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Definition: Transcendental Meditation is a religious movement largely developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, although he learned much of it from his teacher Swami Brahmananda Saraswati Maharaj. TM became popular in the West to a great extent because of various celebrities, like the Beatles, who started to join it. Adherents believe that dedicated following of TM teachings will not only allow them to attain supernatural powers, like levitation, but will also allow them to gain psychic influences over society. For example, groups have meditated in an effort to reduce crime, but to no real effect. Although followers will try to claim that TM is a science rather than a religion, courts have ruled otherwise and have prohibited the teaching of TM courses in public schools as a result.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: sati
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism? For that matter, what is and is not a religion?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear.
