Vedic Meditation
Vedic / ‘from the Veda’ .
The Veda, which means knowledge, is a 10,000-year-old body of knowledge that comes from ancient India, and has given us yoga, Ayurveda (a system of health and longevity) and the practice of Vedic meditation.
“Life finds its purpose and fulfilment in the expansion of happiness.”
— Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
How is it different from other types of meditation?
Other types of meditation generally involve concentration (focusing the mind) or contemplation (thinking about the meaning of something) - both of which engage the mind and keep it active.
Vedic meditation is a completely effortless transcending style of meditation. We use a personalised mantra to de-excite the mind and step beyond thoughts naturally, without using any effort or attempting to control thoughts.
vedic meditation is
Simple
Vedic meditation is an ancient technique that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is an easy and simple technique, practiced with the eyes-closed, sitting supported and comfortably in an upright position.
Easy
The technique is very easy, utilising a personalised mantra to transcend thoughts rather than trying to force the mind to be silent or attempting to control thoughts. It is practiced anywhere it’s safe to close your eyes for 20 minutes, twice a day.
Effective
Vedic meditation provides you with rest that is two - five times deeper than your deepest sleep. This deep rest activates the body’s innate self repair mechanism allowing the physiology to heal from accumulated stress, fatigue and overwhelm.
frequently asked questions
I’ve tried other meditation techniques and they didn’t work for me. Will this technique be different?
Yes! If you can think, you can meditate with this technique because it utilises the natural tendencies of the mind and body. Vedic meditation is an easy and simple meditation technique and can be practiced by absolutely anyone with proper instruction.
Will it take me a long time to master the technique?
No, there’s no skill involved in practicing Vedic meditation. By the end of your four day course of instruction, you will be a completely self-sufficient Vedic meditator.
Following the end of your course, you will have lifelong support with your practice and access to weekly Group Meditations to keep your practice consistent. You will also gain a community of Vedic meditation teachers and meditators around the world.
How does Vedic Meditation differ from other types of meditation? Are they all the same?
Other types of meditation generally involve concentration (focusing the mind) or contemplation (thinking about the meaning of something) - both of which keep the mind active.
Vedic meditation is a completely effortless technique that de-excites the mind in a natural way, without using any effort or attempting to control thoughts.
Do I have to change my beliefs or adopt a different lifestyle?
No. This is a simple, mental technique which will impact every area of your life in a positive way. You’re not required to take on any new beliefs, change your existing beliefs, change your lifestyle, clothing or appearance. This is a universal technique practiced by people all around the world from different cultures and religions.
What does Vedic mean?
Vedic means from the Veda and Veda simply means knowledge. The Veda is the body of knowledge that came from ancient India. It’s not Hinduism, it predates all religions. It’s a 10,000-year-old body of knowledge that gave us yoga, it gave us the practice of Vedic meditation, as well as Ayurveda - which translates to the science of life - a system of holistic medicine. These are all different branches of the Veda.
What's the relationship between Vedic Meditation, and 'Transcendental Meditation' (aka TM)?
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a revered spiritual teacher from the Shankaracharya lineage in India. Caroline’s teacher, Thom Knoles, was trained as a teacher of Transcendental Meditation (“TM”) by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and taught it for over 25 years with organisations affiliated with Maharishi. Since 1997, Thom has continued to teach meditation as he learned it from Maharishi, and has done so independently and separately from the TM organisations.
Thom Knoles trained Caroline to teach meditation in the same way that Maharishi trained him to teach meditation. Caroline teaches Vedic meditation and is not affiliated with the TM organisations or their current services, processes or programs. However if you have learned Transcendental Meditation you are welcome to speak to Caroline about joining her regular Group Meditations.
What does the scientific research say about this form of meditation?
The form of meditation that Thom Knoles* taught for over 25 years with the TM organisations as “Transcendental Meditation,” has been the subject of hundreds of scientific studies showing a wide range of benefits from regular practice. These studies, which refer to this form of meditation using the name “Transcendental Meditation” or “TM”, support the benefits obtainable from regular practice of Vedic Meditation.
These benefits include:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Decreased depression
Increased levels of energy
Increased longevity
Reduced insomnia
Improved relationships with other people
Improved, memory, concentration and learning ability
Improved academics
Improved school behaviour
Reduced cardiovascular risk factors
Reduced tumours
Reduced atherosclerosis/stroke
Decreased free radicals
Reduced metabolic syndrome/pre-diabetes
Relief from migraines, headaches and asthma
Normalisation of blood pressure
Reduced cholesterol levels
Normalisation of weight
Increased self esteem
Faster reaction times
Improved sports performance
Reduced use of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs
* Thom Knoles trained Caroline to teach meditation as Thom was trained to teach meditation by Maharishi.
