From: David Orme-Johnson [mailto:davi...@earthlink.net] Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 8:37 AM To: David Orme-Johnson Subject: Letter from Islam and updated list of published TM research Dear Colleagues, Below is a letter from Miral Shaaban in Cairo, Egypt, which relates how practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique has enriched the depth of her appreciation of her Muslim faith. I have added this letter to the collection of such letters posted on TruthAboutTM.com. I have also attached an updated Bibliography of independent research publications on TM 1970-2009, compiled by Dr. Roger Chalmers for the UK TM Web site. Please delete previous versions. All the best, David W. Orme-Johnson, Ph.D. <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Top> Letters from Religious Leaders and Persons of Faith on the Transcendental Meditation Program A universal theme in these letters from religious leaders and persons is that the Transcendental Meditation program deepens their own spiritual life and enhances their comprehension and love of their own tradition. They note that it does not require any belief or change in life style to practice. They point out that the technique has been scientifically validated <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/Research/TMResearchPublications/index.cfm > to reduce stress <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/ResultsforHealth/index. cfm#stress> and improve mental clarity <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/ResultsforEducation/ind ex.cfm> , health <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/ResultsforHealth/index. cfm> , and interpersonal relations <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/ResultsforHealth/index. cfm#social> , which are beneficial to any cultural tradition and which serve to increase appreciation and tolerance of other people's traditions and worldviews. These letters are used with permission of the writers. Contents: Andean Path Shaman Mallku Aribalo, November 4, 2008 <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Mallku#Mallku> Catholicism Father Leonard Dubi, December 1, 2008 <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Dubi#Dubi> Father Thomas R. Miller, June 17, 2008 <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Miller#Miller> Father Cletus Stein, October 2, 2008 <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Stein#Stein> Sister Carol Wirtz, August 25, 2008 <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Wirtz#Wirtz> Islam Nada <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Haider#Haider> Haider, March 2, 2009 Mohammad Haghverdi, December 24, 2008 <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Mohammad#Mohammad> Atmane <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Kouider#Kouider> Kouider, Ph.D., February 15, 2009 Miral <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Shaaban#Shaaban> Shaaban, March 25, 2009 Judaism Senior <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Green#Green> Rabbi Alan Green, March 13, 2009 Rabbi Michael Shevack, November 12, 2008 <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Shevack#Shevack> Mormon High <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Stephens#Stephens> Priest Marc Stephens United Methodist Church Reverend Jonathan Chadwick, November 4, 2008 <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Chadwick#Chadwick> Unity Church Reverend Don Lansky, June 30, 2008 <http://www.truthabouttm.org/truth/IndividualEffects/IsTMaReligion/Religious Leaders/index.cfm#Lansky#Lansky> Islam Miral Shaaban, March 25, 2009
To all interested in self-development, I am a veiled Muslim that practices Transcendental Meditation (TM) and I cannot ever forget the first time I prayed after my first meditation. I learned the TM technique in December of 2006: I was speechless and cannot explain this state of complete serenity, contentment and gratitude for God. TM increased my level of acceptance and appreciation for my faith and strengthened my beliefs. For example, reading from the Qur'an is becoming more enjoyable and comforting at the same time, as now I can better link its teachings with everything around me: my level of comprehension of its meanings are increasing on a daily basis. It is clear to me that the more I practice TM and the TM¬Sidhi programs, (the TM-Sidhi program is a set of advanced techniques based upon TM), the more deeply I realize different aspects of my religion and my mission in life. Throughout my life I've been asking my self lots of questions about creation and the purpose of life but now my humble insights were confirmed, as I've always had a strong belief that everything is happening for a reason. I have found that it is easier to have faith in how life unfolds through God's wisdom if I am feeling more secure and at peace within my self. Even if I may not fully understand, on an intellectual level, what is happening, my growing inner peace allows me to feel more at case with handling any situations that life puts in my path. It is clear to me that my daily practice of TM and the advanced TM-Sidhi programs has opened my eyes and heart to greater knowledge and experience. Because of this expansion of heart and mind I've discovered that I spontaneously act in a more positive and uplifting way to others, with more love, forgiveness and compassion, which is exactly what my religion and beliefs are all about. I'm enjoying feeling more in harmony with God's creation and desiring to help society in every way I can. With meditation I feel unlimited within myself and after I practice it, I feel more flexible, more alert, and have a greater ability to concentrate on my work and can think more clearly and creatively. Also, when I perform my religious practices the whole experience becomes deeper and more spiritual. Finally, I would say that even though TM and the TM-Sidhi programs are not a religion and do not require any change in one's personal beliefs or cultural practices, they very well compliment religion because they help to eliminate mental, emotional and physical stresses and tensions. From my own experience I can say that the dissolving of stresses and tensions purifies and strengthens the body, heart and mind and results in a greater ability to live one's life in harmony with the highest goals of religious life. Warm Regards, Miral Shaaban Cairo, Egypt David W. Orme-Johnson,Ph.D. <mailto:davi...@earthlink.net> davi...@earthlink.net <http://www.truthabouttm.com/> www.TruthAboutTM.com www.Orme-JohnsonPaintings.com/ 191 Dalton Dr. Seagrove Beach, FL 32459 850-231-2866 850-231-5012 Fax
