The first research on the Transcendental Meditation technique, conducted at UCLA and Harvard Medical Schools, was published from 1970 to 1972 in the respected journals Science, American Journal of Physiology, and Scientific American. These landmark studies revealed that the Transcendental Meditation technique produces a unique state of “restful alertness” in the mind and body — a state known as transcendental consciousness.

During the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, the mind settles down to its most silent level. Since the mind and body are intimately connected, as the mind settles down the body also settles down to a deep state of rest.

Researchers discovered significant reductions in respiration, minute ventilation, tidal volume, and blood lactate, and significant increases in basal skin resistance. All of these physiological measures represent a state of deep relaxation, even deeper than sleep. And they found that even though the body is in a state of deep rest, the mind is alert rather than asleep, indicated by an increased abundance of alpha waves in the EEG.

This unique state of restful alertness led pioneering researcher Dr. Keith Wallace to suggest it was a fourth major state of consciousness — transcendental consciousness — distinct from the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states of consciousness. For the past 30 years, many other researchers have confirmed and expanded upon this initial research on transcendental consciousness.

When we water the root of a tree, all the branches, flowers, and fruits are nourished. In the same way, the regular experience of transcendental consciousness, gained during the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, provides nourishment for all aspects of life — for our mind, body and spirit.

During the Transcendental Meditation technique, we contact transcendental consciousness at the quietest level of the mind. Because this is the field of maximum energy, creativity, and intelligence, the mind naturally expresses more of these qualities when it comes out of meditation.

By contacting this unlimited source of energy and intelligence twice a day, you’ll think and act more creatively, and intelligently, engage in activity feeling less tired and stressed, and enjoy increased alertness and efficiency in all areas of your life.