Saturday, March 31, 2007
TM and Trance Addiction: Kicking the TM Habit
Repost of accidentally deleted post
I've been in touch with thousands of current and former TMers over the last 12 years. One question that comes up again and again is whether I recommend that they quit Transcendental Meditation or not.
My response is always that's a very personal decision, one the individual can only make for him or herself. Many elements enter into the decision, including personal belief, comfort level, and emotional resilience.
Based on the experience of many that I've worked with, I believe there are some things you need to consider if you are thinking of stopping meditation.
There are some very positive reasons for ceasing the practice. I don't have hard figures, but many of the people I know who decided to leave the Org, but chose to continue TM, eventually ended up going back to the Movement.
As Joe Kellet's web site develops, trance is a sly seductress. Meditation is one of nature's miracles; it feels wonderful for most who practice it. But there's no doubt that trance states are states of increased suggestibility, states in which critical thought cannot be sustained. It seems likely that simply continuing the experience of trance makes one susceptible to maintaining TM beliefs and worldviews despite the decision to leave the Org.
Pioneering cultic studies researchers, Louis Jolyon West and Paul Martin, wrote about the development of a "cult personality" within members of high-demand groups in “Pseudo-Identity and the Treatment of Personality Change in Victims of Captivity and Cults.” They spoke of a variation of dissociative identity disorder, known commonly as “multiple personality disorder,” which they hypothesized developed in cult victims.
This concept resonated with my experience. I actually left the TM Org three times before I made my final break in 1995. The first few times I attempted to leave, I experienced within me a “cult John” who maintained the old attitudes, phobias, and beliefs from my TM days. When I returned to the TM Org each time, I had the feeling that I was abandoning my secular self – although I called my time outside of TM a period of “unstressing.” Others I’ve known have expressed similar feelings.
My hypothesis is that continuing to meditate after “leaving” TM keeps the cult personality lively, ready to pounce and reassert control of your life.
A third consideration: I have no research to contribute, but based on the anecdotes of many former meditators, I wonder if trance abuse induces physical addiction, not just emotional dependence.
Ever miss a meditation during your TM days? Many people report a feeling of anxiety that increases the longer they wait after their accustomed meditation time. And many people who don’t meditate for days after regular practice for years report some or all of these symptoms: mild confusion, fatigue, concentration problems, spaciness, irritability, an overwhelming need for sleep -- or difficulty falling asleep. Some report physical symptoms such as a mild feverishness, flu-like feelings, muscular aches and pains, a hyper-aroused state in which physical touch is irritating, and other vague physical sensations.
Readers who have experienced long-rounding courses may have had similar experiences as they “came down” in rounds.
If any former drug addicts or alcoholics have read this far, they may recognize these symptoms. They’re the signs of addictive withdrawal.
Now, TMers are indoctrinated with a different explanation. Meditators who have decided to quit meditation and begin to experience these symptoms frequently jump to the conclusion that they are now “unstressing.” They may see these mild problems as proof that meditation “works” and they are now suffering because they are re-entering a state of ignorance. Very likely, they will re-begin the practice with renewed conviction.
Not all meditators experience these problems. And the good news is that those who do usually only experience them for a week or two.
My guess is that TMers become mildly addicted to increased endorphin levels – or some other naturally occurring hormonal change. Fortunately, it’s an addiction that is relatively easy to overcome. The passage of time works wonders. (Kathleen Taylor writes in Brainwashing: The Science of Thought Control, Oxford University Press, 2004 that trance stimulates serotonin, dopamine, and endorphin levels, creating receptive state to suggestions. H/t to Gina Catena.)
Many people have valid reasons for wanting to continue meditation whether they want to maintain good standing in the TM Org or not. They consider meditation a valid expression and experience of their spirituality. They may simply want to continue enjoying the documented health benefits of regular meditation. (I won’t argue here the extent or even reality of these benefits. Suffice it to say there is sound research that indicates the measurable health benefits are much less than the TM Org would have one believe.)
For these people, I have a few suggestions. Not based on research, but rather on the anecdotal success stories I’ve had the good fortune to have heard in counseling people who leave TM.
First, I recommend that you do consider ceasing to meditate if you decide to leave the TM Org. I believe the danger of being sucked back into a hurtful organization is too great to risk continuing meditation. I don’t suggest that you never meditate again. (This would be decidedly hypocritical of me. I meditate and do yoga regularly, although I haven’t done TM for many years.) But I recommend that you set a significant time goal for yourself during which you will break your TM habit. I recommend 6 months, although shorter or longer periods may prove optimum once this is researched. After you’ve experienced life without TM – and what may be an addiction, you are in a better position to make a rational decision about whether you will re-begin TM or another meditation technique.
Second, keep yourself open to the possibility that the mild symptoms of discomfort that you may experience do not prove that TM works. Consider, in fact, that they are proof that TM may create an unhealthy physical dependence. Just this simple change in viewpoint may serve to get you through your withdrawal period.
Thirdly, find other activities that meet the physical and emotional needs that TM met. As an example, vigorous physical activity also raises endorphin levels. Exit counselor Pat Ryan and others have reported that the increased endorphin levels from aerobics or weight training can ease the feelings of physical withdrawal.
Finally, the spiritual hole that leaving the TM Org and ceasing meditation causes must be filled again. But that’s the subject for another posting.
I've been in touch with thousands of current and former TMers over the last 12 years. One question that comes up again and again is whether I recommend that they quit Transcendental Meditation or not.
My response is always that's a very personal decision, one the individual can only make for him or herself. Many elements enter into the decision, including personal belief, comfort level, and emotional resilience.
Based on the experience of many that I've worked with, I believe there are some things you need to consider if you are thinking of stopping meditation.
There are some very positive reasons for ceasing the practice. I don't have hard figures, but many of the people I know who decided to leave the Org, but chose to continue TM, eventually ended up going back to the Movement.
As Joe Kellet's web site develops, trance is a sly seductress. Meditation is one of nature's miracles; it feels wonderful for most who practice it. But there's no doubt that trance states are states of increased suggestibility, states in which critical thought cannot be sustained. It seems likely that simply continuing the experience of trance makes one susceptible to maintaining TM beliefs and worldviews despite the decision to leave the Org.
Pioneering cultic studies researchers, Louis Jolyon West and Paul Martin, wrote about the development of a "cult personality" within members of high-demand groups in “Pseudo-Identity and the Treatment of Personality Change in Victims of Captivity and Cults.” They spoke of a variation of dissociative identity disorder, known commonly as “multiple personality disorder,” which they hypothesized developed in cult victims.
This concept resonated with my experience. I actually left the TM Org three times before I made my final break in 1995. The first few times I attempted to leave, I experienced within me a “cult John” who maintained the old attitudes, phobias, and beliefs from my TM days. When I returned to the TM Org each time, I had the feeling that I was abandoning my secular self – although I called my time outside of TM a period of “unstressing.” Others I’ve known have expressed similar feelings.
My hypothesis is that continuing to meditate after “leaving” TM keeps the cult personality lively, ready to pounce and reassert control of your life.
A third consideration: I have no research to contribute, but based on the anecdotes of many former meditators, I wonder if trance abuse induces physical addiction, not just emotional dependence.
Ever miss a meditation during your TM days? Many people report a feeling of anxiety that increases the longer they wait after their accustomed meditation time. And many people who don’t meditate for days after regular practice for years report some or all of these symptoms: mild confusion, fatigue, concentration problems, spaciness, irritability, an overwhelming need for sleep -- or difficulty falling asleep. Some report physical symptoms such as a mild feverishness, flu-like feelings, muscular aches and pains, a hyper-aroused state in which physical touch is irritating, and other vague physical sensations.
Readers who have experienced long-rounding courses may have had similar experiences as they “came down” in rounds.
If any former drug addicts or alcoholics have read this far, they may recognize these symptoms. They’re the signs of addictive withdrawal.
Now, TMers are indoctrinated with a different explanation. Meditators who have decided to quit meditation and begin to experience these symptoms frequently jump to the conclusion that they are now “unstressing.” They may see these mild problems as proof that meditation “works” and they are now suffering because they are re-entering a state of ignorance. Very likely, they will re-begin the practice with renewed conviction.
Not all meditators experience these problems. And the good news is that those who do usually only experience them for a week or two.
My guess is that TMers become mildly addicted to increased endorphin levels – or some other naturally occurring hormonal change. Fortunately, it’s an addiction that is relatively easy to overcome. The passage of time works wonders. (Kathleen Taylor writes in Brainwashing: The Science of Thought Control, Oxford University Press, 2004 that trance stimulates serotonin, dopamine, and endorphin levels, creating receptive state to suggestions. H/t to Gina Catena.)
Many people have valid reasons for wanting to continue meditation whether they want to maintain good standing in the TM Org or not. They consider meditation a valid expression and experience of their spirituality. They may simply want to continue enjoying the documented health benefits of regular meditation. (I won’t argue here the extent or even reality of these benefits. Suffice it to say there is sound research that indicates the measurable health benefits are much less than the TM Org would have one believe.)
For these people, I have a few suggestions. Not based on research, but rather on the anecdotal success stories I’ve had the good fortune to have heard in counseling people who leave TM.
First, I recommend that you do consider ceasing to meditate if you decide to leave the TM Org. I believe the danger of being sucked back into a hurtful organization is too great to risk continuing meditation. I don’t suggest that you never meditate again. (This would be decidedly hypocritical of me. I meditate and do yoga regularly, although I haven’t done TM for many years.) But I recommend that you set a significant time goal for yourself during which you will break your TM habit. I recommend 6 months, although shorter or longer periods may prove optimum once this is researched. After you’ve experienced life without TM – and what may be an addiction, you are in a better position to make a rational decision about whether you will re-begin TM or another meditation technique.
Second, keep yourself open to the possibility that the mild symptoms of discomfort that you may experience do not prove that TM works. Consider, in fact, that they are proof that TM may create an unhealthy physical dependence. Just this simple change in viewpoint may serve to get you through your withdrawal period.
Thirdly, find other activities that meet the physical and emotional needs that TM met. As an example, vigorous physical activity also raises endorphin levels. Exit counselor Pat Ryan and others have reported that the increased endorphin levels from aerobics or weight training can ease the feelings of physical withdrawal.
Finally, the spiritual hole that leaving the TM Org and ceasing meditation causes must be filled again. But that’s the subject for another posting.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Implications of Norway Copyright Decision for TM
Paul posted the news that a Norwegian court has ruled the TM Org does not hold the copyright to "Transcendental Meditation." (Although the court ruled they do hold the copyright to "TM.") The court specifically referenced the fact that the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is old, and wondered in the opinion who would hold the rights to TM after his death.
This may be the beginning of the end for the TM Org's monopoly on the teaching. Already, all around the world TM initiators have begun teaching Transcendental Meditation outside of the TM Org's control. This ruling -- after appeals and possible similar findings in other countries -- may hasten and broaden this process.
To be honest, I don't know how I feel about this. The situation with TM casualities is already serious. Will it become more serious when unregulated teachers are spreading Transcendental Meditation?
I'd be interested in knowing how others felt about this development. Please consider posting a comment with your insights by clicking on "Comments" below.
J.
This may be the beginning of the end for the TM Org's monopoly on the teaching. Already, all around the world TM initiators have begun teaching Transcendental Meditation outside of the TM Org's control. This ruling -- after appeals and possible similar findings in other countries -- may hasten and broaden this process.
To be honest, I don't know how I feel about this. The situation with TM casualities is already serious. Will it become more serious when unregulated teachers are spreading Transcendental Meditation?
I'd be interested in knowing how others felt about this development. Please consider posting a comment with your insights by clicking on "Comments" below.
J.
THINK FREE: 03/30/07
THINK FREE is a regular feature of TM-Free Blog. It features a summary of news about TM and other orgs labeled "cults" by critics.
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
- Article on Maharishi Ayurveda and Skin Care PimplesandZits.com
- Blogger Comments on MUM's Odd Courses on Information Technology GeoffArnold.com
- Blogger Tours Fairfield cheryl.yachana.org
- Mother Claims Son was Battered to Death by Suspected Cult Ham & High
- Why Millions Celebrate March Birthdate of Scientology Founder PR.com
- More to come later!
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
THINK FREE: 03/29/07
THINK FREE is a regular feature of TM-Free Blog. It features a summary of news about TM and other orgs labeled "cults" by critics.
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
- Ayur Veda: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Ayur-Ved.blogspot.com
- Guruphiliac Reports on Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Washington, DC Guruphiliac.blogspot.com
- Mike Love Still Touts Transcendental Meditation ToddandInCharge.blogspot.com [Brief Mention]
- Today in 1971, Charles Manson Sentenced to Death Playfuls.com
- Alleged Cult Church Defends Couple Accused of Beating Child to Death Boston.com
- Cruise Alleged to Continue Star Recruiting to Scientology Fredricksburg.com
- Evangelical Christians Try to Convince Mormons They Are in a Cult Salt Lake Tribune
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
THINK FREE: 03/28/07
THINK FREE is a regular feature of TM-Free Blog. It features a summary of news about TM and other orgs labeled "cults" by critics.
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
- Transcendental Meditation, Relaxation Work Equally Well for Anxiety Disorders HealthyWorld.com
- Blogger
AccusesMentions Accusations that Hagelin Distorts Science to Fit His Guru-Based Agenda TheSecretLie.blogspot.com - Inquest Called for on Jewish Student Linked to Far-Right "Cult" Times On-Line
- Scientology Accused of Making False Statements in Murder Case Winnipeg Sun
- 10 Years Ago Today Medical Examiner Revealed Heaven's Gate Members Committed Suicide MSNBC.msn.com
- Mystery Cult Owes NZ Hotel Huge Bill Radio New Zealand International
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
A Reflection on the 10th Anniversary of Heaven's Gate
The news reports yesterday remembering Heaven's Gate were really disturbing for me. I remember watching the videotapes they left behind and thinking, "God, they sound just like I did when I was a Governor."
I literally got the shakes. I, too, was willing to be celibate because the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi wanted me to be.
Would I have taken the next step for him like Heaven's Gate did?
You know, a number of corresponders have told me lately not to worry about the Movement because it has gotten so small. That's exactly why I am so worried.
When TM was large it got a lot of public scrutiny. As it has shrunk, it's dropped out of the watchful eye of the media. And the more moderate elements of the Movement are the ones who have left. It's the most extreme members who are left behind. I think there's a real pressure cooker mentality among those still believing -- especially since the Maharishi's claims have become more and more outlandish.
Waco had fewer than 80 members. Being small is no protection for those few left behind.
I literally got the shakes. I, too, was willing to be celibate because the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi wanted me to be.
Would I have taken the next step for him like Heaven's Gate did?
You know, a number of corresponders have told me lately not to worry about the Movement because it has gotten so small. That's exactly why I am so worried.
When TM was large it got a lot of public scrutiny. As it has shrunk, it's dropped out of the watchful eye of the media. And the more moderate elements of the Movement are the ones who have left. It's the most extreme members who are left behind. I think there's a real pressure cooker mentality among those still believing -- especially since the Maharishi's claims have become more and more outlandish.
Waco had fewer than 80 members. Being small is no protection for those few left behind.
REMAINS OF IGNORANCE: Shame & the TM Movement
I've written before that I left the Transcendental Meditation Movement three times before my final exit in 1995. It was a long slow process. Along the way I would see the occasional "red flag" that set off warning bells in my head. This column is about one such.
About 1988, I remember an incident from when I was active as a Governor in a local California TM center. I was invited for dinner at a "strong" meditating couple's home. They happened to be Citizen Sidhas.
I remember offering to help chop some vegetables or something. The woman was pleased and invited me into the kitchen. I happened to glance into the refrigerator as she was reaching for the food. I noticed a six-pack of Sierra Pale Ale. Just at that moment she caught my eye and saw that I had seen it.
She slammed the refrigerator door shut. Neither of us mentioned the beer. But I had the impression that she was embarrassed. At any rate she gave me the cold shoulder the rest of the evening.
Now she had no way of knowing that her having some beers in her fridge didn't concern me. You see, the prevalent mood of the Movement, as I experienced it, was one of judgement and concommittant shame. One had to always watch what one said or did -- or even felt. Make the wrong choice and you could be barred from a course -- or even from the TM Center.
My guess is this woman was thinking of me as a TM Governor first and a person, second. I just enjoyed her and her boyfriend's company. The decisions they made in their personal life didn't concern me. But most likely either she, or someone she knew, had had a bad experience with Center types and had learned that other TMers, particularly those in authority, weren't to be trusted.
What a shame! A beautiful evening ruined in a microsecond because I happened to glance in the wrong direction. So many beautiful lives ruined by shame or the fear of shame in our Movement.
I guess there's no room for real people in our "spiritual" Movement.
Does any part of this resonate for you? Do you find yourself making excuses for the judgmental behavior of Governors and Sidhas?
Do you have this or similar "Remains of Ignorance"?
Please consider posting your thoughts in the comments below. Just click on "Comments" and type away. Please feel free to remain anonymous. You may help another former TMer with your insights!
J.
About 1988, I remember an incident from when I was active as a Governor in a local California TM center. I was invited for dinner at a "strong" meditating couple's home. They happened to be Citizen Sidhas.
I remember offering to help chop some vegetables or something. The woman was pleased and invited me into the kitchen. I happened to glance into the refrigerator as she was reaching for the food. I noticed a six-pack of Sierra Pale Ale. Just at that moment she caught my eye and saw that I had seen it.
She slammed the refrigerator door shut. Neither of us mentioned the beer. But I had the impression that she was embarrassed. At any rate she gave me the cold shoulder the rest of the evening.
Now she had no way of knowing that her having some beers in her fridge didn't concern me. You see, the prevalent mood of the Movement, as I experienced it, was one of judgement and concommittant shame. One had to always watch what one said or did -- or even felt. Make the wrong choice and you could be barred from a course -- or even from the TM Center.
My guess is this woman was thinking of me as a TM Governor first and a person, second. I just enjoyed her and her boyfriend's company. The decisions they made in their personal life didn't concern me. But most likely either she, or someone she knew, had had a bad experience with Center types and had learned that other TMers, particularly those in authority, weren't to be trusted.
What a shame! A beautiful evening ruined in a microsecond because I happened to glance in the wrong direction. So many beautiful lives ruined by shame or the fear of shame in our Movement.
I guess there's no room for real people in our "spiritual" Movement.
Does any part of this resonate for you? Do you find yourself making excuses for the judgmental behavior of Governors and Sidhas?
Do you have this or similar "Remains of Ignorance"?
Please consider posting your thoughts in the comments below. Just click on "Comments" and type away. Please feel free to remain anonymous. You may help another former TMer with your insights!
J.
REMAINS OF IGNORANCE is an occasional feature of quick hits on life after Transcendental Meditation. It's a reversal of the Maharishi's translation of lesh-avidya. He claimed this was a Vedantic concept: Even after enlightenment there remains some slight residue of ignorance without which one would "drop the body" or die.
I've found that even after I left the TM Org behind, there remain in my mind "alien artifacts," bits and pieces of TM-based myths that still affect me today. I represent my own experience only here. But I've learned from my years counseling TMers that a significant number of others have had similar experiences.
THINK FREE: 03/27/07
THINK FREE is a regular feature of TM-Free Blog. It features a summary of news about TM and other orgs labeled "cults" by critics.
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
- Partner of Papua New Guinea cult leader surrenders to police, charged with sex crimes and cannabalism Radio Australia
- Family of German war hero slam Cruise casting Guardian Unlimited
- Heaven's Gate: 10 Years Later ABC News
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Monday, March 26, 2007
THINK FREE: 03/26/07
THINK FREE is a regular feature of TM-Free Blog. It features a summary of news about TM and other orgs labeled "cults" by critics.
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
- Today in Beatle History: Paul McCartney Returns from India and the Maharishi jimjimmjimmy.spaces.live.com [Says He Got No Answers, Just Time to Write]
- Blogger Remembers Doug Henning's Maharishi Veda Land ScramMagazine.com [Was He Already a Has-Been at This Point?]
- More than 100 Dutch Shops Accept the Maharishi's Raam Currency gashwingomes.blogspot.com
- Really Cool MP3s of Beatles Demo for the White Album DoctorMooney.blogspot.com [I Can Almost Forgive MMY When I Hear the White Album]
- David Lynch Still Hawking Transcendental Meditation Dalls Morning News
- 10 Years Ago: Bodies of Heaven's Gate Cult Discovered Boston Globe
- Travolta Muzzled on Scientology in Germany? TMZ.com
Have a hot tip? See something we missed? Email jmknapp53@gmail.com.
Group Pressure - Ongoing cult growth
(email just sent to TM center leaders.. "inspiration".. as always w/ urgency)
Urgent Need - Just a Few Hundred More Invincible America Assembly Participants
The Invincible America Assembly has drawn thousands of Sidhas from the United States and many other countries.
The experiences of bliss and higher states of consciousness in the large group program have been greater than in any previous assembly. These experiences have been deeply inspiring to Maharishi, who has brought out such beautiful knowledge in response. Many course participants have naturally stayed on the Assembly longer than planned. Many have returned multiple times.
The size of our group has been close to the national invincibility threshold - about 1,730 Yogic Flyers - even through the cold winter months. And even though we have been somewhat shy of the required number, we have created a dramatic change in our country. The most recent example: the sudden and unexpected turnaround in U.S. foreign policy towards Iran, Syria, and North Korea - a dramatic shift away from confrontation and belligerence towards consensus building and peace.
Now is the time for us to surpass the threshold - and create stable national coherence and lasting invincibility for America.
Next week, 133 more Vedic Pandits will arrive from India. If we can inspire just a few hundred more Sidhas to join the Assembly, we will reach the 2,000 level - our national super radiance number plus a safety factor - and we will create a truly Invincible America.
HOUSING AVAILABLE!
We can accommodate many more people. More on-campus housing will be available very soon, a good amount of off-campus housing is available, and we sare creating additional flying space right next to the Golden Domes.
Annapurna Dining Hall is even offering a new improved menu of organic dishes. And spring weather is here.
Please tell your out-of-town friends to apply and encourage local Yogic flyers to take advantage of this historic opportunity to enhance the power of the Assembly. Maharishi is giving so much sustained attention to this Assembly - and is looking at this as the turning point for our country and our world.
Let's "make hay while the sun shines."
Jai Guru Dev
Urgent Need - Just a Few Hundred More Invincible America Assembly Participants
The Invincible America Assembly has drawn thousands of Sidhas from the United States and many other countries.
The experiences of bliss and higher states of consciousness in the large group program have been greater than in any previous assembly. These experiences have been deeply inspiring to Maharishi, who has brought out such beautiful knowledge in response. Many course participants have naturally stayed on the Assembly longer than planned. Many have returned multiple times.
The size of our group has been close to the national invincibility threshold - about 1,730 Yogic Flyers - even through the cold winter months. And even though we have been somewhat shy of the required number, we have created a dramatic change in our country. The most recent example: the sudden and unexpected turnaround in U.S. foreign policy towards Iran, Syria, and North Korea - a dramatic shift away from confrontation and belligerence towards consensus building and peace.
Now is the time for us to surpass the threshold - and create stable national coherence and lasting invincibility for America.
Next week, 133 more Vedic Pandits will arrive from India. If we can inspire just a few hundred more Sidhas to join the Assembly, we will reach the 2,000 level - our national super radiance number plus a safety factor - and we will create a truly Invincible America.
HOUSING AVAILABLE!
We can accommodate many more people. More on-campus housing will be available very soon, a good amount of off-campus housing is available, and we sare creating additional flying space right next to the Golden Domes.
Annapurna Dining Hall is even offering a new improved menu of organic dishes. And spring weather is here.
Please tell your out-of-town friends to apply and encourage local Yogic flyers to take advantage of this historic opportunity to enhance the power of the Assembly. Maharishi is giving so much sustained attention to this Assembly - and is looking at this as the turning point for our country and our world.
Let's "make hay while the sun shines."
Jai Guru Dev
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