About the Transcendental Meditation® Technique

Transcendental Meditationis a simple, natural, effortless technique practiced 20 minutes. twice a day, while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. It’s not a religion philosophy or lifestyle.

What Happens When You Meditate?

Transcendental Meditation allows the active thinking mind to settle inward to experience a naturally calm, peaceful level of awareness. During TM, the body enjoys a profoundly rejuvenating rest, while the brain functions with significantly greater coherence.

How Does Transcendental Meditation Differ from Other Meditation Techniques?

Brain research has identified three basic approaches to meditation:

  • Focused attention (concentrating on a thought or object)
  • Open monitoring (observing breath, thoughts, or the environment)
  • Automatic self-transcending (spontaneously experiencing quieter levels of thought — a unique state of restful alertness)

The TM technique is not:

  • mindfulness
  • focusing on your breathing
  • concentration
  • trying to “clear your mind”

The Transcendental Meditation technique involves no focused attention nor open monitoring. It is a process of automatic self-transcending, allowing the practitioner to experience a field of calm deep within.

Origins of the TM technique

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, whose life's work was to revive and demystify the timeless knowledge of meditation, and verify its effectiveness through the lens of modern science, began teaching Transcendental Meditation in the 1950s.

After refining and systematizing the teaching of TM, Maharishi began a movement to make the technique available worldwide. He oversaw the training of thousands of instructors and established a nonprofit foundation to preserve the authenticity of the TM technique for generations to come.

How Do You Learn Transcendental Meditation?

TM is taught in a personal course of instruction by specially-trained, certified TM instructors.

The authentic TM technique can only be learned from a certified TM instructor in a course carefully personalized for each individual.

All certified TM instructors have successfully completed an intensive, in-residence TM Teacher Training Course, and they maintain their certification through ongoing professional courses.

TM course schedule

Session 1: In-person. one-on-one instruction

On day one, you'll learn the essentials of TM and meditate for the first time. Afterward, you'll discuss your experience with your instructor, who will help you evaluate and refine your new practice.

Sessions 2-4: In-person or online classes

Each of these classes will include a meditation with your instructor, as well as further instruction on the do’s and don’ts of correct practice, discussion, and feedback on your experiences.

Topics will include how to know you’re meditating correctly, the mechanics of TM, how to fit meditation into your life, what different experiences during TM practice mean, what you can look forward to with regular practice, and more.