What is meditation?

--Contemplation about something serious.
==Dictionary.com recognizes the religious and
philosophical aspects of meditation.
==Meditation should have nothing to do with religion. A cat before pouncing on its target will be closely watching it, often with half closed eyes. We may think, it is meditating. At the opportune moment it leaps on its prey.

What is transcendental?

--Transcending is just moving from one level to another level.
Ascend - move up
descend - move down

--Transcending can be material, mental, physical or anything.

--Religious men claimed that this movement is mental.

==Dictionaries and encyclopaedae seem to have been heavily impressed by the spiritual and supernatural/superhuman descriptions and definitions made by God persons and preachers.

What is transcendental meditation?

Belief that people transcend from one mental level to another mental level, while meditating.

-- exaggerated and hectic claims of
intuitive and superhuman experiences.
-- Far from truth.

Are there no benefits of meditation?

We have to appreciate the numerous limitations of meditation (s). It is not a panacea.

The basic benefit we get from meditation is ability to concentrate on our tasks and perform better.

Stress relief is doubtful.

Is there no transcendence?

Transcendence takes place everyday consciously or unconsciously without meditation. Meditation is just a tool; not a super tool.

A forest-dweller, does he undergo transcendence?

ha haa! Certainly. Unless he is a hunter, no animal will be afraid of him. He will not be afraid of any animal (except some instinctive fears).

What benefits may accrue from meditation?

-- Tangible: nil.
-- Intangible: Concentration and probably improvement of memory.