And now for some common sense:
Anyone reading Ray Dalio's new book, Principles?
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It's helpful to separate the technique of TM from the organization. The technique can be very effective when practiced regularly. Unfortunately the TM organization got out of hand and grew into a mess. Maharishi was a brilliant teacher, but a lousy manager.
Have you tried other forms or meditation? If so, how did TM compare?
It is more specific in its technique and training. But any form of meditation, if done regularly, is better than nothing, IMO.
Religions are full of people praying and meditating.
I wouldn't say they were better off, if anything, worse off.
But religion being religion, will all say they are better off.
That's interesting. Because the way that TM guys describe it, TM is supposed to be effortless and requires no control of the mind or concentration:
So apart from just repeating the mantra at no specific cadence, not even anchored to the breath, what is there to do?
Having a specific and proven technique helps it to become effortless. No different than with trading.
Thank you for taking the time to interview millions of folks who pray or meditate, and sharing the results of your studies.
Very insightful.
The resultant positive effects from meditation imo are due more to the social aspect.
A hermit meditating will obviously 'feel' they are achieving something but an outside observer will possibly cast judgment that there is no change affect.
Humans who judge themselves ie religous people are all going to say they see or feel jesus for example and get this buzzy feeling, but that's not proof of an improvement.
Religous people or meditators congregating in social groups will definitely benefit from that activity imo, but it's not so much the meditation but interaction which is giving the benefit.
I read that fMRI studies have shown meditation to have favorable effects on the brain, quite apart from just the subjective evaluation of perceived benefits.