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Transcendence: Healing and Transformation Through Transcendental Meditation
"Dr. Norman Rosenthal's "Transcendence" is the best-ever book on Transcendental Meditation: accessible and substantive, engaging and scientific, practical and profound. A very enjoyable read that can change your life, for good." - David Lynch
"I have been meditating for over 10 years, and I found "Transcendence" to be a uniquely compelling introduction to the art and science of Transcendental Meditation. Dr. Norman Rosenthal's book will propel TM into the mainstream where it belongs." - Russell Simmons
In this definitive book on the scientifically proven health and stress-relieving benefits of Transcendental Meditation, a renowned psychiatrist and researcher explores why TM works, what it can do for you, and how to use it for maximum effect.
Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D., a twenty-year researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health and the celebrated psychiatrist who pioneered the study and treatment of Season Affective Disorder (SAD), brings us the most important work on Transcendental Meditation since the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's "Science of Being and Art of Living"-- and one of our generation's most significant books on achieving greater physical and mental health and wellness.
"Transcendence" demystifies the practice and benefits of Transcendental Meditation for a general audience who may have heard about the method but do not necessarily know what it is, how it is learned, or what they stand to gain, physically and emotionally, from achieving transcendence. Dr. Rosenthal clearly and practically explains the basic ideas behind Transcendental Meditation: It is a nonreligious practice that involves sitting comfortably for twenty minutes twice a day while using a silent mantra, or nonverbal sound, to attain a profound state of aware relaxation.
Alongside exclusive celebrity interviews-where figures like Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Martin Scorsese, Russell Brand, Laura Dern, Moby, and David Lynch openly discuss their meditation-Dr. Rosenthal draws upon experience from the lives of his patients and a wealth of clinical research amassed on TM over the past generation (340 peer-reviewed published articles). He provides the fullest and most accessible book ever on the broad range of benefits of this remarkably simple practice, from relief of anxiety, stress and depression to new hope for those experiencing addiction, attention-deficit disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
"I have been meditating for over 10 years, and I found "Transcendence" to be a uniquely compelling introduction to the art and science of Transcendental Meditation. Dr. Norman Rosenthal's book will propel TM into the mainstream where it belongs." - Russell Simmons
In this definitive book on the scientifically proven health and stress-relieving benefits of Transcendental Meditation, a renowned psychiatrist and researcher explores why TM works, what it can do for you, and how to use it for maximum effect.
Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D., a twenty-year researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health and the celebrated psychiatrist who pioneered the study and treatment of Season Affective Disorder (SAD), brings us the most important work on Transcendental Meditation since the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's "Science of Being and Art of Living"-- and one of our generation's most significant books on achieving greater physical and mental health and wellness.
"Transcendence" demystifies the practice and benefits of Transcendental Meditation for a general audience who may have heard about the method but do not necessarily know what it is, how it is learned, or what they stand to gain, physically and emotionally, from achieving transcendence. Dr. Rosenthal clearly and practically explains the basic ideas behind Transcendental Meditation: It is a nonreligious practice that involves sitting comfortably for twenty minutes twice a day while using a silent mantra, or nonverbal sound, to attain a profound state of aware relaxation.
Alongside exclusive celebrity interviews-where figures like Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Martin Scorsese, Russell Brand, Laura Dern, Moby, and David Lynch openly discuss their meditation-Dr. Rosenthal draws upon experience from the lives of his patients and a wealth of clinical research amassed on TM over the past generation (340 peer-reviewed published articles). He provides the fullest and most accessible book ever on the broad range of benefits of this remarkably simple practice, from relief of anxiety, stress and depression to new hope for those experiencing addiction, attention-deficit disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
303 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
313 people are currently reading
875 people want to read
About the author
Norman E. Rosenthal
22 books63 followersNorman E. Rosenthal is the world-renowned psychiatrist, researcher, and best-selling author, who first described seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and pioneered the use of light therapy as a treatment during his twenty years at the National Institute of Mental Health. A highly cited researcher, he has written over 200 scholarly articles, and authored or co-authored ten popular books. These include Winter Blues, the New York Times bestseller Transcendence, and the national bestsellers The Gift of Adversity, and Super Mind. His latest book is Poetry Rx: How 50 Inspiring Poems Can Heal and Bring Joy to Your Life. Listed as one of the Best Doctors in America, he has practiced psychiatry for over four decades, and has coached people from all walks of life. Rosenthal has conducted numerous clinical trials of medications and alternative treatments, such as Transcendental Meditation, for psychiatric disorders. He and his work have been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, NPR and other national media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
December 5, 2013
This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, I thought it was an informative and encouraging collection of evidence purporting the benefits of meditation. Having said that, I personally believe in all that so I'm not entirely unbiased. The author cited numerous studies which provide a scientific basis for such positive claims. There were also success stories from famous people vouching for their belief in Transcendental Meditation for changing their lives. The part I was sceptical about was the "Transcendental®" part. I understand the reasoning behind charging a fee to learn a technique (and get your own personal mantra!), but hey, the Dalai Lama is giving the same advice for free. So, while I think this book offers a strong case for using meditation in the management and treatment of stress, anxiety, anger, ADHD, depression and other mood and mind disorders, PTSD, addiction and even "just because", I'd leave out the transcendental part and just take the rest of the information on board. On the other hand, some people benefit from having to pay to go to the gym to get exercise (and a personal trainer!), while others just put on their shoes and walk. The main thing is to exercise your mind, and just do it either way.
November 15, 2016
Thoroughly disappointing. This is the second book I have read on TM and in both cases, the reader was given nothing more than a sales pitch. Yeah, there was supportive science in there, but let's be honest ... haven't ancient peoples always known the value of meditation?
I read the entirety of this and still don't really know how TM works, and why it is different than the other types of meditative practice espoused by various faiths for centuries. It's also a tell that TM is a high-priced celebrity-fueled scam that whenever you see "Transcendental Meditation" written in books and on the web, it usually has a registered trademark symbol following it.
The author essentially says, "you can't learn TM from a book, you must pay a certified TM instructor to teach you." Then there's name dropping, David Lynch, Yoko Ono, Howard Stern ... meh. Feels too much like an infomercial you'd see on late night TV. The Dalai Lama dispenses essentially the same information -- without the trademark and David Lynch -- completely free of charge.
I read the entirety of this and still don't really know how TM works, and why it is different than the other types of meditative practice espoused by various faiths for centuries. It's also a tell that TM is a high-priced celebrity-fueled scam that whenever you see "Transcendental Meditation" written in books and on the web, it usually has a registered trademark symbol following it.
The author essentially says, "you can't learn TM from a book, you must pay a certified TM instructor to teach you." Then there's name dropping, David Lynch, Yoko Ono, Howard Stern ... meh. Feels too much like an infomercial you'd see on late night TV. The Dalai Lama dispenses essentially the same information -- without the trademark and David Lynch -- completely free of charge.
March 21, 2013
Rather disappointing. I'm already convicted that meditation is good for min and body, which is why I decided to read this. But it was trying to sell me on a specific form of meditation - literally, you must pay somebody to teach you - without telling me what made it better than any other form of meditation. That plus the emphasis on celebrities, particularly David Lynch, made the whole thing seem to have undisclosed secondary gains, which is too bad coming from the man who pioneered light therapy for seasonal affective disorder.
August 1, 2012
I wanted to read this book to get more insight into TM, then I decided to send an inquiry to get information from an instructor. I set up a meeting, went to the two introductory sessions and then next thing I know, I am getting instructions on TM. It happened so very quickly and normally I am not the one who does things on a whim. I think he felt if he let me get away, that I wouldn't come back. He was right. I wouldn't have returned because the tuition is very high. But thanks to Oprah, they now have scholarships to make it affordable for those who want to learn. Next year, they will begin offering payment plans.
I really enjoy the practice and see that it will be a benefit to me in the long run.
I really enjoy the practice and see that it will be a benefit to me in the long run.
May 10, 2013
I'm looking forward to trying TM. This book definitely helped to convince me to give it a try!
Edit: May 2013. It has been a year and I just saw my comments above. I have since learned how to TM and I LOVE it. Wow, what an amazing process. My body literally craves the 20 minutes it gets to TM every day. This book introduced me to the practice and looking back I see it was a very helpful guide to get me motivated. I definitely recommend this book if you even have the slightest curiosity in what TM is all about.
Edit: May 2013. It has been a year and I just saw my comments above. I have since learned how to TM and I LOVE it. Wow, what an amazing process. My body literally craves the 20 minutes it gets to TM every day. This book introduced me to the practice and looking back I see it was a very helpful guide to get me motivated. I definitely recommend this book if you even have the slightest curiosity in what TM is all about.
January 16, 2012
pioneer of seasonal affective disorder research describes with enthusiasm his practice, begun just a few years ago, of Transcendental Meditation. Reviews research on its effects on blood pressure, anxiety, etc. and provides supplementary favorable anecdotes from his own perspective as well as from interviews with famous (Paul McCartney, Martin Scorsese, David Lynch,......) and not-famous practitioners.
He goes over the details of some studies (including mine...thanks for the citations, Dr. Rosenthal!), and there is extensive information on the nature and history of the practice, but it is not really objective or critical analysis. A simple example -- there are many many positive anecdotes, but he ignores the (easily googled) unfavorable anecdotes from people who believe they've been harmed by TM practice. There is a brief discussion of potential "side effects" but the most serious ones are said to be "rare in people without significant emotional problems". Since the rest of the book touts use of TM, sometimes based on admittedly preliminary pilot studies and the like, for vets with PTSD, bipolar disorder patients, etc., that is not necessarily a reassuring qualifier.
minor quibble -- for an experienced clinician, he doesn't seem to be adept at disguising case studies. One of the non-famous people cited a number of times is someone I know. He uses only the person's first name, which makes me think the intent was to be anonymous, but many unnecessary identifying details are included.
All told, a very good source if you want a description of TM and encouragement to learn and practice it. Needs supplementation if you want an objective perspective on its effects.
He goes over the details of some studies (including mine...thanks for the citations, Dr. Rosenthal!), and there is extensive information on the nature and history of the practice, but it is not really objective or critical analysis. A simple example -- there are many many positive anecdotes, but he ignores the (easily googled) unfavorable anecdotes from people who believe they've been harmed by TM practice. There is a brief discussion of potential "side effects" but the most serious ones are said to be "rare in people without significant emotional problems". Since the rest of the book touts use of TM, sometimes based on admittedly preliminary pilot studies and the like, for vets with PTSD, bipolar disorder patients, etc., that is not necessarily a reassuring qualifier.
minor quibble -- for an experienced clinician, he doesn't seem to be adept at disguising case studies. One of the non-famous people cited a number of times is someone I know. He uses only the person's first name, which makes me think the intent was to be anonymous, but many unnecessary identifying details are included.
All told, a very good source if you want a description of TM and encouragement to learn and practice it. Needs supplementation if you want an objective perspective on its effects.
January 3, 2017
I don't think the author is qualified to speak on the matter of brain waves. Dr. Rosenthal is a psychologist at best, not a neuroscientist. He assumes throughout the book that "coherence," which refers to synchrony between different brain waves, is always a good thing. In reality, there is still much debate as to whether coherence is beneficial. For example, the brain shows an extremely high level of coherence during epileptic seizures, and that's certainly not good. Further studies on neural dynamics are warranted to tackle this assumption regarding coherence.
Moreover, this book is overflowing with anecdotes that praise the efficacy of transcendental meditation (TM). Here is a frank message to the scientifically illiterate: Anecdotes are NOT evidence, period. The scientific literature that Rosenthal does cite in this book is weak and requires more investigation. The author takes too great of a leap in an attempt to connect TM to real science.
Moreover, this book is overflowing with anecdotes that praise the efficacy of transcendental meditation (TM). Here is a frank message to the scientifically illiterate: Anecdotes are NOT evidence, period. The scientific literature that Rosenthal does cite in this book is weak and requires more investigation. The author takes too great of a leap in an attempt to connect TM to real science.
March 26, 2012
I found it a little too preachy to stick with it. Too much "if you don't practice TM, these horrible things will happen to you!!!!"
January 29, 2019
It is a long book about the benefits of TM, with many anecdotes, etc. It also describes how to hire a teacher and what that process entails.
May 23, 2013
If you're curious about transcendental meditation this is the book for you. Founded on extensive scientific study and personal experience, Dr. Rosenthal walks you through the profound benefits of learning TM while also explaining his skeptical journey with meditation.
Where Jack Forem's book on transcendental meditation dropped the ball, Dr. Rosenthal does a much better job. For instance early in the book he points out that no one can learn transcendental meditation from a book, that a teacher is essential. And every anecdote about the effects of transcendental meditation are backed up by scientific thought, case studies, and simple common sense.
If I wanted to introduce transcendental meditation to a family member this is the book I would buy for them.
Where Jack Forem's book on transcendental meditation dropped the ball, Dr. Rosenthal does a much better job. For instance early in the book he points out that no one can learn transcendental meditation from a book, that a teacher is essential. And every anecdote about the effects of transcendental meditation are backed up by scientific thought, case studies, and simple common sense.
If I wanted to introduce transcendental meditation to a family member this is the book I would buy for them.
December 28, 2012
Learning the TM technique has been the best thing I have done for myself in a long long time. In less than a month I have already eliminated my insomnia and friends tell me I am a calmer person. My thinking is clearer and I don't find myself stressing over the "small stuff" like I used to.
This book presents a clear introduction to what TM is and how it has changed lives around the world. It is backed up by hundreds of case studies and peer reviewed journal articles. It is interesting to read how people have changed their lives and the science that backs it up.
Highly recommended!
This book presents a clear introduction to what TM is and how it has changed lives around the world. It is backed up by hundreds of case studies and peer reviewed journal articles. It is interesting to read how people have changed their lives and the science that backs it up.
Highly recommended!
February 2, 2016
Disingenuous.This purports to be a book by a medical doctor presenting the pros/cons of transcendental meditation; however, most of the 'evidence' is produced by the Maharishi Institute itself (which sells the course required to learn transcendental meditation, requiring over a thousand dollars in fees, which is not clear anywhere in the book, but is alluded to in the appendix.)
September 2, 2015
I am very encouraged by the wealth of research presented in this volume. The evidence of the many benefits offered by TM are well documented and inspired me to learn TM and spread the word about its power. I highly recommend this book to anyone.
July 17, 2020
The author finished the book with some mumbo jumbo about that "unified string theory implies Transcendental Meditation can affect the universe". It's too bad because the rest of the book is okay, but he kinda butchers all of his credibility with this final idiotic theory. If you can disregard the new agey BS this book is good, but you'd probably do better by actually reading or skimming the abstracts of the meta analyses he references, in addition to searching the web for anecdotal evidence (there are many).
I do believe that meditation is a great thing to add to your daily routine and even thought there's probably a positivity bias, there seems to be ample evidence to suggest that TM is a good method for an array of things. We'll see what I have to say when I've taken the course, but unfortunately this book kinda put me off.
I do believe that meditation is a great thing to add to your daily routine and even thought there's probably a positivity bias, there seems to be ample evidence to suggest that TM is a good method for an array of things. We'll see what I have to say when I've taken the course, but unfortunately this book kinda put me off.
November 23, 2012
I am an aspiring practitioner of Transcendental Meditation. My instructor recommended reading Transcendence, as Dr. Rosenthal is a prominent authority on research and the impact of Transcendental Meditation. While much of the research and findings of the positive impact of TM in supporting some therapies, I found the end of the book most interesting as Dr. Rosenthal added a primer of sorts on the TM technique. This will prove valuable for any one interested in meditation and TM in particular. At the same time, those service providers will also find value in the use and successes of TM to support many areas of therapy and individual development.
March 1, 2022
A really compelling and synthesized look at both anecdotal evidence and scientific studies on the benefits of transcendental meditation. The author is very clearly a strong advocate of TM, but he puts plenty of disclaimers if the studies mentioned aren’t statistically significant or reliably tested, so I appreciate that. I feel like it’s impossible to come away from this book without the overwhelming motivation to change your life via transcendental meditation so I do recommend this! I will also mention I’m very gullible and easily convinced so keep that in mind and also don’t tell me to buy anything off the home shopping network / ask me to join a cult. Thanks!
October 7, 2017
It reads like the script of an infomercial for a product I'm not really sure I want to buy.... No.... No.... Pretty sure I don't.
March 18, 2020
literally just a sales pitch for TM. Look elsewhere for practical meditation instruction, don't waste your time with this
January 10, 2022
Sales pitch on why you should meditate with no actual advise on the subject.
August 17, 2022
While being mindful and accepting, this book is a good read. It brings up great stories, examples, and accomplishments of TM.
This book does bring great clarity to the benefits of TM, backed by scientific research.
The reader just needs to beware that there is a paid product behind this book. I truly don’t think it’s this authors way to siphon money. TM is just a registered and certified method to promoting a standard for what non-TMers could call mantra meditation.
There are teachers of this method, that dedicate their entire lives to teaching this. I really doubt that a class that costs $400-$800 for lifetime experience is trying to rip you off. These teachers probably are eating rice and beans on their budget.
Yes, the Dalai Lama does teach similar practices for free. Yes, also the Dalai Lama in the past had taken personal payments from the CIA while operating in Tibet for an anti-Chinese mission.
I don’t think anyone is making money from pure gold in their hearts. Money as a construct has us chasing it in order to survive. If you have a skill to be a spiritual guide and provide comfort and healing to others, why wouldn’t you use your skill to help you survive… to continue offering your skill and help to people!!
Soo. It’s a great book and I’ve picked up mantra meditation myself at home (not TM copyrighted, but same technique)
I’m still practicing and trying to find my flow with it, remember to always bring my mind gently back to the mantra, and breathe as naturally and freely as possible. I feel amazing after and often during too, and am always excited to meditate again! Just …it’s just nothing but everything. It opens your heart and brings all the beauty into you. We have so much within us, that so often we are looking outside of ourselves for the things that we always have truly.
This book does bring great clarity to the benefits of TM, backed by scientific research.
The reader just needs to beware that there is a paid product behind this book. I truly don’t think it’s this authors way to siphon money. TM is just a registered and certified method to promoting a standard for what non-TMers could call mantra meditation.
There are teachers of this method, that dedicate their entire lives to teaching this. I really doubt that a class that costs $400-$800 for lifetime experience is trying to rip you off. These teachers probably are eating rice and beans on their budget.
Yes, the Dalai Lama does teach similar practices for free. Yes, also the Dalai Lama in the past had taken personal payments from the CIA while operating in Tibet for an anti-Chinese mission.
I don’t think anyone is making money from pure gold in their hearts. Money as a construct has us chasing it in order to survive. If you have a skill to be a spiritual guide and provide comfort and healing to others, why wouldn’t you use your skill to help you survive… to continue offering your skill and help to people!!
Soo. It’s a great book and I’ve picked up mantra meditation myself at home (not TM copyrighted, but same technique)
I’m still practicing and trying to find my flow with it, remember to always bring my mind gently back to the mantra, and breathe as naturally and freely as possible. I feel amazing after and often during too, and am always excited to meditate again! Just …it’s just nothing but everything. It opens your heart and brings all the beauty into you. We have so much within us, that so often we are looking outside of ourselves for the things that we always have truly.
June 15, 2014
Topical read for anyone interested in learning more about Transcendental Meditation. Rosenthal is a psychiatrist who has worked in the upper reaches of NIMH for many years (including discovering the use of light therapy for SAD sufferers), and is a long-time meditator who has outlined here the benefits and limitations of TM.
He spends a chapter each on the benefits for those with ADHD, PTSD, addictions, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, as well as how it is helping certain inner city schools where substantially all of the students have learned to meditate. But the bulk of the book is for ordinary people who just want to markedly reduce the impact of stress in their lives, and covers both the improvements to physical health (lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease) and to mental health (clearer thinking, less irritability, more creativity).
The anecdotes in the book make it interesting; at times, Rosenthal's recounting of various studies gets a little dry. Overall, though, it's worth reading, especially if you know nothing about TM but are interested in learning.
Having learned TM in high school, abandoned it in college, and then recently returned to it, I can say it has profoundly changed my ability to cope with a very stressful professional life and I continue to experience more effects as my practice of it continues.
He spends a chapter each on the benefits for those with ADHD, PTSD, addictions, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, as well as how it is helping certain inner city schools where substantially all of the students have learned to meditate. But the bulk of the book is for ordinary people who just want to markedly reduce the impact of stress in their lives, and covers both the improvements to physical health (lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease) and to mental health (clearer thinking, less irritability, more creativity).
The anecdotes in the book make it interesting; at times, Rosenthal's recounting of various studies gets a little dry. Overall, though, it's worth reading, especially if you know nothing about TM but are interested in learning.
Having learned TM in high school, abandoned it in college, and then recently returned to it, I can say it has profoundly changed my ability to cope with a very stressful professional life and I continue to experience more effects as my practice of it continues.
January 9, 2015
This book is a really good introduction into TM for those wanting an overview of the technique, as well as some solid evidence of it's positive effects. The book is easy to read, even in discussing scientific studies, and combined with the personal anecdotes and the ways in which TM has transformed the environment of schools and prisons, it was overall really interesting too.
I can see how sceptics might be cynical about TM and want to know WHY mantras can't be taught from a book, and are therefore unsatisfied with what is offered here. So I found it somewhat frustrating at times when I was reading, that there aren't more large rigorous studies available to allow broader society to believe in and trust more in the benefits of TM. Overall, I think Dr Rosenthal did as much as he could with the evidence available - many of the benefits of TM do not fit neatly or are easily measured by Western scientific definitions and processes, and he's done well. A thought-provoking, heartening book.
I can see how sceptics might be cynical about TM and want to know WHY mantras can't be taught from a book, and are therefore unsatisfied with what is offered here. So I found it somewhat frustrating at times when I was reading, that there aren't more large rigorous studies available to allow broader society to believe in and trust more in the benefits of TM. Overall, I think Dr Rosenthal did as much as he could with the evidence available - many of the benefits of TM do not fit neatly or are easily measured by Western scientific definitions and processes, and he's done well. A thought-provoking, heartening book.
November 4, 2019
It was recommended that I read this book to explore meditation for where I work: at a residential treatment program for teenagers. I was intrigued and this definitely gave me something to consider! Rosenthal had a nice balance of sharing information about Transcendental Meditation (TM) using personal stories AND scientific findings. It used real people's stories that helped TM seem accessible and beneficial . Now it has me wondering how can we apply it?
Keep in mind that this book explains the BENEFITS of TM but does NOT explain how to do TM yourself. The author kept emphasizing that one needs to be taught TM by a trained teacher rather than learn it on their own. Rosenthal also was forthcoming about the deficiencies in research or what was considered significant or not, which was helpful in interpreting the information presented to the reader. I'll definitely read it again to better understand TM!
Keep in mind that this book explains the BENEFITS of TM but does NOT explain how to do TM yourself. The author kept emphasizing that one needs to be taught TM by a trained teacher rather than learn it on their own. Rosenthal also was forthcoming about the deficiencies in research or what was considered significant or not, which was helpful in interpreting the information presented to the reader. I'll definitely read it again to better understand TM!
October 6, 2019
I like to write my reviews right after I finish a book because all the ideas are fresh and the impact that the book had in me is almost palpable. This book has been a surprise. Few months ago I decided to start meditation (Mindfulness meditation). It is hard, at least for me and I'm not fully sure if I got to enjoy some of its benefits. So when I read this book I thought it would be full of ideas more then facts. To my surprise this book was a summary of different studies that have been made around TM and quite honestly it made me think why if the benefits of TM are so good not many people are talking about them. I'm more curious right now to talk to more people that practice TM.
I said give it a try, his ideas combined with factual information are easy to understand and at times "inspiring".
I said give it a try, his ideas combined with factual information are easy to understand and at times "inspiring".
April 11, 2014
I was curious to learn more scientific evidence regarding the benefits of TM, and that is exactly what this book provided. By citing personal and relatable examples, Dr. Rosenthal eloquently portrays how TM has helped people suffering various psychological disorders such as PTSD and more generalized symptoms of anxiety and depression. What Dr. Rosenthal does not accomplish in this book, however, is conveying the actual process of meditating. In other words, this is not a "how-to" guide, and he makes the reader aware of that from the beginning. Because of this book, nonetheless, I hope to continue my explorations into the world of TM...if not now, then maybe once I get a little more money to pay for instruction....
October 11, 2014
This book was a gift and i was intrigued by the concept of meditation, hoping to learn some techniques to perhaps begin the practice. However, this book was mostly just a testimonial to the benefits of TM, citing numerous examples (too many in fact) of benefits of the process. It reminded me a bit of "The Secret", a book i read trying to learn the "secret to happiness" only to be frustrated that the secret is never revealed.
If one is interested in the concept and benefits of TM, this is an excellent book.
However, if one is looking for a mantra and a way to begin the TM process, this is not the book for you. And as the author points out, no book can teach you TM. You must pay for 7 sessions, obtain your mantra and begin your transcendental dive with a coach....
If one is interested in the concept and benefits of TM, this is an excellent book.
However, if one is looking for a mantra and a way to begin the TM process, this is not the book for you. And as the author points out, no book can teach you TM. You must pay for 7 sessions, obtain your mantra and begin your transcendental dive with a coach....
August 9, 2013
Written by a physician who discusses the research regarding the many health benefits of Transcendental Meditation (lowering blood pressure, reducing diabetes, controlling stress, anger, etc.). He also shares anecdotal stories from those who do TM, from business people, kids, prisoners, alcoholics, etc. If you have ever thought about trying meditation, I recommend TM and this book. Or go online and check out the David Lynch Foundation (yes, director David Lynch of Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, etc).
July 9, 2019
Better than Bob Roth's books. Feels less like an infomercial and more like a Nova special. Good narration, good balance of individual experiences and scientific studies. Appreciate how often Norman advocates for TM to be only one part of a balanced approach to dealing with mental illness or social ills, rather than the magic bullet. Also appreciate his curiosity about the various ways TM can impact a person, and how upfront he is on whether the evidence is anecdotal or too small of a sample size for any solid implications.
July 11, 2011
It's inspiring to read about the scientific studies on Transcendental Meditation and to see what it has achieved in inner city schools, prisons, and really for anyone sustaining a regular practice. I do think it should be more clearly indicated (on the cover) that this book will not teach you how to practice TM. I think that would have irritated me if I had purchased the book with this expectation and then realized there would be no instruction.
October 18, 2011
I like the book, but keep asking why should it cost so much or take 4 days and 7 steps to teach someone to meditate. I don't know that a mantra over focusing on breath would provide a different result. Certainly there is merit to this particular practice, but so many other meditation practices that provide similar benefits.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews