In each one of our lives there are valuable clues available, by which one can achieve a remarkable improvement in the quality of one’s life with less misery and greater fulfillment. Following the search for answers for the personal problems of the writer and after long periods of struggles, a new field or a new approach to blissful and efficient life was crafted using some of the essence of the wisdom of the great masters.

This brief autobiographical sketch briefly outlines the origin of TP as a new approach with a well defined method to achieve the above objectives. The details in the above may find resonance in any one’s life and efforts while adopting TP for achieving a misery free and fulfilled life.

In spite of successful educational and professional achievements and a stable secular life, far beyond the dreams of the writer, a feeling of unrest deep in side was becoming more and more acute. The need for an immediate solution became intense. In the beginning there were attempts to escape from the feeling of misery by seeking name and fame, which seem to give some transient satisfaction. The situation however worsened in the absence of any specific reason. It was realized that the achievements, which were at one time cherished and valued greatly, appeared empty and meaningless. The only benefit that came out of long years of education was the acquisition of a scientific thinking and the faculty of critical analysis and confidence not to accept anything, because of some reputed authority — a benefit that proved valuable later in the search for solution.

The first problem was how to get started in search of a solution and what path one should follow and also the need to identify some tangible objectives instead of an elusive search for the removal of misery and reaching bliss. The search for a direction in the method continued for more than two decades. Active participation in spiritual retreats, camps and intensive seminars was very useful in acquiring some relevant knowledge. They, however, were not helpful even in getting a good understanding of the nature of the problem.

It was only after the retirement of the writer, that an intensive study of all available sources of wisdom started. It began with the study of a number of Upanisads which gave the writer, for the first time a clear sense of direction relating to the problems, but there was no tangible solution. Therefore the study was extended to a number of other thought systems, which included, the BhagavadGita, the Bible, the Dhammapada, the teachings of Lao Tzu, Zen and Sufi masters, and those of contemporary mystics like Ramakrishna, Ramana J. Krishnamurthy and others in addition to the teachings of Zarathustra, Pythagoras and Heraclitus.

An intensive study over a decade was helpful to get a clear understanding of the problems and the possibility of a solution. While all the sources gave very valuable clues, they could not provide a complete solution even to get started on a well-defined program with a sound regimen. In the search for a method it was felt that it should be suitable for people in the modern world.

Having evolved a method which was satisfying at a personal level to the writer, it was felt that the method should be usable by others. Three basic requirements were identified.

In achieving the above goals, an eclectic approach was adopted and this consisted of selecting elements from the various thought systems and assembling them in a method, which can be easily followed by any one, without any prior knowledge of the sources from which the method was evolved. Metaphysical approaches were avoided strictly sticking to a scientifically appealing and convincing method.

It was also recognized that it would be more appealing if the entire approach was presented in a psychological and in an irreligious format without compromising the quintessential spirit of those great minds. Also, it should not be incompatible with any existing religion and at the same time even acceptable to atheists. This was what led to the origin of TRANSCENDENTAL PSYCHOLOGY. To start the study of this field, it would be best to start with the first book, A JOURNEY INSIDE YOUR BEING. The following books can be read in any order.

Every person leaves a legacy, some more well-known than others. It is the wish of this author that others find, in their study of Transcendental Psychology, the same benefits as the author, namely a sense of direction in life and peace.