You are invited to a special introductory talk on the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique in Buffalo. Admission is free. For the schedule, please use the contact form on the left, or call (585) 734-5543.

The TM technique has been learned by over 6 million people, and over 380 published studies have found it highly effective for stress, anxiety, insomnia, hypertension, and more.

Imagine trying to learn a natural golf swing or the violin. You know how valuable it is for a good teacher to show you the proper technique.

The TM technique is easy to learn, but requires personalized interactive guidance. For this reason, its taught only through one-on-one instruction by a certified TM teacher.

There is no other way to learn the authentic TM technique and there is no evidence that anything else provides the full range of benefits documented in the published research on the TM technique.

Buffalo, Niagara Region: Niagara Falls, Lockport, Amherst.

Its a simple, natural technique practiced 20 minutes twice each day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed.

The TM technique is easy to learn and enjoyable to practice, and is not a religion, philosophy, or lifestyle. Over six million people have learned it people of all ages, cultures, and religions.

The TM technique allows your mind to easily settle inward, through quieter levels of thought, until you experience the most silent and peaceful level of your own awareness pure consciousness.

This introductory video provides a clear description of what happens during TM practice.

No problem. Unlike other forms of meditation, TM practice involves no concentration, no control of the mind, no contemplation, no monitoring of thoughts.

Anyone can do it even children with ADHD and soldiers with PTSD.

The TM techniques effectiveness is the same whether you believe it will work or are completely skeptical. Thats because it automatically and effortlessly allows your active thinking mind to settle down to a state of deep inner calm.

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Transcendental Meditation (TM) Technique - Buffalo, NY

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Meditation: Pictures, Videos, Breaking News

Despite all its popularity, today very few of us truly know what meditation is. Some regard meditation is the mental concentration on something, others consider that we meditate when we imagine something that gives us peace or satisfaction. All these methods are being with one goal to slow down and, eventually, completely stop the incessant activity of our minds. These exercises are not really meditation they are substitutes for meditation because it is normally very difficult to stop our minds all-together. In reality, meditation is a state of thoughtless awareness. It is not an act of doing it is a state of awareness. We either in this state or we are not, regardless of what we are doing in life. Truly, a man can be in meditation while doing his days labors as another man can be very far from meditation while sitting in a lotus posture on the top of a mountain.

When we take a look at the various explanations of meditation, another thing we often see is that meditation is defined as taking a moment to sit quietly or to ponder. True meditation, however is much more than this. It is a state of profound, deep peace that occurs when the mind is calm and silent, yet completely alert. This is just the beginning of an inner transformation that takes us to a higher level of awareness. This enables us to fulfill our true human potential. The problem, of course, is how to achieve this state.

Concentration Concentration is an effort to fix the attention on a particular object or idea for a long period of time. The techniques used in visualization are another type of concentration.

Loss of control Sounds, voices, colors and involuntary movements have nothing to do with meditation or spirituality. These are symptoms of loss of awareness and loss of control over some parts of ourselves.

Exercises Exercises, such as postures and breathing, do not constitute meditation. They may help establish some balance if under the guidance of a true master (a realized soul). Their practice without a true spiritual goal only leads to an imbalance in the right channel.

Mental effort Thoughtless awareness is achieved through the raising of the Kundalini. To get rid of blockages that prevent her ascent, we use the hands and introspection but never mental effort (e.g., the continuous repetition of I must stop thinking).

Meditation is seen by a number of researchers as potentially one of the most effective forms of stress reduction. [1] While stress reduction techniques have been cultivated and studied in the West for approximately 70 years, the data indicates that they are not consistently effective. [2]

Meditation however, has been developed in Eastern cultures and has a documented history of more than several thousand years. Eastern meditative techniques have been developed, trialed and refined over hundreds of generations with the specific intention of developing a method by which the layperson can regularly attain a state of mental peace and tranquillity, ie. relief from stress. It is a strategy that can easily be adapted to the needs of clinicians and their patients in the West.

A US study for example, showed that a short course of behaviour modification strategies that included meditation led to significantly fewer visits to physicians during the six months that followed. The savings were estimated at over $200 per patient . [3] A study of insurance statistics showed that the use of medical care was significantly less for meditators compared to nonmeditators. [4]

The growing emphasis on:

Meditation can be an effective form of stress reduction and has the potential to improve quality of life and decrease healthcare costs.

Meditation is effortless and leads to a state of thoughtless awareness in which the excessive stress producing activity of the mind is neutralised without reducing alertness and effectiveness.

Authentic meditation enables one to focus on the present moment rather than dwell on the unchangeable past or undetermined future.

There is little quality evidence comparing one meditation technique with another or meditation with relaxation techniques.

The theoretical explanation for the effects of meditation and relaxation techniques is that the release of catecholamines and other stress hormones are reduced and parasympathetic activity is increased.

Whether meditation involves other unique neurophysiological effects remains to be proven.

[1] Hassed C. Meditation in general practice. Aust Fam Physician 1996; 25(8):12571260. [2] West M (ed). The psychology of meditation. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1987. [3] Achterberg J. Mind body interventions, meditation. In: Berman B. Alternative medicine, expanding medical horizons. Washington DC: Office of Alternative Medicine, National Institute of Health, 1992. [4] McSherry. Medical economics. In: Wedding D, ed. Medicine and behaviour. St Louis: Mosby and Co, 1990 : 463 484 .

Next: How does meditation work?

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What is meditation? - Meditation Explanation ...

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a simple yet profound method to improve the quality of our lives and develop inner peace. Through following very simple, practical instructions we can learn to let go of the causes of our pain and dissatisfaction and to gain the inner peace and clarity we seek. We offer a wide range of classes from basic introductions to Buddhist meditation, applying Buddhas teachings to daily life issues such as anger and improving relationships, to comprehensive study programs of Buddhist view, meditation and action. Everyone is welcome.

How to Get Started Our weekly classes are a great place to start. A typical class will include teachings, two guided meditations and a question & answer session. Taught by qualified Western teachers, the meditation classes are very easy to understand and apply to our daily lives. The classes are suitable for both beginners and more advanced meditation practitioners, and emphasize how to meditate and practice in our NY urban environment.

In the area In the area, we have centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and other locations throughout New York and New Jersey. From time to time we gather as a family at the Kadampa Meditation Center, home of our national Temple, for festivals, special courses, and retreats. Please feel free to drop in for a visit. Before and after class there is always someone on hand to answer your questions. Alternatively, you may contact us via email at: [emailprotected] or phone at: (917) 4035227

Tell me more about Vajradhara Meditation Center Vajradhara Meditation Center was established to provide people living in Brooklyn with the opportunity to learn about meditation and practice Buddhist teachings. To fulfill this aim we have a space in Boerum Hill, located at 444 AtlanticAve (between Nevins and Bond). We also offer branch classes at various locations throughout Brooklyn. The Center is run by volunteers who themselves are dedicated practitioners, and we have a warm and welcoming community. Vajradhara Meditation Center is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT). The NKT is an International Union of Kadampa Buddhist Centers. There are currently over 1,000 centers worldwide.

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Meditation and Buddhism in Brooklyn - Vajradhara ...

Meditation is a simple technique that, if practiced for as few as 10 minutes each day, can help you control stress, decrease anxiety, improve cardiovascular health, and achieve a greater capacity for relaxation.

Although meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, the meditative technique called the "relaxation response" was pioneered in the U.S. by Harvard doctor Herbert Benson in the 1970s. The technique has gained acceptance by physicians and therapists worldwide as a means of relieving symptoms of conditions ranging from cancer to AIDS.

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For Walt Kowalski of Jackson, Mich., bedtime isn't the relaxing end to the day, but the beginning of another nerve-jangling night with restless legs syndrome. Soon after lying down, unpleasant electricity-like sensations creep into Kowalski's legs. An urge to move grows and becomes irresistible. The feelings force him to kick, move, or get up and walk. The unpleasant symptoms return and often keep him walking in the night, robbing him of sleep. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an often misunderstood...

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When our bodies are exposed to a sudden stress or threat, we respond with a characteristic "fight or flight" response. The ''adrenaline rush'' we experience is a result of the release of the hormones epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. They cause an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate, faster breathing, and increased blood flow to the muscles.

The relaxation response is a technique designed to elicit the opposite bodily reaction from the "fight or flight" response -- a state of deep relaxation in which our breathing, pulse rate, blood pressure, and metabolism are decreased. Training our bodies on a daily basis to achieve this state of relaxation can lead to enhanced mood, lower blood pressure, and a reduction of everyday stress.

The relaxation response technique consists of the silent repetition of a word, sound, or phrase -- perhaps one that has special meaning to you -- while sitting quietly with eyes closed for 10 to 20 minutes. This should be done in a quiet place free of distractions. Sitting is preferred to lying down in order to avoid falling asleep. Relax your muscles starting with the feet and progressing up to your face. Breathe though your nose in a free and natural way.

During a meditation session, intruding worries or thoughts should be ignored or dismissed to the best of your ability by focusing on the sound, word or phrase. It's OK to open your eyes to look at a clock while you are practicing, but do not set an alarm. When you have finished, remain seated, first with your eyes closed and then with your eyes open, and gradually allow your thoughts to return to everyday reality.

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Meditation, Stress, and Your Health - WebMD

What is meditation?

Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention to help you feel calm and give you a clear awareness about your life. Eastern philosophies have recognized the health benefits of meditation for thousands of years. Meditation is now widely practiced in the West, with the belief that it has positive effects on health.

Two meditation techniques are most commonly used: concentrative and mindful.

Meditation usually involves slow, regular breathing and sitting quietly for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

People use meditation to help treat a wide range of physical and mental problems, including:

Most of these conditions may also require conventional treatment for best results.

People also use meditation to relieve anxieties from long-term (chronic) conditions such as HIV and cancer.

Since meditation usually involves sitting quietly for a period of time and breathing deeply, anyone who cannot sit comfortably or who has respiratory problems may have difficulty practicing meditation. Some people with mental health problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or schizophrenia, may not be able to use meditation therapy effectively.

Meditation is not thought to have any negative side effects or complications alone or when combined with conventional medical treatment, but it is not considered appropriate or safe for acute, life-threatening situations.

Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.

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Meditation-Topic Overview - WebMD

Meditation is an approach to training the mind, similar to the way that fitness is an approach to training the body. But many meditation techniques exist. So how do you learn how to meditate?

In Buddhist tradition, the word meditation is equivalent to a word like sports in the U.S. Its a family of activity, not a single thing, University of Wisconsin neuroscience lab director Richard J. Davidson, Ph.D., told The New York Times. And different meditative practices require different mental skills.

Its extremely difficult for a beginner to sit for hours and think of nothing or have an empty mind. But in general, the easiest way to begin meditating is by focusing on the breath an example of one of the most common approaches to meditation: concentration.

Concentration meditation

A concentrative meditation technique involves focusing on a single point. This could entail watching the breath, repeating a single word or mantra, staring at a candle flame, listening to a repetitive gong or counting beads on a rosary. Since focusing the mind is challenging, a beginner might meditate for only a few minutes and then work up to longer durations.

In this form of meditation, you simply refocus your awareness on the chosen object of attention each time you notice your mind wandering. Rather than pursuing random thoughts, you simply let them go. Through this process, your ability to concentrate improves.

Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation technique encourages the practitioner to observe wandering thoughts as they drift through the mind. The intention is not to get involved with the thoughts or to judge them, but simply to be aware of each mental note as it arises.

Through mindfulness meditation, you can see how your thoughts and feelings tend to move in particular patterns. Over time, you can become more aware of the human tendency to quickly judge experience as good or bad (pleasant or unpleasant). With practice, an inner balance develops.

In some schools of meditation, students practice a combination of concentration and mindfulness. Many disciplines call for stillness to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the teacher.

Other meditation techniques

There are various other meditation techniques. For example, a daily meditation practice among Buddhist monks focuses directly on the cultivation of compassion. This involves envisioning negative events and recasting them in a positive light by transforming them through compassion. There are also moving meditations techniques, such as tai chi, chi kung and walking meditation.

Benefits of meditation

If relaxation is not the goal of meditation, it is often one result of it. Back in the 1970s, Herbert Benson, MD, a researcher at Harvard University Medical School, coined the term the relaxation response after conducting research on people who practiced transcendental meditation. The relaxation response, in Bensons words, is an opposite, involuntary response that causes a reduction in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

Since then, studies on the relaxation response have documented the following short-term benefits to the nervous system:

Contemporary researchers are now exploring whether consistent meditation practice yields long-term benefits, and noting positive effects on brain and immune function among meditators. Yet it is worth repeating that the purpose of meditation is not to achieve benefits. To put it as an Eastern philosopher might say, the goal of meditation is no goal. It is simply to be present.

In Buddhist philosophy, the ultimate benefit of meditation is liberation of the mind from attachment to things it cannot control, such as external circumstances or strong internal emotions. The liberated, or enlightened, practitioner no longer needlessly follows desires or clings to experiences, but instead maintains a calmness of mind and sense of inner balance.

How to meditate: Simple meditation for beginners

This meditation exercise is an excellent introduction to meditation techniques.

1. Sit or lie comfortably. You may even want to invest in a meditation chair.

2. Close your eyes.

3. Make no effort to control the breath; simply breathe naturally.

4. Focus your attention on the breath and on how the body moves with each inhalation and exhalation. Notice the movement of your body as you breathe. Observe your chest, shoulders, rib cage and belly. Make no effort to control your breath; simply focus your attention. If your mind wanders, simply return your focus back to your breath. Maintain this meditation practice for 23 minutes to start, and then try it for longer periods.

Get your Zen on!Watch meditation videos on GaiamTV.com.

Republished courtesy of Inner IDEA.

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How to Meditate: Meditation Techniques, Benefits & Beginner's ...

Research & Further Reading

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Meditation | Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing

Meditation What is meditation?

Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention to help you feel calm and give you a clear awareness about your life. Eastern philosophies have recognized the health benefits of meditation for thousands of years. Meditation is now widely practiced in the West, with the belief that it has positive effects on health.

Two meditation techniques are most commonly used: concentrative and mindful.

Meditation usually involves slow, regular breathing and sitting quietly for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

People use meditation to help treat a wide range of physical and mental problems, including:

Most of these conditions may also require conventional treatment for best results.

People also use meditation to relieve anxieties from long-term (chronic) conditions such as HIV and cancer.

Since meditation usually involves sitting quietly for a period of time and breathing deeply, anyone who cannot sit comfortably or who has respiratory problems may have difficulty practicing meditation. Some people with mental health problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or schizophrenia, may not be able to use meditation therapy effectively.

Meditation is not thought to have any negative side effects or complications alone or when combined with conventional medical treatment, but it is not considered appropriate or safe for acute, life-threatening situations.

Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.

ByHealthwise Staff Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Specialist Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Current as ofJune 4, 2014

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meditation - WebMD

Learn How to Meditate. Meditation Techniques for Positive Thinking, Health and Wellness!

Free meditations offer a large collection of meditation techniques to hopefully reduce stress and attain peace of mind. Please explore our positive informative site and in the process rediscover the wonderful and positive part of your self that dwells within. We believe Free Meditations offers one of the best collections of meditation techniques available on the web.

The aim of free meditations is to bring inner peace within our self and the world in a positive and spiritual way. The world is not a peaceful place and within every soul there is some form of tension and stress. It is therefore essential to create positive and peaceful thoughts to bring peace to our mind. Meditation is one of the best methods to bring about transformation and nurture the natural qualities within.

The best way that we can create that change is to change our thoughts from being negative to positive. The positive discovery about meditation is that we are focusing within our self and becoming free of negativity. Meditation techniques simply involve a process of transforming yourself, your thoughts, and recognizing the negative thoughts, and changing them into positive and peaceful thoughts.

The best attitude towards meditation is to be very patient as the mind does not always want to focus. Having a sense of expectation towards positive results can create uncomfortable pressure and thus take away the enjoyment of the experience. By practicing meditation regularly, the person whom meditates gains a wonderful sense of the self.

Meditation is a self healing process, any form of stress is a sign of our negative thinking and Dis ease within our mind. If we don't attend to dis ease in the mind we may find that chronic stress can lead to disease of the body.

Open my minds eye so I may see and feel Your shinning light presence close to me. Give me inner strength for my stumbling feet as I battle the crowd on life's busy street. And widen the vision of my unseeing minds eye so in passing faces I'll recognize not just a stranger, unloved, and unknown, but a friend with a heart and soul that is much like my own.

~Author~ Ruth Ann Mahaffey

Meditation is a form of stress management that will allow our mind to experience an oasis of peace and love within our heart and mind. Meditation gave me back control over my life so that no matter what was happening externally whether it was positive or negative I could still develop control over my thoughts and thus control the emotions and feeling in my mind. NO one can control eradicate adversity in life but you can master the way you respond in regards to your thinking processes. Take control now master your mind through one of the meditation techniques and you will forever be able to be the peaceful beacon in the eye of the storm of any adversity.

Daily meditations to free the mind from stress

Freeing Yourself from Worries with Waves of Light Meditation

The Importance of Meditation

Hi, Iregularlythrough your website and I love it.Ifind that your affirmations in particular seemed to make my day brighter and I have become a happier as a person. I now wake up every morning and think of somethingpositive, knowing that my day was going to be great and so was I. I just wanted to say thanks to you for having such a great place where people can go to learn how to get into touch with themselves. ~ Kind regards Julie

I love your website, it has helped me so much. There is one in particular that Itry to start my morning with every day. If for some reason I am not able to and something comes up I can just recall it. I sit on the porch, take my three deep breaths and I am there... I know before I start that I will be at peace soon. So thank you so much. ~ Sarah

What a wonderful web site.. May Loads of Blessings Come Your Way. This is a Great Service to the World. Peace, Love and Light ~ Jean Marie, Rochester, New York

I am so grateful for your site. What a beautiful offering. Many Blessings to you. ~ Sue

I wish to thank you for your wonderful guidelines on Meditation techniques.Your website is inspiring & informative. Thank you. ~ Dr.Saravanan,India

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Be a light to others and you wont stumble on your own path. Meditation is a process of careful thought consideration.

Please email your thoughts, suggestions, opinions and inspirations to us via our Contact Us page

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Free Meditations - Learn How to Meditate for Health and Wellness