First published in 2004. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

In this definitive book on the scientifically proven health and stress-relieving benefits of Transcendental Meditation, a renowned psychiatrist and researcher explores why TM works, what it can do, and how to use it for maximum effect.

The title Ciphers of Transcendence reflects the philosophical interests of Patrick Masterson, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy of Religion, University College Dublin. Transcendence is a millefeuille term conveying layered and diverse nuances, from the first openness of human awareness towards the outside world, to the ultimate affirmation of and commitment to a loving and infinite Transcendent. Patrick Masterson has devoted his philosophical career to reflection upon the unfathomable nature of the latter, seeking to decipher instances and images of transcendence within the realm of limited human experience. Through teaching and writing he has shared with students and readers his deeply personal reflections on questions of primal importance. Patrick Masterson’s colleagues and students – all devoted friends – here offer, in return, their diverse perspectives. The essays deal in one way or another with transcendence, examined in dialogue with a roll call of thinkers across the ages, from ancient authors to medieval masters, modern giants to recent luminaries. The volume is enhanced by the inclusion of an essay by leading contemporary thinker Alasdair MacIntyre, and a poem from Seamus Heaney that evokes across the silence of solitude the tender presence of transcendence.

Westphal's phenomenology of faith sets this book into the main currents of Continental philosophy of religion today.

"For decades social scientists have observed that Americans are becoming more selfish, headstrong, and callous. Instead of lamenting a cultural slide toward narcissism, Transcending Self-Interest: Psychological Explorations of the Quiet Ego provides a constructive framework for understanding--and conducting research on--both the problems of egocentrism and the ways of transcending it. Heidi A. Wayment and Jack J. Bauer have assembled a group of contributors who are helping to reshape how the field of psychology defines the self in the 21st century. In the spirit of positive psychology, these authors call us to move beyond individualistic and pathological notions of self versus other. Their theories and research suggest two paths to this transcendence: (a) balancing the needs of self and others in one's everyday life and (b) developing compassion, nondefensive self-awareness, and interdependent self-identity. At the end of these converging paths lies a quiet ego--an ego less concerned with self-promotion than with the flourishing of both the self and others. Readers will find in this volume inspiration not only for future work in psychology but also for their own efforts toward personal development"--Jacket. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved).

Humankind rushes toward self-destruction and must evolve or die. Our perspective: a scientist exploring an alien artifact on Triton, a teen-aged hacker in a city gone mad, three actors manipulated into igniting interplanetary war, the de-facto ruler of half the solar system, a soldier fighting in Africa to entertain his audience, an artificial intelligence facing personal crisis, and a cast of billions.--Publisher description.

The Power of Transcendence: Transcendental Meditation Practices Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple, natural meditation practice focused on achieving a deep state of relaxation and heightened awareness. This book delves into the origins and foundations of TM, a technique that was introduced to the Western world by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s, but which has millennia-old roots in the Vedic traditions of India. Designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their culture or religion, TM has been widely adopted around the world for its multiple applications, from promoting general well-being to reducing stress. The book explores in detail how the regular practice of TM can positively impact physical and mental health, supported by a wide range of scientific research. Among the documented benefits are a significant reduction in stress, improved cardiovascular health, a strengthened immune system, relief from anxiety and depression, and an overall increase in creativity and productivity. The book also addresses the subjective experience of the practice, highlighting how the repetition of a personally chosen mantra can lead the mind into states of “alert rest”, where the body relaxes deeply while the mind remains awake. In addition to the practical and scientific aspects, the book encourages a broader understanding of TM as a tool for personal and spiritual development. With accessible language and practical examples, this guide is ideal both for those just starting out on their TM journey and for practitioners who wish to deepen their experience. The book is an invitation to explore the transformative power of Transcendental Meditation, providing a more balanced, healthy life in harmony with the universe. Transcendental Meditation for deep relaxation Maharishi MaheshYogi teachinghigher consciousness Vedic traditions for mental and physical health Stress reduction techniques for cardiovascular health How to promote immune strengthening Transcendental Meditation for anxiety and depression Transcendental Meditation for self-knowledge and well-being Transcendental Meditation for increased productivity Transcendental Meditation for spiritual development