back to the relative field of existence well-infused with the state of Being. This natural state of Being, is accessed at the transcendental field and brought out into the relative, ever changing, field of direct experience or existence. The technique is taught by a certified teacher, where the student learns to access a deeper space of awareness where this natural state of Being unfolds spontaneously in Transcendental Consciousness, (Maharishi, 2011, Art of Being, para. 8).
In Science of Being and the Art of Living, Maharishi uses the term science to align traditional systemized objective knowledge with the importance of adding subjective direct experiences. Maharishi states this approach “enlarges the conscious capacity of the mind to infinite values and therefore functions not only as the basis for the great expansion of knowledge in every field of science, but also brings to man a direct way to fulfillment” (Maharishi, 2011, Introduction, para. 17). By including subjective experiences in the pursuit of deeper systematized knowledge, we can begin to correlate predictive consequences impacting both individual and collective experiences.
Desire, innate in the human experience, bridges the intellect and mind into manifestation. The vibrational variance between our desires and where we are can be measured in our emotions and associated suffering (Abraham, Hicks, & Hicks, 2007). Cultivating our innate and natural state of positive Being through the practice of Transcendental Meditation helps to strengthen the conscious mind and stabilize the nervous system. In this state, the dullness and inefficiency associated with negativity, past karma, and suffering is neutralized and the ability to see opportunity in both negative and positive life experiences increases (Maharishi, 2011, The Art of Performing Action to Yield Maximum Results, para. 13).
Contemporary science is researching the Unified Field and supporting string and superstring theories. According to string theory, all particles arise from the vibrational states of tiny strings. Researchers from top universities across the globe are using mathematical solutions to define reality through equations that have the same matter particles that exist in our universe, including algebraic geometry, to connect string theory to the observable universe (Ananthaswamy, 2019).
John Hagelin, Ph.D., renowned quantum physicist and president of Maharishi International University, discusses the Unified Field and superstring theory during the 2015 Science and Nonduality conference, available on YouTube. In his talk, “Is Consciousness the Unified Field?”, Dr. Hagelin explains the particles in superstring theory that create the material universe are the “inevitable predicted consequence” of the natural states of vibration resulting from reverberant frequencies that rise and strike different tones of the Unified Field (Quantum-Mind, Oct 22, 2015).
The desire of human consciousness to know itself is experienced through the natural state of transcendental consciousness, where pure consciousness knows itself as the observer, observed, and the process of observing. When experiencing positive or negative thinking, suffering, karma or emotions, we are in tune with the great energy we carry within ourselves, and the distance to the absolute bliss we naturally possess (Maharishi, 2011, Purpose of Life, para. 11). Maharishi reminds us that no matter the distance between our desires and our current experiences, to make full use of all the surroundings we have created, “When we build a house, we make full use of the surroundings that we have created in it. If we plant a garden outside, we enjoy it, but if we do not plant a garden, we enjoy the warmth of the living room” (Maharishi, 2011, How to Make Full Use.., para. 8).
Together, we are co-creating a universe based on our vibrational imprints reverberating from our response to life. By accessing transcendental consciousness, we not only benefit from increased self-confidence, self-actualization, and improvement in mental and physical health as evidenced through extensive scientific research (Maharishi, 2011, Appendix A, para. 12), we are better equipped to bring alignment into our lives and our world.
References:
Abraham, Hicks, E., & Hicks, J. (2007). The astonishing power of emotions. London: Hay House.
Ananthaswamy, A. (2019). Found: A Quadrillion Ways for String Theory to Make Our Universe. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/found-a-quadrillion-ways-for-string-theory-to-make-our-universe/
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (2011). Science of Being and Art of Living [MUM Press. Kindle Edition]. Retrieved from Amazon.com
Quantum-Mind. (Oct 22, 2015). Home [YouTube Channel]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/PZkO2e98Z
It is said that all suffering is self inflicted. While this blanket statement has a lot of room for discussion around varying levels of emotional wounds or trauma, the idea is that our own ruminating thoughts are the driving force that perpetuates suffering, instead of the hands of another person or experience.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi discusses this concept in relation to individual behavior in his book, The Science of Being and the Art of Living. Maharishi was a trained physicist who became a meditation teacher under the direction of his Guru Dev, and later introduced the Transcendental Meditation technique. In his book, Maharishi describes the impact that harboring negative thoughts about someone else’s behavior has on our own suffering. If someone treats us improperly, our tendency is to respond with an equal or stronger reaction that will likely be received negatively. Maharishi explains this response doesn’t allow that person the opportunity to improve their relations with us, which will also add to our suffering. He adds that even if this person was acting with ill intention toward us, we can still choose to include love in our following interactions with that person that will benefit the both of us long term, “Even if he does harbor ill-feelings toward us, we will benefit him and ourselves if we still behave toward him with love and tolerance.” Maharishi explains how the “doubting or unkind mind” perpetuates suffering in the individual when “even if there have been reasons for the doubts in the past, [the doubting or unkind mind] fails to enjoy the joyfulness and sincerity of the other. Thus, it is not the present behavior of the man that is causing the other to be doubtful; rather it is the state of his own mind”, Maharishi, 2011, The Art of Behavior...Behavior and Surroundings, para. 6-10.
Through the practice of Transcendental Meditation, the practitioner experiences bliss consciousness, where our natural state of peace, harmony, and clarity directly infuses with our everyday activities. This technique is taught by a certified teacher, to ensure the integrity of the teaching as well as the understanding of the student. Through instruction, the student is drawn to a quiet space at the source of thought, accessing a deeper space of awareness where our natural state unfolds spontaneously. Through this system for accessing one’s integrated self, “we vibrate a good influence of life and peace, harmony and joyfulness, around us”, Maharishi, 2011, The Art of Behavior...Behavior and Surroundings, para. 11.
This helpful reminder helps clarify the momentum that is found in negative thinking (all thinking really). When we fuel negative thinking with more “air time”, they become more powerful and influence not only how we feel or act toward this person in the future, but inevitably in the participation of our own suffering.
References:
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Science of Being and Art of Living. MUM Press. Kindle Edition.
The concept of Karma refers to a widely held spiritual principle of cause and effect, whether in this lifetime or in future existence. This curious, yet widely held acceptance of “as you sow, so shall you reap” parallels current biomedical research and findings in the field of epigenetics.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a physicist who became a meditation teacher of the Transcendental Meditation technique also encouraged scientific research to study the impact of meditation on mind and body. In his book, “The Science of Being and the Art of Living” Maharishi explains the action of Karma can impact an individual in this lifetime or at some point in the future. Maharishi also explores resolving the impact of Karma through the process of Transcendental Meditation. Transcendental Meditation is a technique for inner peace and wellness that is both preventative and curative by providing a means for preservation of mental and physical health (2015, February 17). Through Transcendental Meditation technique, one can access a state of quiet stillness free from thought or mental activity, a transcendent state of Being. The force of Karma can be leveraged from this state, and assist evolution toward the experience of bliss consciousness, where doing highest good for oneself compliments maximum benefit for humanity. (Maharishi, 2011, Karma and the Art of Being, para. 45-50).
Through the study of epigenetics, scientists are discovering that while our genetic makeup defines physical traits and the potential for certain diseases, how those genes express may be more influential on our day to day health and even more interesting is that epigenetic expressions seem to be capable of being passed down to future generations. Similarly, Maharshi states “If an action is performed now of which the influence will reach the doer in a thousand years, that influence will reach that soul wherever in the universe it may be” and if the doer is no longer alive, his nearest living relative will attract the karma, “Blood affinity is the agency through which the reaction reaches the doer” (Maharishi, 2011, The Art of Being, Karma and the Art of Being, para. 10).
Today the impact of meditation on the physiology is more widely accepted and the ability to change biomarkers of predictive health are more explored than ever before. After attending a recent conference where the two worlds of science and sacred knowledge combined, one of the areas explored was around neuropsychology and epigenetics. During the panel discussion, experts expressed that while 5% of our genetic make up is set and unchanging, it is possible up to 95% is dependent upon how our genetic make-up is expressed at any point in time, and can be influenced by direct experiences in life. Also important to note is that 95% could include imprints made during the lives of our ancestors. One example was a person living today could be influenced by the trauma experienced by their ancestor who was a holocaust survivor, even if they had never met. This epigenetic inheritance may influence our current state of health based on the behavior, diet and environment of our ancestors and can be impacted through changes in our current behaviors (Siegel & Tanzi, 2019).
Perhaps Karma and epigenetics represent another parallel between objective science of the west and the subjective inquiry of the east, both supporting the impact of current environmental factors on physiology and overall health.
Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash
References:
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Science of Being and Art of Living. MUM Press. Kindle Edition.
Siegel, D. & Tanzi, R. (2019, November) Neuropsychology & Epigenetics Panel. Panel discussion presented at the 2019 Sages & Scientists Symposium, Bentonville, AR.
(2015, February 17). The Science of Being and Art of Living by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Retrieved from: https://tmhome.com/books-videos/science-of-being-art-living-maharishi/
Positive Being is the broader version of positive thinking. Positive thinking requires work, effort, attention, discovery….
The power of Positive Being is described in the 45th verse of the Bhagavad Gita, where Maharishi explains that equanimity of the mind persists through great joy or negative emotion because the “heart is by nature full and contented”.... “even while experiencing the diverse nature of the world”.
Positive Being is your authentic self, and the birthright of every human being. Through meditation, one learns that the desire for more is innate, and can be drawn from this quiet space at the source of thought, accessing a deeper space of awareness where Positive Being unfolds spontaneously. This system for accessing our innate and natural state of positive Being, where one’s integrated self experiences the full expression of life, provides a keen ability to see the unfoldment of opportunity through both negative and positive life experiences. The opportunities are not only where the “grass is always greener”, but also in seeing the rapture in the incomplete. By experiencing something we may on the surface see as lack, we create expansion in desire, through which we can lean into, “surrender” or remove resistance toward. This movement outward from a place of Positive Being and not just positive thinking is built on a foundation that can be curated through the everyday practice of Meditation.
Positive Being is not determined by the quality of life’s negative or positive experiences, it is determined by our quality of Being.
Meditation
Pranayama - Breathe in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 4, and hold for a count of 4. Continue for 5 mins.
Visualization - Imagine yourself in the ocean, dropping just below the surface and look up at the top of the water. Notice the waves as they float by and see that the waves are your thoughts. These thoughts, just like waves, float toward actions you might take. And just like the waves, all action creates expansion. When the wave hits the shore, it will push the earth outward or draw some of it back into the water. Your thoughts have the same impact, creating movement toward expansion, in one direction or another. Some “expansion” results in an uncomfortable or undesirable experience, but expansion is occurring just the same. By experiencing all of life, you are expanding the innate nature of desire within you. Through these life experiences, we are simply refining desires over and over, causing expansion not only within you, but for the collective human experience.
“Through every thought, word, and action, a man produces waves of influence in the surrounding atmosphere”, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the Science of Being and Art of Living, 1963.
Mantra Meditation “Sat Nam” or “Truth is my Identity”. Introduce the verbal mantra que to help anchor your thoughts.
Use the mantra to anchor your thoughts and attention. Let yourself float to the bottom of the ocean with this anchor (or your breath, or simply experience the stillness). At the bottom of the ocean, you no longer see the thoughts, yet at the top of the ocean they are still active. You have space between you and the surface activity of the mind. By cultivating this experience of silence, and what that looks like for your individual awareness, you integrate the full knowing of yourself and that of Pure Consciousness. This integration will be felt as you return back to the surface, merging again with life and the glorious variety of both positive and negative experiences therein.
Mindfulness meditation has spent the past few years teaching us the value in monitoring activity around and within us. “Mindlessness” takes us from the space of intentional thinking to the space of no thought. Perhaps for you it is the space in between thought, or even the source of thought. Perhaps right now you can’t imagine a mind quiet enough to believe a quiet space is even a real thing :D
What and where?
Deep within every one of us, there is a space of quiet knowing. It is truly our natural state of being, that has been covered up through years of impressions on our central nervous system. As we become quiet with the intention of moving toward a deeper stillness, we often find those impressions rising to the surface by attaching to thoughts, feelings, or action. Practicing a little more in this space, we will find a deep stillness rise past all thought, where the truest source of our daily thoughts and actions (and alpha 2 brain waves!) are found. By spending 15-20 minutes per day, we will cultivate a deeper understanding of how this feels to us individually and more importantly, how it shows up in our experiences in life.
Have you been in touch with this space today…..or ever? Share your experiences and let us co-create together. A deeper understanding of our individual experiences creates depth in our collective awareness.
This week we will take a deeper look at happiness, and how our attachment to external experiences affects our state of being. Meditation is the natural process in developing internal happiness that resides without attachment to external circumstances.
Questions? Send me an email or text and let’s get answers :)
Namaste,
Sunny
I’m a natural skeptic of anything that seems “group think”, but am also naturally drawn toward expanded knowledge and seeing our world through new thought provoking perspectives. Having gone through Transcendental Meditation training 2+ years ago, I am finally unable to resist the tug of science and knowledge offered through the deeper teachings with in the organization which offers TM. Up to this point, I figured…I’ve got the meditation practice I have been seeking (which is without a doubt TM), but I’m good seeking my own knowledge rabbit holes through teachings of Abraham Hicks, Marianne Williamson (yes the presidential candidate), Tolle, Northrup, Chopra, Dyer, Ruiz…my bookshelf is full of them. All full of the same essence found in the Bible, Quron, Bhagavad Gita, and Buddhist teachings.
But here’s the thing. The Knowledge is there but the science is not. And while the Veda’s (simply translates to “knowledge”) are still crossing into quantifiable science, it is quite staggering…and I’m just a teensy step in.
Dr. Nadar is an M.D., MIT researcher, Harvard Medical School fellow, and neuro-scientist, who teaches on the relationship between the mind and body, on consciousness with physiology. In this podcast, he briefly describes levels of consciousness….in my opinion relating most closely to the entertaining yet powerful teachings of Abraham Hicks (with her somewhat bizarre delivery)…and summarized beautifully in this 15 min Spotify podcast, Meeting Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
We had a nice time in the woods this past weekend, at THE GORGEOUS Blowing Springs Park in Bella Vista. Each time I enter the woods there, I am amazed that I don’t visit them every single chance I could possibly get.
@stephgfunk had the best idea….set up some adirondack chairs facing the woods, just as if they were sitting on the beach facing the ocean. Ummm….yes. Don’t people and their genius amaze you every day!? Please let this genius idea happen!!
Big thanks to @BlakeStArkansas for our exploration of self-care through experiential mindfulness and meditation. Interested in learning about how to get involved #withBlakeSt? Head to www.blakest.com &
IG: BlakeSt_AR
Meditation reduces stress, anxiety, blood pressure, and heart disease and increases energy, clarity, creativity and gray matter in the brain.
Meditation’s popularity increased “more than threefold” in the US over the past five years, according to a recent report from the CDC. While Yoga is still the most popular “complementary” health practice, meditation is identified as the fastest-growing trend, with 4.1% using meditation in 2012 and 14.2% in 2017.
I read something the other day that said meditation today is where yoga was 20 years ago. How amazing is that!! 20 years ago I had been on my mat a few times but it would be awhile before I found it regularly. Becoming more mainstream, acceptable, and accessible certainly had an impact on my yoga practice and hopefully we will continue to see incredible growth in meditative practices in the next decade!
Do you know why it resonates? What type of meditation do you do? What are some of your experiences? I would love to hear from those regular practitioners and perhaps do a full day workshop for the community? How amazing could it be if most of our neighbors, friends, FAMILY, could experience the truly remarkable and expansive results meditation brings.
Or how those of you who don’t get what the deal is. You sit and you fall asleep or you get restless and get up. You try guided apps, or sitting in a class, and it just doesn’t work for you. What are the things that come up? The mind is a fierce advocate of ours, determined to keep us on track and on top of all our our shit. Even some that we need to let go of (actually a lot of it). If this sound familiar, I hope you continue your journey within and consider learning more about the EASE meditation can and should be. You will find it. You found this! I am a cup of coffee or a phone call away. Let’s sit and talk about it, with out all the “stuff” that may come with meditation sometimes. The journey within is very much like the onion, or the snake skin (Angela Robinson!), doing what we can, one layer at a time.
