From: chriswe@microsoft.com (Chris Westin)
Subject: A.M.T FAQ, last revised 9/20/92
Date: 20 Sep 92 22:29:58 GMT
Organization: Microsoft Corp.
Keywords: FAQ


A.M.T FAQ, last revised 9/20/92

Revision History
----------------
Chris Westin -  9/20/92 - Added information about specific courses, checking,
	refresher courses, and initial bibliography
Chris Westin -  4/19/92 - Created

ALT.MEDITATION.TRANSCENDENTAL Frequently Asked Questions and newsgroup charter

Q: What is the alt.meditation.transcendental newsgroup for?

A: In the past few years, TM centers have begun to offer guest lectures and
new education programs.  alt.meditation.transcendental was created for TMers
so that they could find out about this renaissance of the TM program and take
advantage of these new opportunities.  Also, some meditators like to meditate
in groups, and it was thought that they might find out about other TMers in
their area through alt.meditation.transcendental.

The newsgroup can be used by anyone to announce events that are open to the
public that are being held by their local TM center.  Please be aware that some
events are open only to meditators, and such events should not be posted.
Meditators should call their local centers to find out about such events.


Q: What sorts of courses can you do through the TM organization now?

A: There is of course the basic TM course.  You've probably already done that.
After that, there are several other things (listed below) you can do.  Some
of the courses below have capsule descriptions; if you know more about it,
or have additional information we can add to the FAQ, please send it to the
keeper.

====================
Courses Requiring TM
====================

Residence Courses
-----------------
This amounts to a retreat.  Local TM centers organize these over long weekends.
TM-Sidhi and TM practitioners are both welcome.  The course includes some
instructional material.  The emphasis is on getting deep rest.  These
occur quarterly.

There are also two week courses at MIU for TM-Sidhi practitioners.  These
operate year round.

Advanced Techniques
-------------------
There are several advanced meditation techniques that are used in conjuntion
with the TM technique.  Centers will offer these courses periodically, when
there is enough demand to bring the instructors from MIU.  Call your local
center to get your name on a list if you are interested.

TM-Sidhi program
----------------
This includes instruction in the (in)famous yogic flying technique.  The
hopping aspect of it is really considered a side-effect.  The principal
interest in this technique is for the acceleration in the growth of
consciousness this produces when compared to the regular TM technique.  This is
taught partly at local TM centers, and partly in residence at MIU.  It is
taught periodically, when there is enough local demand.  If you are interested,
call your local center for details.

Jyotish
-------
Vedic Astrology.  ???

The Science of Creative Intelligence
------------------------------------
???


===================
Maharishi Ayur-Veda
===================

Invincible Athletics
--------------------
The principles of outstanding athletic performance, according to Maharishi
Ayur-Veda.

Blissfully Thin
---------------
How to easily achieve a weight that is right for you, according to Ayur-Vedic
principles.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q: Are there other activities relating to TM?

A: Some centers are holding monthly lectures, free if you've taken TM.
Some people are organizing group meditations and pot-luck dinners.  Call
your local center to find out about such events.


Q: I don't meditate regularly, or have stopped meditating, and would like to
start again.  What can I do?

A: If you've taken TM, you get lifetime followup.  Centers usually offer
free refresher talks on how to begin again.  At these, you will get the
opportunity to take part in a group meditation, after which you can discuss
your experience with an instructor.  You can also schedule a free
appointment with an instructor who will check your meditation in private.  This
is your chance to begin again, if you quit, or to get a boost, if you are
an irregular meditator.


Q: How do you find a TM center near you?

A: TM centers are usually listed in the local telephone book white pages
under "Transcendental Meditation."  


Q: What is TM?

A: TM is short for "Trancendental Meditation."  TM is a simple mental
technique anyone can learn, which provides the body with deep rest.  It is
not a religion or a philosophy of life.  The technique is not associated
with any special lifestyle, diet, or political outlook.  The technique was
brought to the West from India by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1959.  Many
scientific studies have shown that it can broaden comprehension, reduce
stress and anxiety, increase productivity, and provide health benefits, in
individuals that regularly practice the technique.  Specific information
about the benefits of the technique can be found in many books, two of which
are "Transcendental Meditation:  A new introduction to Maharishi's easy,
effective, and scientifically proven technique for promoting better health,
unfolding your creative potential--and creating peace in the world," by
Robert Roth, and "The TM Book: How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life," by
Denise Denniston.  Both of these books discuss the benefits of the technique
and cite studies from the scientific literature proving its many benefits.


Q: What is Transcendental Meditation like?

A: TMers sit down and practice the technique for 20 minutes, twice a day.
TMers do not generally discuss the experience, except with their teachers.
The experience of meditation is unique for each individual, and such
discussion inevitably leads to comparison of experiences, and can create doubt 
regarding the correct application of the technique.  However, the technique
is practiced prior to activity, so that the meditator's activity benefits
from increased energy and clarity of mind.

The TM technique does not rely on concentration, contemplation, breath control,
or yogic postures.  It is a simple mental procedure that is very easy, and
that anyone can learn to do.


Q: How can I learn TM?

A: TM is taught at centers established in many cities around the world.
Contact a TM center near you.  Only a qualified instructor can teach you
the technique.  It is important to have a qualified instructor, as they
are trained to help you with your unique experience of the technique.


Q: Can I learn TM from a book?

A: No.  There are no books that teach the
genuine trademarked version of Transcendental meditation.  For some time,
the TM organization has used Maharishi's image as a trademark, and you will
see his picture on forms, and in the front pages of books to indicate that
the article is genuine.  There are books that talk *about* TM, and a couple
were listed above.


Q: Who is the keeper of this FAQ?

A: The FAQ has been brought to you by Chris Westin, chriswe@microsoft.com.


Q: Where can I find out more about TM and its related programs?

A: Here is an extensive bibliograpy, organized into categories of books
by Maharishi, Scientific Research on the TM and TM-Sidhi programs,
Perfect Health and Immortality: Maharishi Ayur-Veda, General reading, and
Natural Law.  Some books have capsule descriptions or reviews provided by
a.m.t readers, their friends, or other publications.  If you have information
about a book for which there is no description, I'd appreciate it if you
could send a few sentences; information on additional books is also sought.

				========
				TM BOOKS
				========

==============================
Books by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
==============================

Title:   Science of Being and Art of Living, 322 pp
Author:  Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Subject: The philosophy of the TM technique and movement, being as the 
         basis of living, transcendence and enlightenment.


Title:   On the Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation and Commentary, 494 pp
Author:  Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Subject: Translation and Commentary of Chapters 1-6 of the Bhagavad Gita, the
         essence of Vedic literature and a complete guide to practical life.


Title:   Love and God, 54 pp
Author:  Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Subject: In this volume, Maharishi expresses the spontaneous flow of love,
         gratitude, and devotion arising from the state of supreme 
         Self-realization


Title:   Enlightenment to Every Individual: Invincibility to Every Nation,
	 676 pp
Author:  Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Subject: Maharishi addressed the vital issues of the day, presenting practical,
         scientifically validated solutions, to the problems facing health,
         business, education, government and defense.


Title:   Life Supported by Natural Law, 216 pp
Author:  Lectures by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Subject: Thorough introduction to the Vedic Science, exploring the full range of 
         natural law, from its source in the unified field, to its application
         in education, health, economics, and world peace.


Title:   Thirty Years Around the World - Dawn of the Age of Enlightenment,
	 600 pp
Author:  Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the TM Movement
Subject: In-depth history of the founding and early years of Maharishi's
         worldwide TM Movement. Hundreds of rare photographs.


Title:   Creating an Ideal Society, 168 pp.
Author:  Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the TM Movement
Subject: Covers the Maharishi Effect, research on consciousness, experiences of
         higher states of consciousness, Rig-Ved as the universal constitution
         and the Inaguration of the Dawn of the Age of Enlightenment.


Title:   Maharishi's Program to Create World Peace - Global Inaguration, 574 pp
Author:  Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the TM Movement
Subject: A transcript of a press conference in Washinton D.C. where MIU
	 faculty describe how
         the TM-Sidhi program can be used to usher in a new golden age through
         group practice of yogic flying.  The bulk of the work is a collection
         of press clippings from newspapers around the world that resulted
         from the simultaneous press conferences held around the world, where
         the TM-Sidhi practice was demonstrated to the public.


Title:   Concordance for the Bhagavad-Gita, 91 pp
Author:  Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the TM Movement
Subject: Concordance for the Bhagavad-Gita.


==================================================
Scientific Research on the TM and TM-Sidhi Program
==================================================

Title:   Scientific Research: Collected Papers - Volumes 1,2,3 and 4:
           Volume I   - 727 pp,  
           Volume II  - 734 pp, 
           Volume III - 815 pp,
           Volume IV  - 797 pp
Author:  Many authors.
Subject: 30 years of scientific research on Maharishi's Vedic Science
         and Technology of Consciousness, to develop full human potential.
         Contains over 100 studies demonstrating the various benefits of
         TM on physiology, psychology, sociology and the environment.


Title:   Global Research Program,  64 pp
Author:  Maharishi European Research University
Subject: ???


Title:   MERU Ideal Society Index
Author:  TM Movement
Subject: ???


Title:   Neurophysiology of Enlightenment
Author:  Robert K. Wallace, Ph.D.
Subject: How Maharishi's TM and TM-Sidhi program transforms the functioning of 
         the Human Body. Very interesting. Tens of Scientific studies sighted
         with many charts and graphs. The bibliography is over 40 pages long!


Title:   Maharishi Effect - Results of Research 1974-1990
Author:  Collected Papers of scientific studies
Subject: Maharishi Effect (i.e. The effect 1% of population practicing TM 
         have on the environment)


========================================================
Perfect Health and Immortality - Maharishi Ayurveda Books
========================================================

Title:   The TM and TM-Sidhi program and the Reversal of Aging
Author:  ???
Subject: Review Article


Title:   Perfect health 
Author:  Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Subject: A guide to Maharishi Ayurveda. A most fascinating account by an 
         Endocrinologist Dr. about Maharishi's Ayurveda, a 5000 year old
         science of life, prevention, self-care and healing.  Practical
         and rich with examples and case studies.


Title:   Quantum Healing
Author:  Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Subject: Masterful exploration of Mind-Body medicine.


Title:   ILA MA - a Celebration of Vedic Knowledge
Author:  ???
Subject: The 20 approaches to Maharishi's Ayurvdea, general overview.


Title:   Return of the Rishi
Author:  Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Subject: Western Medicine and Ayurveda as mingled in the life of an 
         Indian-born western-trained M.D. who discovered Ayurveda
         after practicing as an Endocrinologist for many years.


Title:   Creating Health
Author:  Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Subject: Ideal introduction to the principles of Maharishi Ayurveda from 
         the perspective of Western Medicine. The cause and cure of illness
         from a holistic point of view. 


Title:   Unconditional Life - Mastering the Forces that Shape Personal Reality
Author:  Deepak Chopra, M.D.
Subject: Introduction to the higher states of consciousness as a viable reality
         for everyone.


===============
General Reading
===============

Title:   Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Transcendental Meditation, 
Author:  Robert Roth
Subject: Introduction and easy reading about TM and its benefits


Title:   The TM Book - How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life
Author:  Denise Denniston and Barry Geller
Subject: TM, its benefits and its effect on daily living.


Title:   TM: Discovering Inner Energy and Overcoming Stress
Author:  ???
Subject: ???


Title:   Creating Heaven on Earth: The Mechanics of the Impossible
Author:  Robert Oates
Subject: ???


Title:   Maharishi Ghandra-Ved: Creating Balance in Nature and Harmony in 
         World Consciousness - Global Achievements, 204 pp
Author:  ???
Subject: Vedic Music and its effect on the environment and the individual.


Title:   Enlightened Management Building High Performance People
Author:  Gerald Swanson, Ph.D and Robert Oates
Subject: Proven techniques based on the Science of Technology of the Unified
         Field to increase creativity, organizing power, teamwork and job 
         satisfaction. Testimonials and case studies from companies around 
         the world. 


Title:   Growing Up Enlightened
Author:  Sanford I Nidich, Ed.D and Randi Jeanne Nidich Ed.D
Subject: Vivid description of the spectacular achievements of the Maharishi
         School of the Age of Enlightenment in Fairfield, Iowa. Stories,
         Interviews, research and photographs.


Title:   Success from Within, Discovering the Inner State that Creates Personal
         Fulfillment and Business Success
Author:  Jay B. Marcus
Subject: Practical and convincing account of the TM program's ability to enhance
         success in business.


=====================
Natural Law and Order
=====================

Title:   First World Assembly on Law, justice and Rehabilitation, 180 pp
Author:  Conference Proceedings
Subject: ???


Title:   Inside Folsom Prison, 236 pp
Author:  George Ellis
Subject: ???

-- 
Chris Westin
chriswe@microsoft.com

The usual disclaimers apply.


Newsgroups: alt.meditation.transcendental