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From: abvax!iccgcc.decnet.ab.com!fleischer@uunet.UU.NET
Newsgroups: soc.religion.eastern
Subject: How *do* those TM folk pick their Mantras?
Message-ID: <3509.27cdfa8c@iccgcc.decnet.ab.com>
Date: 1 Mar 91 11:54:04 GMT
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I have a question about the selection of a Mantra for meditation.
I read a book titled "How to meditate without attending a TM class" (or
something like that).  I believe the meditation technique described in
the book is identical to that taught in TM classes *except* for the
selection of a Mantra.  The book advises what is effectively a random
selection of two letters from the Indian(?) alphabet.  (The author
admitted having no idea how the TM folk *really* select the Mantras.)  I
used a different random approach (to select PA and YA -- for those who
are curious about such things).  Unfortunately, I find that I become
quite depressed after meditating for a few days.  It could be
coincidence.  It could be that a Mantra meditation is not for me.

But before I reach either of the above conclusions, I would like to
explore the literature on Mantra selection.  Please EMAIL me (or if EMAIL
bounces, post to soc.religion.eastern) any suggestions for research on
the subject (or if you know the algorithm that the TM folk use to select
a student's Mantra -- or even bits of information, like the subset of the
alphabet they use...).  I will post if there is enough interest.

                                    Thank you