December 2000

"How I Learned TM"
Knowing My Self
By César. Molina, M.D.

As a high school student I had done some reading on self-actualization. Although I didn’t know what self-actualization really meant, I had a strong desire to know my Self. After I heard an introductory lecture on the Transcendental Meditation technique in the summer of 1972, I got 35 dollars and a letter from my father giving me permission to learn TM.

I was 18 years old, with the active mind of a typical teenager, and I thought I would never be able to sit still for 15 or 20 minutes. But during my instruction, I had a very beautiful and enjoyable experience. I didn’t want to stop meditating because it felt so good.

At the end of that summer I moved to Boston College where I quickly realized the benefits of doing TM regularly. I became a much better student. Meditation improved my concentration and my ability to study. It gave me great energy, vitality and confidence. Many of my friends learned to meditate as a result of the benefits I experienced.

I graduated with honors and then went to Yale University School of Medicine. Here again, TM was of great benefit. If I needed to stay awake due to my studies or clinical responsibilities, meditation recharged my batteries.

From Yale I moved on to Stanford University for my internship, residency, and cardiology and clinical pharmacology fellowships. Now, as a busy cardiologist in private practice and a father of two beautiful children, I continue to meditate twice daily. I can always find the time to meditate.

I have a large medical practice where I meet 20 to 30 patients per day. I often prescribe the TM technique to patients because there is excellent evidence that the practice improves cardiovascular health. It is easy to introduce TM to patients who are interested in being active partners in their medical care. I present it as an effortless, technique that is easy to learn. Unfortunately, some patients come into my office looking only for a magic pill. They can take a pill, but that’s all they get. There is no magic

There’s no better medicine than TM. It’s a potent intervention because it easily brings about a state of restful alertness, or Transcendental Consciousness, in which all physiologic processes are in balance. The cardiovascular system is very sensitive to this balance, which is why TM is so effective in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

To maintain that balanced state of physiology achieved by the practice of TM, I think it’s a good idea to follow the commonsense principles of Maharishi Vedic Medicine, such as having a regular daily routine, proper diet, and a suitable stretching and aerobic exercise program. Learning and practicing self-pulse reading is also a very effective technique to allow the physiology to recall that state of inner balance.

Looking back, the memory of my very first meditation kept me meditating twice a day for many years. I not only experienced complete relaxation, but a deep sense of well being. As I got into my car at the end of that first day of instruction, I had a very strong desire to be happy. Since then all my activities have been spontaneously directed towards that goal.

From that day I haven’t been searching anymore to find myself. By knowing my Self, I know who I am.

César R. Molina, M.D. is a busy interventional cardiologist in Silicon Valley, in Northern California. He is very grateful to his TM teacher, Ana Pereira.

Remember how you first heard about the TM technique? Probably from a friend. Pass on the favor...Give them a book or video. Call 888-437-0855 or email enlightengifts@conknet.com.