Transcript from: Decoding Meditation for Better Living with Neuroscientist and Meditation Expert Tony Nader MD PhD
Dr. Nancy Lonsdorf:
I’m Dr. Nancy Lonsdorf, integrative physician and founder of My Ageless Brain. This evening, I have the great pleasure of speaking with a very distinguished guest, Dr. Tony Nader. I believe you’ll be just as excited as I am to hear from him. Dr. Nader will share the latest research and insights into the nature of consciousness—a synthesis of centuries of thought and modern science.
Dr. Nader holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from MIT and is a Harvard graduate. He currently leads the Transcendental Meditation organization, having been personally appointed as successor by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to preserve and extend this tradition of consciousness. Dr. Nader has a new book, Consciousness Is All There Is, which presents a thorough, logical, and accessible exploration of how consciousness is the source of everything. The book offers an experiential journey, helping readers grasp the depth of our minds, brains, and human existence. It’s inspiring, enlightening, and essential for anyone—whether physicists, philosophers, or ordinary people—who wants to understand consciousness at a profound level. I’m honored to welcome you today, Dr. Nader.
Dr. Tony Nader:
Thank you, Dr. Lonsdorf. It’s a joy to discuss these topics with someone like you, who brings such depth of knowledge and insight. Consciousness is the foundation of everything we experience. Without it, life as we know it has no meaning. Imagine being in a state of anesthesia all the time—wealth, love, or knowledge would hold no significance without consciousness.
We tend to think of consciousness as a byproduct of the brain—something simple or passive. But consciousness has dimensions. It can be broad, clear, sharp, or restricted. Throughout the day, we experience varying states—sometimes we’re tired, other times we’re alert and expansive. These fluctuations reflect different levels of consciousness, and our goal should be to cultivate the highest and most resilient states.
Dr. Lonsdorf:
That’s a fascinating point. So, even in our waking state, we experience variations in how open, clear, and attuned we are. Your book explores how we can develop consciousness to function at our best more consistently. Could you share how this development works?
Dr. Nader:
Absolutely. Consciousness is like an ocean. On the surface, we encounter waves—our daily thoughts, experiences, and emotions—but below that lies a vast, unchanging depth. Transcendental Meditation (TM) allows us to transcend the surface-level activity and experience that depth directly. This is what we call “pure consciousness.” It’s an experience of wakefulness without content—being awake, yet not caught up in the physical or mental world around us.
Many great scientists and thinkers experience moments of clarity and insight when their minds become quiet, tapping into this deeper level of consciousness. From this level arise creativity, solutions, and resilience. It’s like accessing a reservoir of intelligence that supports not just personal well-being but also societal harmony.
Dr. Lonsdorf:
So you’re saying that through transcending, we can align with that deeper consciousness and function better, both individually and collectively?
Dr. Nader:
Exactly. This deeper consciousness is primary—it’s the source of all creativity, intelligence, and fulfillment. Think of it like the ocean beneath the waves. On the surface, life may feel turbulent, but when we transcend, we access a calm and infinite depth. This inner state of consciousness not only enriches individual life but also impacts society. Research has shown that when groups meditate together, they generate coherence in collective consciousness, reducing crime, conflict, and even hospital admissions.
Dr. Lonsdorf:
That reminds me of the research you conducted in Lebanon during the civil war. Could you share more about that study and how it influenced your understanding of consciousness?
Dr. Nader:
Yes. In 1981, while working as a young doctor, I decided to test the hypothesis that even a small percentage of people practicing TM could influence collective consciousness. Maharishi had predicted that if just 1% of a population practices TM, societal harmony would improve.
During the Lebanese civil war, we gathered a small group in the village of Baskinta. This war had been raging for years, with frequent bombings and immense suffering. When we reached the critical mass of 1% meditating, the fighting in that village stopped. Schools reopened, and life normalized. Meanwhile, the war continued unabated in neighboring areas just miles away. Interestingly, the villagers attributed the peace to divine intervention, saying, “God must love us this year.”
Dr. Lonsdorf:
That’s incredible. So transcending can foster peace not just within individuals but also at a societal level. Your work offers hope, especially in today’s divided world. What’s your vision for how consciousness could reshape society if more people adopted these practices?
Dr. Nader:
Imagine a room plunged into darkness, where people stumble over each other, unsure of what lies ahead. In such a state, differences become threats, and fear takes over. But once the light comes on, everyone realizes they are not enemies. This is what happens when consciousness expands—divisiveness gives way to unity. Differences remain, but they become complementary rather than divisive. In a world with higher collective consciousness, conflicts will naturally dissolve, and cooperation will become the norm.
Dr. Lonsdorf:
That’s a beautiful vision. It aligns with the idea that peace begins within each individual. UNESCO, as you mention in your book, states that wars are made in the minds of men. And the United Nations promotes the idea that peace begins with each of us. If every person were to radiate peace, the world would change profoundly.
Dr. Nader:
Exactly. When individuals are peaceful and balanced, their consciousness contributes to the harmony of the whole. Just as every tree must be green for a forest to flourish, every individual must cultivate peace within for society to thrive. This is the power of TM—it enables individuals to access their deepest self, which is inherently peaceful, harmonious, and creative.
Dr. Lonsdorf:
That’s such an empowering thought—peace begins with us. It’s inspiring to know that even with the overwhelming issues we see on the news, we can make a difference by changing ourselves.
You mentioned earlier that higher consciousness also influences health. Many people wonder how consciousness and healing are connected. Could you elaborate on how TM supports physical well-being, especially in the context of aging or chronic health challenges?
Dr. Nader:
Yes, everything in the body is an expression of consciousness. Through TM, we access consciousness in its pure form, bringing the mind and body back into alignment with their original design. Stress, fatigue, poor diet, and environmental toxins accumulate over time, throwing the system off balance. But when we transcend, we restore coherence and balance, allowing the body to heal.
This process is akin to sleep, where the body detoxifies and repairs itself. Similarly, during TM, the nervous system resets, stress dissolves, and the body returns to a healthier state. Even epigenetic markers can change. With regular practice, the body aligns with its blueprint, supporting both physical and mental well-being. While no one needs to have a perfect body or brain to experience higher consciousness, maintaining good health makes it easier to transcend and experience deeper states of awareness.
Dr. Lonsdorf:
It’s wonderful to know that higher consciousness is accessible to everyone, regardless of physical challenges. I’ve even seen people with dementia, brain injuries, or mental health issues transcend effortlessly if they remember to close their eyes and practice. That speaks to the universal nature of consciousness—it’s beyond the brain or body.
Dr. Nader:
Exactly. Consciousness is primary; the brain merely processes and reflects it. Even if the brain is compromised, we can still access pure consciousness, which is unaffected by surface-level imbalances. The healthier the brain and body, the easier it is to experience this depth, but anyone can transcend with the right technique.
Dr. Lonsdorf:
You’ve given us so much to think about. Before we wrap up, I’d love to hear your thoughts on karma and randomness. Many people struggle with challenges and attribute them to past karma, leading to self-blame or despair. In your book, you mention that not everything is karma—that randomness also plays a role. Could you explain?
Dr. Nader:
Yes, karma is one aspect of life—actions from the past influence the present. But it’s not the only factor. Some events happen randomly, especially at the quantum level. For example, Maharishi once spoke about an accident involving someone who had been living a good life. He explained that it was simply an accident—a random event, not the result of karma.
Life unfolds with freedom and uncertainty at every level, from the movement of particles to the choices we make. Randomness introduces new possibilities, some of which may lead to unexpected challenges. However, higher consciousness can help us navigate these uncertainties. With expanded awareness, we develop intuition, allowing us to foresee and avoid potential problems. When we do encounter difficulties, transcending helps us rise above them, restoring clarity and balance.
Dr. Lonsdorf:
That’s an empowering perspective—knowing that not everything is predetermined and that we have the tools to overcome challenges. Finally, what is your deepest hope for the impact of your book, Consciousness Is All There Is?
Dr. Nader:
My hope is that the book inspires people to look at life through the lens of consciousness rather than materialism. When we realize that consciousness is the foundation of everything, it changes how we approach life. We begin to align with the natural intelligence within us, leading to greater happiness, fulfillment, and harmony.
On a larger scale, I hope the book helps people understand the science behind group meditation and the positive effects it has on society. This knowledge isn’t esoteric or magical—it’s based on scientific principles. If more people adopt these practices, we can create a world where peace and unity are the norm, not the exception.
Dr. Lonsdorf:
Thank you so much, Dr. Nader. Your insights are both profound and practical. I hope everyone listening orders a copy of Consciousness Is All There Is. It’s a treasure trove of wisdom, bringing together insights from neuroscience, philosophy, and physics in a way that’s accessible to all.
Dr. Nader:
Thank you, Dr. Lonsdorf, for this wonderful conversation. It’s been a joy to share these ideas, and I wish everyone the best on their journey toward higher consciousness.
Dr. Lonsdorf:
Thank you again, Dr. Nader. Your work is a gift to the world. I wish you great success, and may your message inspire peace within individuals and across the globe.
NOTE: TM is being offered at 50% off through the end of 2024, to help make it available to nearly everyone, and to promote societal harmony and peace during these challenging times. Money back guarantee and scholarships based on need are available. Contact your nearest TM Center by visiting www.tm.org and entering your zip code.
Selected References (of over 40 published) on TM and Reduced Crime and War:
- Hagelin, J.S., et al. (1999). “Effects of group practice of the Transcendental Meditation program on preventing violent crime in Washington, DC: Results of the National Demonstration Project, June–July 1993.” Social Indicators Research, 47, 153-201. This study analyzed the reduction of violent crime in Washington, D.C., during a focused meditation project, observing significant statistical improvements in crime rates during the meditation period
- Orme-Johnson, D.W., et al. (1988). “International peace project in the Middle East: The effect of the Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field.” Journal of Conflict Resolution, 32, 776-812.
This publication reported on the impact of TM practitioners in Israel and Lebanon during the 1980s, finding an 80% reduction in conflict levels during meditation periods. The results indicated strong statistical significance, encouraging further investigation into the societal effects of meditation
