I heard that some mantras have meaning and can be religious — is this true of TM mantras?
No, this is not the case with TM mantras. It’s true that in certain other meditation practices, mantras may be used as meaningful thoughts for the purpose of contemplation or devotion and may have religious significance. But the mantras used in TM practice are not associated with any meaning, nor are they used in a religious context.
Even if a TM mantra were found to resemble an actual word or have an incidental meaning in a particular language — Hindi, Hebrew, Swahili or whatever — it would be irrelevant to TM practice. The TM mantra is strictly a vehicle for transcending, used for its sound value only (for the sound’s beneficial effects, not for any contemplation of meaning). The mantra, when used properly, allows mental activity to subside as the mind settles into the deeply restful state of pure consciousness — a peaceful, orderly level of mind beyond thinking and meaning.
No, this is not the case with TM mantras. It’s true that in certain other meditation practices, mantras may be used as meaningful thoughts for the purpose of contemplation or devotion and may have religious significance. But the mantras used in TM practice are not associated with any meaning, nor are they used in a religious context.
Even if a TM mantra were found to resemble an actual word or have an incidental meaning in a particular language — Hindi, Hebrew, Swahili or whatever — it would be irrelevant to TM practice. The TM mantra is strictly a vehicle for transcending, used for its sound value only (for the sound’s beneficial effects, not for any contemplation of meaning). The mantra, when used properly, allows mental activity to subside as the mind settles into the deeply restful state of pure consciousness — a peaceful, orderly level of mind beyond thinking and meaning.
This is why people of all religions — or no religion — practice the TM technique with no conflicts. The technique is secular in the truest sense of the word.
What if I meditate using a mantra that has a meaning?
Some people say the TM mantras have roots in a religious tradition — is this true?
Why are the TM mantras kept private?
So once I learn, I can’t teach the TM technique to others?
