Some answers

Levi,

1. "If I am in a state of deep relaxation but the syllable is even somewhat present (without any other thoughts), is this transcending?"

Excellent question. Yes, when the syllable is present, transcending is usually happening.

"Or does the mere awareness of the syllable negate the possibility of transcending?"

It is almost the opposite. The awareness of the syllable shows that we are transcending. When the syllable has been forgotten, we are no longer transcending, we are in transcendence. This is all explained in detail in other postings.

2. "Is it okay that I only spend only a small portion of each session without these thoughts in my head?"

Anything is okay in NSR Meditation. You may have so many gripping thoughts that the syllable doesn't seem to be there for the entire session. Or you may have a session where you have the syllable present, but you don't notice any other thoughts. Or it is even possible to start with the syllable, but then spend the entire time in transcendence, without any thoughts at all.

There are no do's or don't's about NSR. We practice it effortlessly, simply, and easily, and observe whatever happens. Remember, the way we judge the value of our meditation is not by the experiences we have (since they are mostly the by-products of sweeping out the dirt, the effects of stress release), but by its effect in our daily life. The possibility of living our life completely free of stress and utterly immune to acquiring new stress is an achievable and worthwhile goal.

David Spector
NSR Meditation/USA