Super Mind: How to Boost Performance and Live a Richer and Happier Life Through Transcendental Meditation

As a fan of Norman Rosenthal, I was eagerly looking forward to this new work. His previous book about meditation, "Transcendence," was pretty darn good, though as a long-time meditator I found “Transcendence" more suitable as an introduction -- a wonderful gift for people first getting acquainted with meditation (or TM) and the research behind it.Super Mind goes much further, and deeper into the experience of TM and the growth that results outside of meditation over time through regular, twice-daily practice. It's a good sign of the times that a scientist and researcher of Rosenthal's caliber (he's a former 20-year senior researcher at the NIH) is seriously addressing "higher states of consciousness" and possibilities for human development beyond waking, dreaming and sleeping.While neuroscientists and philosophers currently grapple with such basic questions as, Does consciousness really exist? Is consciousness merely the physical activity of the brain? and so on, Dr. Rosenthal has opened the gateway to the future of consciousness research by introducing meditation into the equation. The usual limiting assumptions about consciousness, confined to the contentious (and, so far, unproductive) arena of epiphenomenalism, are left in the dust as Rosenthal unassailably identifies consciousness as an independent “thing in itself.”The natural state of “pure consciousness”—consciousness in its simplest state—is experienced directly in meditation when the mind “transcends” all surface activity and is left awake to itself, experiencing its essential nature. Rosenthal notes that this “fourth” state of consciousness (it’s not waking, dreaming or sleep), a state of restful alertness, has its own corresponding neurophysiological markers well described through hundreds of scientific studies. He also cites the many research studies showing beneficial effects from experiencing the fourth state of consciousness regularly through TM practice.In Super MInd, Rosenthal tells the story of prescribing TM to patients, and of practicing it himself, and noticing that something happens beyond relaxation, stress reduction and alleviation of stress-related ailments: a positive change in outlook, a sense of greater well-being, a growth of resilience, an improvement in mental faculties such as memory, ability to focus and problem solving. This higher mental performance he calls Super Mind, because it is clearly beyond the norm—indicated not only by subjective reports but by standard measures in psychology and changes in brain functioning.Perhaps Rosenthal's primary contribution has been to gather data on the subjective experiences of hundreds of meditators, allowing him to classify the experiences and identify the heighten state of awareness and elevated well-being that TM practitioners report.There have been many records throughout history of peak experiences and higher states of awareness. Rosenthal elucidates the relevancy of these “awakenings” in the context of modern science and psychiatry, but mostly in the context of being human.It may be due to the lack of functioning at "Super Mind" level that the world is so beset with problems and sufferings, most of which are manmade. If there is a vast creative potential to the mind that any human being can unfold through the "requisite stimulus,” then what greater gift to humanity than shedding light on the process of how this higher stage of evolution unfolds. In this sense, Super Mind may be the most important book that we’ve seen in a long while.

Although this book centers on TM rather than (any) form of meditation, it might serve as a good reference for the latter too. I first heard about this book through David Lynch, and there are a couple of quotes from him in the book as well. The book mainly focuses on the benefits from TM practice as well as explicating things such as "transcendence" and the Super Mind. I found the book to be a fascinating and informative source on meditation in general even though the focus is on TM. It's one that would do well with others and in addition to other books on meditation. Much like meditation itself, Super Mind is a win win scenario and a must for anyone interested in meditation, especially TM.

This helps to strengthen the why behind my practice. Thank you so much for the depth and width of this book

Dr. Rosenthal has given us a book that is informative as well as thoroughly fascinating and entertaining. His scientific objectivity and inquiring mind blend beautifully with his love of life and his ability to relate to others.He acknowledges the demands of present day life and how, through the simple, natural, easy-to-practice mental technique of Transcendental Meditation, one can not only cope with those demands, but excel and live an exceptionally fulfilled, useful, and happy life.Dr Rosenthal has made it easy for us to relate to the idea of development of human consciousness. He explains it in the light of modern science, subjective experience, and ancient wisdom. He reveals to us that no matter our lifestyles or circumstances, there is a completely effortless technique for developing that Super Mind that brings with it the extensive, enriching, everyday benefits of expanded perception.This book draws upon the remarkably extensive scientific research of the last 45 years on the TM technique, Dr. Rosenthal's own considerable experience as a practicing psychiatrist and a meditator, and experiences of many others practicing TM (600 of whom he interviewed for this book).This book is for both those who have not yet learned the Transcendental Meditation technique and those who have.I highly recommend it to all people interested in enhancing their human experience, in developing their full potential, and in living a fulfilled life.

It appears that Dr. Rosenthal has gone over to the cult side in his enthusiasm for Transcendental Meditation. Perhaps he never saw the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi,on the Tonight Show, tuck his dirty bare feet under his thighs and giggle incomprehensibly for fifteen minutes. It was the best demonstration of too much meditation affecting the brain that I have ever seen. Yes, meditation makes you feel good. But Reality Checks are necessary. Take any devotion to a guru with lots and lots of grains of salt.

Really, don't bother with this book. It has tons of anecdotes about how and who TM has helped, but NOTHING about the practice itself. You HAVE to take the course to find out. The single chapter on how to do it says to find a course/instructor and that's it.Books like this really tick me off - they purport to offer instructions, but it's really just a $12.99 (at this time) sales pitch for the course. What a rip-off.

(I read other reviews before posting this) I found the book very practical. I have not read the “Transcendence” book, this one provides great insights and data on the effects TM brings into your life.It will not teach you the TM technique, ONLY a TM reacher will though. No books or videos will do it, and while the technique is not free to learn - you are getting a tool you will carry along all your (from then on much happier) life.Healthy skepticism is ok, I would recommend going the same route: learn the technique and read this book after. It will make much more sense. Be well!

Norman taste for describing people's experiences with TM is second to none. I enjoyed every word he wrote.

Very good read.

The book is full of research studies and their results. What makes it beneficial for me is that the scientific results are enriched with the description of many personal experiences. Definitely worth reading.

Brilliant book just like his other one about effects of Transcendental Meditation called Transcendence. But this one focusses more on creativity and mental boosting effect of the practise. I'm 67 now but don't feel old and definitely notice the mental faculty values of this simple practise on a daily basis when compared to my peers. Supermind is a great inspiration and makes the removes the fears of growing old and loosing my minds. Quotes lots of good research too.

Very detailed look at the research and presented in an engaging and entertaining manner. Dr Rosenthal gives both personal experiences (his own and many other people's) and an overview of an extensive collection of peer reviewed published research.I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know about TM.