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Through observation of 26 subjects over a 3 month period, this research project measured the effects of transcendental meditation (TM) on concurrent heart rate, peripheral blood pulse volume, and the alpha wave frequency. The subjects were assigned randomly to three groups. One group practiced TM as prescribed by the International Meditation Society; another followed the meditation procedure but used an English mock mantra; the third made no change in daily routine. Two "blind" measurements were made of subjects before they learned and began their respective procedures and one measurement a month for three months during practice of thier procedures. Experimental results suggested that: (1) practice of TM or routine daily rests over a 3-month period had little effect on heart rate or peripheral blood pulse volumes; (2) when compared with practicing routine rest over 3 months, practicing TM appears to have little effect on, or possibly reduces, the relative frequency of appearance of the parietal alpha rhythm; and (3) there is some suggestion that practice of TM for 3 months may instill a state similar to that of sleep stage 1 during the meditating period. (Author/NM)