The Christian Arsenal

Christianity, Cults & World Religions
Transcendental Meditation

Transcendental Meditation

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Religion:  T.M. (Transcendental Meditation)

Category: Cult

Founder/Leader:

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Founded 1959 in California, based on Hinduism and yoga. Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Foundational Documents:

Hindu scriptures, including the Bhagavad-Gita. Meditation of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Science of Being and the Art of Living, other writings by the founder.

God is...

Each part of creation makes up "God" (Brahman). Supreme Being is not personal. All creation is divine; "all is one".

Jesus is...

Jesus is not uniquely God. Like all persons, Jesus had a divine essence. Unlike most, he discovered it. Christ didn't suffer and couldn't suffer for people's sins.

The Holy Spirit is... 

The Holy Spirit is not part of this belief system.

Method of Salvation:

Humans have forgotten their inner divinity. Salvation consists of doing good in excess of evil in order to evolve to the highest state (final union of the self with Brahman) through reincarnation.

Death and Beyond...

Reincarnation based on karma (reaping the consequences of one's actions) until loss of self into union with Brahman. No heaven or hell.

Other Beliefs:

Mentally recite a mantra (word associated with a Hindu god). Meditate twice a day to relax and achieve union with Brahman. Maharishi University in Iowa offers advanced T.M. programs in "levitation" and "invisibility". Practices include yoga, Hindu astrology, use of crystals, and idol worship (offerings of flowers, fruit, and cloth for Maharishi's dead teacher).