Frequently Asked Questions about Transcendental Meditation

What is the Transcendental Meditation technique?

It is a simple, natural, effortless procedure practiced 20 minutes twice each day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. It’s not a religion, philosophy, or lifestyle. More than six million people worldwide have learned the TM technique — people of all ages, cultures, and religions.

What happens when you meditate?

The Transcendental Meditation technique effortlessly allows your mind to settle inward beyond thought to experience the source of thought — pure awareness, also known as transcendental consciousness. This is the most silent and peaceful level of consciousness — your innermost Self. In this state of restful alertness, your brain functions with significantly greater coherence and your body gains deep rest.

How do you meditate?

It is practiced for twenty minutes twice a day, sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. The technique needs to be learned from a certified Transcendental Meditation teacher.

Is there scientific research on the TM technique?

Over 600 research studies have been conducted at more than 250 universities and research centers (including Harvard, UCLA, and Stanford). These studies have been published in more than 100 journals.

The National Institutes of Health has awarded more than $25 million for research on the effects of the Transcendental Meditation technique on health, especially cardiovascular health, and helping college students cope with stress.

Where did the TM technique come from?

The Transcendental Meditation technique is based on the ancient Vedic tradition of India. This knowledge has been handed down by Vedic masters from generation to generation for thousands of years. In 1959, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi — the representative in our age of the Vedic tradition — introduced the Transcendental Meditation technique to the world, restoring the knowledge and experience of higher states of consciousness.

How is the TM technique different from other forms of meditation?

Other forms of meditation typically involve one of these two approaches, both of which may produce some good effects in specific areas:
concentration (focusing on something)
contemplation (thinking about something, often referred to as mindfulness)

The Transcendental Meditation technique involves neither concentration nor contemplation. It is a simple, natural procedure that effortlessly allows the mind to transcend, to experience transcendental consciousness — described by neuroscientists as a state of “restful alertness.”

A meta-analysis of 597 studies covering most meditation and relaxation techniques was published in the American Journal of Health Promotion (12:297-299, 1998). The study found the TM technique to have markedly better results in a wide range of criteria related to cognitive function, self-actualization (growth toward one’s potential), and mental and physical health.

Here a commentary from a researcher at the Medical College of Georgia, Vernon Barnes, Ph.D.˛ Research scientist, Medical College of Georgia; lead researcher on cardiovascular studies funded by National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association.

Do other forms of meditation produce the same effects as the Transcendental Meditation technique?

“Comparative research has shown that the various forms of meditation do not produce the same effects. Because each kind of meditation practice engages the mind in it’s own way, there’s no reason to expect the same results from the various methods.

“There have been studies comparing the effects of the TM technique, Zen, Mindfulness, Tibetan Buddhist and Vipassana meditations, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Benson’s Relaxation Response — examining such factors as brainwave patterns, levels of rest, and benefits for mind and body.

“Neural imaging and EEG studies indicate that TM practice creates a unique brain pattern: it is the only meditation technique known to create widespread brainwave coherence. The TM technique also produces deeper rest than other practices, and studies show the technique to be more effective at reducing anxiety and depression and increasing self-actualization.”