Asceticism in mysticism: Transcendental meditation

Max Weber differentiated mysticism from active asceticism and regarded the two as polar orientations to the world. It is the contention here that, although Transcendental Meditation (TM) is based on a traditional Eastern otherworldly mysticism, it nevertheless serves to reinforce an innerworldly ascetic orientation. Evidence is presented that the TM technique is promoted as a means to mundane (worldly) ends and that elements of the belief system—coupled with the physiological correlates of meditation—serve to facilitate and reinforce an attitude of active mastery rather than accommodation and contemplation. This instrumental use of a mystical religious tradition is explained in terms of the process of secularization.