From computers to meditation
Many people now explore the inner self and not just the outer. Given below is the story of Mrs. Aditi Shrivastava, a seasoned Senior Teacher of TM and Academic Advisor For Consciousness at MUIT as told to Jamuna Rangachari
About 15 years ago, while I was completing my master’s in computer applications and had just started working with Infosys, I found myself deeply content with both my professional life and my long-standing TM practice. By then, I had already been practicing Transcendental Meditation for over 15 years. It was something I had grown up with, as it was a regular practice in my family. Initially, it was simply a part of my daily routine, but as I listened to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ji’s discourses, I began to realise the profound power and depth of TM. Something I had been innocently doing since childhood now took on a much larger meaning. Often, we don’t realise how the values and habits our parents instill in us, like study schedules, mindful eating, or, in my case, meditation, can evolve into life-shaping practices. This realization led me to pursue the TM Teacher’s Training Course, a six-month residential program that enables one to teach TM. By 2010, I was a certified teacher, and since then, it has been a self-sustaining and fulfilling journey, aligning with Maharishi ji’s vision of enhancing the quality of life for all.
The most significant influence on my TM journey has undoubtedly been Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ji. His teachings, lectures, and writings offer a holistic perspective on life, providing a pathway for spiritual growth without the need to renounce the comforts and ambitions of material life. I was especially drawn to how he articulated ancient Vedic knowledge in the language of modern science. Alongside Maharishi ji, my family has been an unwavering pillar of support. Fifteen years ago, when meditation was not a mainstream career option, they stood by me as I chose this path. Even today, whether I am travelling for courses or deeply involved in new TM projects, my family, including my children, continues to be my strength.
The main challenges has been addressing the misconception that TM can be learned casually or on the go. Unlike many modern meditation practices, TM requires a structured five-day course to properly establish the technique, after which it becomes a lifelong skill. Educating people about the uniqueness of TM and the value of this initial investment in time has been essential.
A success story that stands out is of Ankita Salani, who had been curious about TM for years after hearing about it and watching videos online. When she finally joined the course at our Maharishi TM Centre in Noida, she discovered that the technique was not only simple and effortless but also profoundly impactful. After practicing TM regularly for three years, she shared that she feels more light, calm, and connected to her inner self. Her sleep has improved, her energy levels have risen, and she now begins each day feeling fresh and charged. Inspired by her own transformation, Ankita now feels motivated to explore advanced TM techniques to deepen her experience even further. Stories like hers remind us how deeply TM can transform lives—not just in theory but in lived, daily experience.
The transformation I witness in individuals within just a few days of learning TM is deeply fulfilling. One particularly memorable moment was when a senior WHO employee expressed that she had gained something she never knew was missing in her life. That realization gave me a profound sense of satisfaction and gratitude for Maharishi ji’s teachings. It underscored how TM can unlock dimensions of well-being that people may not even be aware they are lacking.
In today’s world of chaos, stress, and uncertainty, TM serves as a powerful personal anchor. It broadens one’s perspective, bringing clarity, peace, and a heightened ability to seize life’s opportunities. It empowers individuals to fulfill ambitions while attracting environmental support and harmony. As Maharishi ji beautifully said, “Action leads to achievement, and achievement leads to fulfillment.” TM equips individuals with the ability to act from a place of inner stability and pure consciousness, which is the source of creativity and intelligence. When more people operate from this clear state of mind, their actions become more impactful, creating a ripple effect that uplifts communities and eventually society as a whole. TM is perhaps the only practice that can shift the collective consciousness, as demonstrated by the Maharishi Effect, where large groups practicing TM lead to measurable societal benefits such as reduced crime and conflict.
TM is a globally accepted practice with deep Indian roots. It has the potential to make the ancient ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) a living reality. TM fosters a holistically developed, progressive society by enhancing creative intelligence, which in turn drives innovation and growth. Our worldwide organisation is committed to creating large groups of meditating experts through TM and advanced programs like the TM-Sidhi program across every country. The ultimate vision is a peaceful, conscious world where collective coherence can lead to real, lasting transformation.
To me, science and Veda are not separate; they are simply two expressions of the same truth. Veda is knowledge structured in consciousness, just as science is a systematic understanding of the natural world. Take the experience of Transcendental Consciousness, for example. The Mandukya Upanishad describes it as "Shivam Shantam Advaitam Chaturtham Manyante, Sa Atma Sa Vigyeyah," a fourth state of consciousness, beyond waking, dreaming, and sleeping. Scientifically, this state is characterized by deep physiological rest combined with mental alertness, reflected by a predominance of alpha brainwaves. This technique bridges the language of ancient wisdom with the tools of modern science.
Approach TM with innocence and an open heart. Be consistent with your practice, and most importantly, learn from a certified TM centre. The support continues even after the initial course, and having trained teachers available for guidance can make a significant difference in your journey.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. In corporate settings, there’s a growing recognition that stress relief is not just a wellness initiative; it is a social responsibility. TM is practical, simple, and does not require elaborate setups, making it easy to integrate into any work shift. It has the unique advantage of being equally beneficial to employees at all levels, from top management to ground staff, fostering a cohesive and motivated work culture. In educational institutions, TM equips students with life skills that build resilience, focus, and emotional strength. It fits seamlessly into classroom settings and is especially powerful when practiced in groups. Given today’s fast-paced, high-pressure academic environments, TM offers a foundational tool for mental well-being.
Absolutely, I am deeply satisfied and cannot imagine doing anything else. What keeps me going is the unshakable confidence in the knowledge shared by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ji and the transformative impact TM has on people’s lives. Every time I witness someone’s inner light being reignited through TM, it reaffirms my purpose and motivates me to keep moving forward.
We are sure she will make more strides in her spiritual journey
By Jamuna Rangachari
