Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka beginning their day with the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique
Over 3,000 Buddhist monks in 100 monasteries throughout Southeast Asia have learned the Transcendental Meditation technique. Why would they do this?
Its about Transcendence. The monks experience their Transcendental Meditation practice as as simple, effortless and profound, according to Rev. Koji Oshima, a longtime TM practitioner and certified TM teacher.
According to Rev. Oshima, a revered Buddhist monk, transcendence provides the natural basis for the monk’s subsequent prayers and practices.
We have had many accounts from meditators practicing techniques from other traditions, including Buddhism, that the Transcendental Meditation technique is easy to learn. And that the experiences are really deep right from the start.
It is very important to note that all meditation techniques are not equal and do not deliver identical results. Also that the practice of Transcendental Meditation is entirely complementary with other practices – just that one does not mix practices in the same sitting.
Maharishi, founder of TM made many tours of Asian countries. He often visited monasteries and spoke personally to many Buddhist leaders.
According to Reverend Oshima , the younger monks are especially inspired by Maharishi’s integration of modern and ancient knowledge. One angle they enjoyed was the unified field chart which depicts quantum physics’ view of the abstract field (the transcendent) underlying our experience of outer reality. Transcendence is the process of accessing that field.
Reverend Koji Oshima (center) with students who have learned the Transcendental Meditation technique at a monastery in Thailand
Reverend Oshima has an honorary doctoral degree from Maharishi University. This was awarded for his promotion of the experience of Nirvana. This is the spiritual foundation for the achievement of the goals of Buddhism. Reverend Oshima has helped enliven the knowledge and direct experience of Absolute Being in the lives of thousands of Buddhist monks. This influence helps heighten the peace, happiness and sustainable progress of these monasteries and the world around them.