FAQ
Will Meditation work for me?
Yes, because Vedic Meditation is completely natural. Anyone can learn this meditation because the technique is scientific; it requires neither specific skills nor the adoption of a particular lifestyle.
Do I have to change my religious or personal beliefs?
No. This is simply a practical technique that provides immediate and sustained benefits in every area of an individual’s life – mind, body, behaviour and environment. You do not have to take on any beliefs, change your name or wear different clothes. People of all races and religions practice this meditation.
Do I have to sit in a lotus position or chant?
No. When you meditate you sit in silence in a comfortable chair with your back supported and your eyes closed. To anyone watching you, it looks as though you are simply resting.
How long will it take until I feel the benefits?
Most people report feeling calmer, having greater physical energy and mental clarity in the first week they start practising meditation. Actually many people feel the benefits after their first meditation. Friends and family will probably comment that you seem calmer, happier and less stressed.
Will it take years for me to master?
No. By the end of the beginner’s meditation course you will be able to meditate on your own. Group meditation meetings are provided to ensure you stay on track with your practice.
How is Vedic Meditation different to other Meditation Techniques?
The Vedic Meditation technique is unique and essentially different from other forms of meditation and relaxation. Other types of meditation generally involve concentration (focusing the mind through effort) or contemplation (thinking about the meaning of something) - both of which keep the mind active.
Vedic meditation is a completely effortless technique that de-excites the mind in a natural and spontaneous way.
Do I need a special meditation room to meditate in?
No. The technique is completely portable. You can practise it anywhere - on a train, bus, plane, at your desk, in a park. You don’t need absolute silence in order to practise it – all you need is a place to sit. It’s very useful for people who travel a great deal, as it assists with jetlag and fatigue.
What is the relationship between Vedic Meditation, and “Transcendental Meditation,” as taught and promoted by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi?
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a revered spiritual teacher from the Shankaracharya lineage in India. Lauren's teacher, Thom Knoles, was trained as a teacher of Transcendental Meditation (“TM”) by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and taught it for over 25 years with organizations affiliated with Maharishi. Since 1997, Thom has continued to teach meditation as he learned it from Maharishi, and has done so independently and separately from the TM organizations. Thom Knoles trained Lauren to teach meditation in the same way that Maharishi trained him to teach meditation. Lauren teaches Vedic Meditation and is not affiliated with the TM organizations or their current services, processes or programs. However if you have learned Transcendental Meditation you are welcome to speak to Lauren about joining her regular group meditations.
What does the scientific research say about this form of meditation?
The form of meditation that Thom Knoles taught for over 25 years with the TM organizations as “Transcendental Meditation,” has been the subject of hundreds of scientific studies showing a wide range of benefits from regular practice. These studies, which refer to this form of meditation using the name “Transcendental Meditation” or “TM”, support the benefits obtainable from regular practice of Vedic Meditation. These benefits include:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Decreased depression
Reduced insomnia
Lower blood pressure
Decreased cholesterol
Reduced congestive heart failure
Reduced atherosclerosis/stroke
Decreased free radicals
Reduced metabolic syndrome/pre-diabetes
Reduced cardiovascular risk factors
Reduction in pain
Decreased health care costs and utilisation
Higher levels of brain functioning
Improved intelligence, creativity and learning ability
Improved academics
Improved school behaviour
Benefits for special and remedial education
Improved integration of personality
Increased longevity
Reduced substance abuse