Roots of TM: The Transcendental Meditation of Guru Dev & Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Transcendental Meditation is a relatively new (50 years or so) take on an ancient practice for seekers throughout the world. I began meditating in 1972 at a Buddhist Temple in Bangkok, Thailand. The following year, back in the States (Bennington, Vermont to be precise) I learned TM. Though I have continued meditating since then, I never understood “the roots”, traditions, history and legacy of not just the practice itself, but of the individuals behind the movement. I have spent a lifetime looking for a book like this which explains the history and roots of TM and how it became a technique easily known by, and accessible to everyone. There will be a time when this book will be required reading in every graduate level class in comparative religion, sociology, music and art history, advertising, propaganda and world politics. Author Paul Mason has made a career of painstakingly researching every aspect of the development of TM, the biographies of the leaders of the movement, and the arcane and sometimes strange aspects of how TM came to be “TM” and not an obscure yoga technique in the foothills of the Himalayas available to a few pilgrims. Mason (not a TM evangelist by any means) is an irreverent, nevertheless respectful author, who lets the reader make their own decision about the development of this movement (which dovetailed historically with the human potential movement and the British Rock Invasion in America).

This tome by Paul Mason is truly a remarkable book of great depth and tremendous compassion.It is like taking a retreat in the 1960’s directly with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as your guide. The book definitely shows the very roots of TM and the significance and power of the TM technique itself.Indeed in the very first few pages of the book you get a wonderful overview, in Maharishi’s own words, on the TM methodology itself. For someone like me who was initiated into my sitting mantra by my fantastic and late Aunt Initiator Effie Neville in 1976 it was like taking a shower in a cool stream. It reawakened in me the whole approach of effortlessness and naturalism that is at the very root of TM. Immediately upon absorbing the words that Paul relayed I found my meditation progressing at a much deeper level than before. These first few pages would be worth ten times the price of the book alone they were that valuable!As if this wasn’t enough the book touches on the greatness, majesty and compassion of the late Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath Swami Brahmanand (better known as “Guru Dev”). The book shows just what type of devoted devotee Maharishi was to Guru Dev and that his love of Guru Dev motivated his entire effort at spreading the “TM technique”. Mr. Mason shows that Maharishi’s whole being and life was devoted to distilling the truth as espoused by Guru Dev and not just his “own” cobbled together theories.In this way the author subtly address Maharishi’s various detractors with aplomb. Those who frequently claim that “Maharishi just made up the TM technique as some kind of pop meditation technique which is designed to lure the uniformed and to enrich his own personal fortune.“ That by showing the deep spiritual connection that Maharishi had with Guru Dev and that he could have hardly started such activities without other authorized devotees of Guru Dev knowing precisely what Maharishi was teaching.Through Mr. Mason’s exposition we gain an appreciation of the deep power of Guru Dev in a way that finds him very approachable but still awe inspiring. In this way Mr. Mason, without interjecting his own interpretations, skillfully distills from the very words of Guru Dev and Maharishi their deep and unbounded love for all of humanity.I was and am so moved by this book and cannot recommend it highly enough for any devotee of Maharishi, TM or even a practitioner of Buddhist Mindfulness, for there is something for all in this book that is sure to enrich your life and spiritual practice.

I've seen some negative reviews about this book in several places. There are parts that provide significant insight into the basis of TM and the foundation of MMY's Mantra mechanics. The portions about Guru Dev's Teaching are not merely informative but provide additional insight intoTM. I consider this a must-read for anyone practicing TM for over 10 years. Typically, questions arise about the Tradition over time and the details of practice over time. Paul Mason - Well Done!

Another excellent book from Mr. mason. In many ways this may be his most engagingso far. Mr. Mason flushes out the background out of which Maharishi and his teachingsemerged. You observe how Maharishi developed and modified his presentation of TranscendentalMeditation. It' refreshing and inspirational to hear how clearly the spiritual aspects of theteachings were presented and embraced in the early phase of Maharishi's mission. If you have any interest in the spiritual side of TM don't pass this book by. The detailsMr. Mason's research turn up are truly amazing. This could be part of a larger book wemight title, "Everything you wanted to know about Transcendental Meditation but we'reafraid to ask."

Roots Of TM certainly proved to be an enlightening addition to my library. The book reads as kind of a compilation of Paul Mason's earlier works on the TM movement, so it seems to successfully compile the jewels of its predecessors.I had no idea how much of a major player Guru Dev was in the revival of the Sanatana Dharma (Hindu) community in India.Also, I'll second the perspective provided previously from another reviewer on this book. That being, the introduction on the TM technique alone is enough to warrant the purchase of this book.

JGD

Great book for those who want to know how it all began. And to learn a bit more on Guru Dev.

excellent

This is a very comprehensive review of the teachings of Guru Dev Brahmananda Saraswati and how his meditation for householders became the foundation for the practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) as espoused by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. (As well as other schools in that same lineage.)If you are interested in the history of the birth of the TM Movement (beginning with Maharishi's "instant enlightenment" and the Spiritual Regeneration Movement) and how it "came to the West", you'll find it interesting too.Also, there is an explanation of the Transcendental Meditation technique, and the dichotomy of "trying to be effortless" that is probably the most succinct and helpful I have seen.

Roots of TM gives invaluable insight into the lives of Swami Brahmananda & Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - 2 great sages of the 20th & 21st Century. Paul Mason has stepped forward & given an English speaking audience an opportunity to have some awareness of the lives of 2 great men. The book is presented simply which is a strength - with real & significant research. The World needs such a record of the 2 men's lives & fortunately has it.

Thought this book would help me understand how TM all began. However, I got confused with the name changes.

Very good!

excellent