![]() Therefore, I commend those actively researching the benefits of meditation. I firmly believe that it has the power to revolutionize our society to become more inclusive, egalitarian and benevolent. Meditation in all its forms has the ability to transform the human body, mind and psyche. I am impressed by all that TM may offer, though I believe-as Rosenthal himself agrees-that TM is not the sole vehicle for attaining the exalted states of consciousness of Super Mind. The book concludes with observations on the role of TM in attainment of cosmic consciousness-“pure awareness” of and within a connected universe. Although he maintains that he is not trying to favour one method, he is also clearly not a neutral critic. Differences in neural activity induced by the two techniques are distinguishable by electroencephalogram. He emphasizes that TM is easier to learn. While mindfulness may be inherently meditative and both involve focused intention and attention, he stresses the differences. Rosenthal also devotes a chapter to contrasting TM and mindfulness, most commonly taught as the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. That must be learned directly from a certified teacher. Though practical, this book is not instructional as it does not impart the meditation technique. Rosenthal also includes impressions drawn from his experience as a TM practitioner, that this technique provides a deep form of rest and can even induce a blissful euphoric state with consistent practice. Furthermore, he speaks of TM facilitating the “support of nature”, whereby the practitioner is able to tap into co-creative intelligence. Nevertheless, the book is thorough in its treatment of the topic, and touches upon the brain and body’s physiology in the transcendent state, purported benefits on memory, creativity, emotional resilience, interpersonal conflict resolution, treatment of addictions and certain mental health disorders. He also includes myriad anecdotes consisting of endorsements from celebrities, artists, performers and athletes, which inject a certain gloss and “wow-factor” to the assertions. ![]() The book is divided into three sections that take the reader through the foundational principles of TM and its benefits, supported by research, including a survey he conducted with 600 participants. Achieving Super Mind is the key to a richer life-physically (including material riches!), emotionally and spiritually. The goal of TM practice is to become Super Mind at all times during rest and play, in the waking, sleep and dream states. He details the different stages of this heightened state, based on Vedic teachings. The book is based on the premise that TM can cultivate a state of consciousness transcendent beyond the experience of the self, which Rosenthal refers to as “Super Mind”. After flipping through a few pages and doing my own personal meditation practice, I decided to dive in. While I do not practise TM, its popularity intrigues me. Norman Rosenthal’s latest book, Super Mind-another book on Transcendental Meditation (TM)? Did he not write one already a few years ago? This latest offering is in some ways an extension of his previous work, Transcendence, though this book aims to bring TM to a wider audience and integrates up-to-date research. Read more about Norman Rosenthal M.D.I must admit that I had some initial hesitation when I picked up Dr. This interest is reflected in his latest book, Transcendence: Healing and Transformation Through Transcendental Meditation (Tarcher Penguin, 2011). Rosenthal has directed his research interests to Transcendental Meditation, leading him to use TM in the treatment of a diverse array of physical and psychological problems. Rosenthal has maintained a private practice in the Washington metropolitan area for over three decades, and has conducted numerous clinical trials of medications for psychiatric disorders. He is currently Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown Medical School, and the author of over 200 scholarly articles and several popular books, including Winter Blues and The Emotional Revolution.ĭr. Rosenthal pioneered the use of light therapy as a treatment now used by millions of people. During his twenty years at the National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Rosenthal, M.D., is an internationally recognized psychiatrist, author, and was the first researcher to describe seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
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