There are more than 650 scientific research studies, 400 of them published in peer-reviewed journals, conducted at over 250 Universities and research institutes in 30 countries over the last 50 years, that document the just the benefits of Transcendental Meditation in the field of mental potential, health, behaviour and society. The reach of other meditation techniques is far wider reaching.
When the mind settles down during the practice of meditation, the body gains a unique state of deep rest, which dissolves deep rooted stresses in a natural way, which helps in reducing:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- High Blood Pressure
- Insulin Resistance
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- ADHD
- OCD
- Autism Spectrum and many other diseases.
Research shows that meditation helps to have a healthier heart, increases immunity and decreases hospitalisation rate. In addition to that, it promotes a younger biological age and improves gene expression. (Let’s talk about telomeres in another blog post.)
Meditation produces a unique type of brain functioning, shows exceptional orderliness as measured by electroencephalograph—EEG. Increased orderliness is called EEG Coherence. High EEG Coherence is significantly associated with:
- Increased Creativity
- Greater Learning Ability
- Higher Moral Reasoning
- Higher Intelligence (IQ)
- Less Neurotic Behaviour
- Higher Academic Achievement
- Clearer experiences of Altered States of Consciousness—the field of total inner intelligence
- And more Efficient Functioning of our Nervous System.
Meditation also helps in improving memory, increases field independence and fluid intelligence. It helps in increasing self-actualization which leads to clarity of mind, confidence and mind-set to achieve goals. Research also shows that meditation helps to develop altered states of consciousness often associated with enlightenment.
Reducing stress and increasing relaxation, we are often able to give more to others—attention, love, support —our relationships naturally become more enjoyable, there is more understanding and compassion towards others.
Research studies indicates that people who practice meditation have improved work and personal relationships; greater appreciation for others; and increased tolerance. When meditation was taught is prisons, research demonstrates, that there is a reduction in aggression, verbal hostility, the tendency to assault and recidivism in prison inmates.
There is a theory that “we radiate what we are.” When we feel peace, happiness and calmness within, it naturally spreads our environment.
Many scientific studies show that when large group of people, more than 1% of the population in any given area, practices meditation, it naturally increases positive trends and reduces negative trends in the given area I practiced this type of meditation first with Sri Chinmoy and since with many meditation teachers in different styles of meditation.
When groups practiced meditation (square root of one percent of the population in the given area) was enough to reduce violent crime, homicides, traffic fatalities, other accidental deaths, drug related deaths, infant mortality and increased peace in the society—as was recorded in several areas like Lebanon, Cambodia, USA, Netherlands, and more through multiple research studies (these studies were conducted through the Maharishi Institute).
“Water the root to enjoy the fruit.” Watering the roots nourishes the trunk, branches, leaves, fruits and flowers, similarly meditation nourishes life as a whole—mind, body, behaviour and society, by enlivening the basis of life and conscious awareness develops higher or altered states of consciousness and a more harmonious, healthier and peaceful world.
Meditation can be learned from reading, listening or viewing video but is best is learned from a meditation teacher. To join us this month for live online meditation you can purchase a one month pass www.atlasstudio.com/online that will include unlimited yoga classes as well as daily live online meditation for the month of December 2021 – you can cancel your subscription at the end of the month and keep the recordings that will be available in January. If you are experiencing financial hardship you can email us at [email protected] and we will send you free access for the month of December 2021 or any part of this month.
Yoga Teacher and other interested fold, if you would like to receive a copy of my annotated bibliography on meditation email us at [email protected] and I will forward - warning!!! it is 130 pages :-)