The Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique is a simple, effortless practice designed to enhance various aspects of life. It involves sitting comfortably in a chair with your eyes closed for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day.

During TM practice, the active thinking mind naturally settles into a state of “pure consciousness,” where the mind is silent yet fully alert. Simultaneously, the body enters a profound state of rest and relaxation.

TM’s unique state of “restful alertness” is believed to enhance the entire brain, reduce accumulated stress and fatigue, and serve as the basis for increased creativity, intelligence, and improved health, as reported by practitioners.

Yes, over 600 scientific studies on the benefits of the Transcendental Meditation technique have been conducted at 150 independent universities and research institutions, including prestigious institutions like Harvard Medical School, Cornell Medical School, University of Michigan Medical School, and UCLA Medical School.

Yes, the research has been published in leading, peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals, such as Scientific American, Science, the American Heart Association’s Hypertension and Stroke, and the American Medical Association’s Archives of Internal Medicine. The National Institutes of Health has also awarded over $24 million for studies on TM’s effects on heart disease, hypertension, and stroke in the past 18 years.

No, the Transcendental Meditation technique does not require you to change your lifestyle. It has been learned by over five million people of all ages, nationalities, and religions. Practitioners report reduced stress and increased mental clarity, which can help individuals appreciate life more fully and, for religious individuals, follow their faith more faithfully.

No, there are distinct physiological and neurophysiological differences between various meditation techniques. For example, EEG and brain imaging technologies differentiate the TM technique from others, showing enhanced EEG coherence and marked improvement in the prefrontal cortex, which governs key executive functions like planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and judgment.

Many comprehensive meta-analyses of published studies on meditation and stress-reduction techniques indicate that the Transcendental Meditation technique produces highly beneficial effects for health that are not replicated by other methods. These benefits include marked reductions in high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other stress-related disorders.

Being skeptical is perfectly fine. The Transcendental Meditation technique does not require any belief changes. You can practice TM and gain its benefits regardless of your level of skepticism.