Transcendental Meditation: Enlightenment Through Silence

For those who have been practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM) for a while, there comes a profound experience that defies all conventional understanding. The state of being is one of pure consciousness, completely out of the field of relativity. There is no world of the senses or of objects, no trace of sensory activity, and no trace of mental activity. This state thought to occur when the part of the brain responsible for letting sensory input into the brain, which is also the part that allows awareness of internal brain activity, has temporarily shut down. While this mechanism of experiencing has been described in various studies, the direct experience of such a state remains unattainable. However, the fading of experiences leading up to it and the transition out of it are processes that can be truly enlightening.

The State of Being

Despite the lack of direct experience, several studies have shed light on the physical functioning of the body and brain during such states. Researchers have documented what a person is like who regularly has episodes of this nature or approaches it through years and decades of consistent practice. The average duration of such episodes, referred to by some as meditation sessions, has been measured at around 15,000 hours. These findings provide a window into the transformative power of TM, explaining how it can lead to a profound state of purity and unity.

Understanding Pure Consciousness

The state of being is often described as a peak experience, a moment of pure consciousness. It is a state completely free from all trace of duality, where there is no self-other, no thinker-thought, no experiencer-object. In this state, the trinity of the thinker, thinking process, and thought; doer-process of doing, and action; and experiencer-process of experiencing and object of experience dissolve into a coherent and unified field. This sense of unity and wholeness is often transformative for individuals who experience it, as it strips away the layers of relativity and delusion that characterize our everyday life.

The Mechanism of Mind Silence

One of the most fascinating aspects of the TM experience is the temporary shutting down of the brain’s sensory processing mechanisms. In this state, awareness of the internal brain activity ceases, yet the rest of the brain continues to function, albeit at a lower level. This state of quietude is not to be confused with the absence of all experience. Instead, it represents a transition from one mode of functioning to another, akin to the fading of experiences leading up to the state and the transition out of it upon ending the meditation session.

Direct Experience and Scientific Validation

While direct experiences of the state of being are rare due to the lack of a mechanism for experiencing it, the scientific validation of the process over years and thousands of hours of practice provides evidence of its transformative potential. Studies have shown that regular TM practice can significantly reduce stress, enhance cognitive function, and improve overall well-being. These findings suggest that the deep state of silence and unity achieved through TM is not just a mystical occurrence, but a verifiable experience with real-world benefits.

Conclusion

The most profound experiences in Transcendental Meditation stems from the fleeting moments of pure consciousness. Despite the temporary nature of these experiences, their impact on individuals can be profound. The state of being, though not directly describable, is a state of enlightenment and unity that can be approached through consistent practice. As research continues to uncover the mechanisms and benefits of TM, it becomes increasingly clear that the path to true transcendence begins with the simple act of being silent and observing the mind's natural course.