Ayurveda, Yoga and Transcendental Meditation: Complementary Perspectives for a Healthy Heart

Ayurveda places significant emphasis on Yoga for health and defines it as 'stillness of mind'. In this ancient Vedic tradition Yoga Asanas (postures), as practised in the West today, are a preparation for meditation. From the same ancient tradition comes the technique of Transcendental Meditation(TM). TM is an effortless procedure that quietens the mind to transcend thought and experience restful alertness. There is a substantial body of scientific research on TM. This thesis reviews this research, with particular emphasis on heart disease. Research seems to support the recommendation of Transcendental Meditation for a healthy heart. Yoga is a subjective approach to investigating truth and gaining knowledge which supports healing. It is an approach that is considered reliable and valid in its own tradition. This is in contradistinction to the objective approach of modern science and medicine. This work investigates and contrasts these two approaches to knowledge. An integrated system using both could offer much for disease prevention, health promotion and healing.