I was in the middle school then; and was, once, cast to play the role of a boy fostering the wishes of his parents to become a doctor. The plot of the drama was set under a banyan tree where Swami Vivekananda meditated.

(Vivekananda attended world parliament of religions in Chicago in 1893 and was the most sought after guru after his debut speech in the parliament. His salutation, “My Brothers and Sister in America”, gave him a three minute standing ovation.  Vivekananda is accredited to the introduction of Indian life practices – including Yamas, Niyamas, Pranayama and Prathyahara -to the West.)

One day the Swami confronted the boy whose brisk walks (I visionary writer has depicted the child as somebody in the instant gratification gen) might have disturbed him. In the brief discourse Vivekananda tried to convince the boy of seeking the truth through latter limbs of Ashtanga yoga. The boy did change. But the script did not say anything about how his parents perceived it. The presentation was a hit in the school anniversary celebrations. For me, it was an opportunity to know Swami Vivekananda. Even though I did not have access to his style of meditation, I tried to practice it through instructions from one of my friends. I had many friends practicing Vivekananda style of meditation then. I too was attracted.

Few year later the practitioners felt the act of focus and thoughts as a work to the brain. That might have fueled the popularity of another branch of meditation introduced by Maharishi Mahesh yogi- Transcendental Meditation (TM) I saw an Ashram by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi popped up in my neighborhood. Expensive cars and white westerners (we thought all were Brits) flocked in the Ashram. Now I realize that was the time Maharishi had tremendous following in the west including the Beatles. I wanted to try that too; did not work then. I had to wait for another fifteen years to practice TM (Why? It could be another standalone blog!)

Both meditative styles have their own strengths. Both have the ability to calm the body, mind and spirit. Among the numerous benefits of TM, reduction in BP, relaxation, reduction in cardiac diseases and improved cognitive and work efficiency are my favorites.

 I am doing a workshop on pranayama and meditation on January 17^th. The attached flyer has all the details. Hope to see you there.

Jay