• Religion -> Eastern Religions and New Religions

• 0 Comment

Is TM considered a religious practice or is it more of a wellness practice?

Estela Kahen

Well well well, what a juicy question! Is TM considered a religious practice or is it more of a wellness practice? Hmm, let's see if I can shed some light on this topic.

First of all, for those who don't know, TM stands for Transcendental Meditation. It's a meditation technique that involves silently repeating a mantra to achieve a state of deep relaxation and inner peace. But is it religious or just a wellness practice? The answer is... drum roll please... both and neither!

Confused? Don't worry, let me explain. TM was founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s, and he was a spiritual leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement. So, technically speaking, TM has its roots in Hinduism and can be considered a spiritual or religious practice. However, over the years, TM has evolved and become more secular, with people from all walks of life practicing it for its mental and physical benefits, without any specific religious beliefs or affiliation.

So, is it more of a wellness practice then? Yes and no. TM has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, improve sleep and overall well-being, and even lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It's a wonderful tool in promoting a healthy lifestyle and managing a myriad of health conditions. However, it's important to note that TM should never be used as a substitute for medical treatment, and if you have any health concerns, you should always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.

In conclusion, TM is a bit of a chameleon; it can be both religious and secular, both a wellness practice and a spiritual practice. But ultimately, it's up to the individual who practices it to decide what role it plays in their life. As for me, I just like to sit in silence and repeat my mantra, and if it helps me to feel a little more zen, well that's just a bonus!

So, there you have it folks, the answer to the age-old question (okay maybe not age-old, but it's still an intriguing one!) of whether TM is a religious or wellness practice. The truth is, it's a little bit of both, and a whole lot of awesome. Happy meditating!