An introduction to a course of Transcendental Meditation explains its use as a therapeutic practice.
The Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement is based on the teaching of Hindu religious leader Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The key to the technique is the mantra which is repeated to the point of transcendence
The Maharishi's movement which gained prominence through the Beatles is taught in Ireland at centres in Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Limerick.
At the Ailesbury Road centre in Dublin, TM teachers Mary Daly and Michael Kennedy explain how the technique can be of benefit. An attendee at this introduction to TM hopes the technique will improve her ability to concentrate and think. Another wants to try it so that he does not miss out on any experiences brought over from the East,
Because it's known for its mysticism.
Another person attending the session finds the TM method fascinating but feels it is dominated by its figurehead the Maharishi.
The introductory lecture is the first in a lengthy process. Mary Daly explains what to expect from the second part of the introduction, which illustrates the mechanics of the technique in more detail.
If attendees decide to continue, they undergo personal instruction with a teacher and return at certain points over the coming weeks. For about six months people come back once a month to discuss and hear more about the technique and the effect it is having on them.
Advocates of the techniques stress it can be practiced in isolation of its origins, or religious connections, as a tool to improve or expand individual capabilities.
Edenderry businessman Eugene O'Brien is at the advanced level of TM. He has been practicing TM for six years and is in no doubt that it has helped his mental and physical health. As managing director of three supermarkets, farms, a fertiliser plant and a builders' providers in County Offaly, Eugene O’Brien finds TM allows him to compartmentalise tasks.
I find TM gives one a very clear mind, it frees the mind of useless thoughts.
While Eugene O’Brien does not consider TM a religious conviction, he thinks it can give practitioners a greater appreciation of their religious beliefs.
This episode of 'Week In’ was broadcast on 4 February 1980. The reporter is Pat Kenny.
