The Transcendental Meditation technique

The Transcendental Meditation technique is a simple, natural procedure to contact your inner reservoir of creativity, energy and intelligence on a daily basis.

The TM Program at a Glance

There is a rich, unbounded field of creativity, energy, and intelligence within each of us. To the degree we’re able to draw from this inner field of life, we grow in health, happiness, and success in our outer life.

Your Unlimited Potential

The Transcendental Meditation technique is a simple, natural procedure to gain deep rest— and contact that inner reservoir of creativity, energy and intelligence—to gain its support in all you do and to enrich your life day by day.

Everyone can learn to practice the Transcendental Meditation technique successfully. It’s easy and enjoyable—just 20 minutes twice a day sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. It requires no effort or concentration, no special skills or change of lifestyle. You don’t even have to believe that it works! Meditate regularly twice a day and you’ll get results.

Restful Alertness

During the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, the mind and body settle down to experience a unique state of restful alertness. As the mind becomes more silent, the body becomes deeply relaxed. At the most settled state of awareness, the mind transcends all mental activity to experience the simplest form of awareness, Transcendental Consciousness.

Scientific research has shown that the experience of Transcendental Consciousness is correlated with greater creativity, improved learning, higher IQ, better grades, higher moral reasoning, increased brainwave coherence, and improved neurological functioning of the body.

The Transcendental Meditation technique is a practical, proven procedure for developing more energy, creativity, and intelligence—for awakening the unlimited potential of your mind and body and enjoying greater health, happiness, and success in life.

Total brain functioning		Expanded awareness and deep rest		Natural and effortless
Brain functioning becomes highly orderly and coherent—the total brain becomes enlivened. Regular practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique develops the brain’s total potential.		Your mind spontaneously and naturally settles down to a quiet, alert, and expanded state while your body enjoys deep, refreshing rest.		The Transcendental Meditation technique is practiced 20 minutes twice a day while sitting comfortably with your eyes closed. The Transcendental Meditation technique is simple, natural, effortless, profound, effective, easy to learn and enjoyable to practice. What the TM Technique Is The Transcendental Meditation technique is a simple, natural, effortless, easily learned technique practiced for 20 minutes twice a day, sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. The practice is not a religion or philosophy, nor does it require any change of lifestyle. What It Is The Transcendental Meditation technique is: Simple—The Transcendental Meditation technique is not difficult or complicated to learn or practice; it’s a simple procedure. Natural—There is no manipulation of the mind or suggestion. Effortless—The Transcendental Meditation technique is easy to practice and requires no ability to concentrate or control the mind. Easily and quickly learned—Anyone beginning from age 10 can learn the Transcendental Meditation technique easily in seven simple steps. Practiced for 15 to 20 minutes twice daily—The Transcendental Meditation technique is practiced once in the morning and again in the afternoon or early evening. Sitting comfortably—No awkward or uncomfortable positions are necessary to practice the Transcendental Meditation technique. What It Isn’t The Transcendental Meditation technique is not a religion, a philosophy, or a lifestyle. It’s not a religion—The Transcendental Meditation technique is a simple, natural technique practiced by millions of people of all religions, including clergy. Practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique does not require or involve faith or any particular set of beliefts. It’s not a philosophy—It’s an effortless, scientific technique that is universally applicable, repeatable and verifiable by anyone, anywhere. It’s not a lifestyle—It’s an enjoyable technique. You don’t have to change your lifestyle in order to start the Transcendental Meditation technique. Just learn it, practice it, and enjoy the benefits. What Clergy Say “Transcendental Meditation is like a daily vacation. It’s a renewal for my body and calms my mind. I do a lot of writing and speaking, and it has given me a flood of creativity. “I’ve always felt that the Transcendental Meditation technique was an aid to my Christian growth. It never replaced my Christian growth, but it was an aid to it. In fact, I decided to commit my life to Christ after I’d been practicing Transcendental Meditation for three months. “I would say to any Christian—to anyone of any religion—that Transcendental Meditation would benefit your life. It’s a technique, a simple process that requires no belief. It is not a religion. There are so many thoughts that clutter the mind, and Transcendental Meditation is like taking a bath—it’s very cleansing and very refreshing.” —Rev. Dr. Craig Overmyer, a pastoral counselor in Indianapolis, Indiana “I wouldn’t be able to fulfill my responsibilities as a rabbi to the level I expect of myself without the Transcendental Meditation technique. I am better able to deal with the stresses of being with the sick and the dying, and the pressures of funerals, weddings, and bar mitzvahs because I have within me a considerable reservoir of calm. I am able to walk into a tense situation and naturally settle people down. They appreciate the ease and calm I bring to situations. “But even more important, Transcendental Meditation has made me a better rabbi because it has given me an experience and insight into the profound depths of life. As a result, I am able to express a true depth of knowledge about my own tradition.” —Rabbi Alan Green of Beth Israel Synagogue in Winnipeg, Manito The Transcendental Meditation technique is the most ancient, most effective, most researched and most widely practiced system of meditation available in the world today. Why It’s Unique Among Meditation Techniques The Transcendental Meditation program is unique because of its source, practice, proof, and universality. These four attributes distinguish it from all other meditation techniques, systems of stress reduction, or programs for personal development available in the world today. “I think the most important quality for learning is alertness and receptivity—both in class and while studying after school. I find TM refreshes my mind and body and makes learning so much easier.” —Heather Hartnett, Student A Timeless Tradition The Transcendental Meditation technique comes from an ancient tradition of knowledge—the Vedic tradition of India—that has stood the test of time as an advanced science and technology of consciousness. The Vedic Tradition has carefully maintained the purity of this practice for thousands of years, ensuring its effectiveness for us today. An Effortless Practice It is easy and enjoyable, bringing the mind to a silent yet fully awake state of awareness—Transcendental Consciousness—the source of thought, the inner reservoir of creativity, energy, and intelligence. Unlike other meditation techniques, there is no concentration or contemplation, no effort to hold or control the mind. Scientific Proof Its effects and benefits have been documented by more than 600 scientific research studies conducted at 200 universities and research institutions in 35 countries. The National Institutes of Health has contributed more than $21 million to verify the benefits of the Transcendental Meditation technique. No other program for personal development has received this level of attention and respect from the scientific community. Universal Benefits Anyone can practice the technique successfully—more than six million people have learned worldwide. If you can think a thought, you can practice the Transcendental Meditation technique. And when you practice the technique regularly, twice a day, you’ll gain a wide range of benefits for your mind, your body, your relationships, your community, and your world. Transcendental Consciousness is the most silent level of the mind, a state of restful alertness, and the source of all energy, creativity and intelligence in life. What is Transcendental Consciousness? Research confirms that Transcendental Consciousness is a fourth major state of consciousness, distinct from waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. Scientists can actually identify Transcendental Consciousness by monitoring changes in brainwave patterns, breath rate, and metabolic rate. My Story Discovering Transcendental Consciousness By Rey Cochran Life’s challenges were met with more creativity and smoothness. MORE A Unique State of Restful Alertness The first research on the Transcendental Meditation technique, conducted at UCLA and Harvard Medical Schools, was published from 1970 to 1972 in the respected journals Science, American Journal of Physiology, and Scientific American. These landmark studies revealed that the Transcendental Meditation technique produced a unique state of mind and body called “restful alertness.” During the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, the mind settles down to its most silent level. Since the mind and body are intimately connected, as the mind settles down the body also settles down to a deep state of rest. Researchers discovered significant reductions in respiration, minute ventilation, tidal volume, and blood lactate, and significant increases in basal skin resistance. All of these physiological measures represent a state of deep relaxation, even deeper than sleep. And they found that even though the body is in a state of deep rest, the mind is alert rather than asleep, indicated by an increased abundance of alpha waves in the EEG. This unique state of restful alertness led pioneering researcher Dr. Keith Wallace to suggest it was a fourth major state of consciousness—Transcendental Consciousness—distinct from the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states of consciousness. For the past 30 years, many other researchers have confirmed and expanded upon this initial research on Transcendental Consciousness. Water the Root and Enjoy the Fruit When we water the root of a tree, all the branches, flowers, and fruits are nourished. In the same way, the regular experience of Transcendental Consciousness, gained during the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, provides nourishment for all aspects of life—for our mind, body and spirit. During the Transcendental Meditation technique, we contact Transcendental Consciousness at the quietest level of the mind. Because this is the field of maximum energy, creativity, and intelligence, the mind naturally expresses more of these qualities when it comes out of meditation. By contacting this unlimited source of energy and intelligence twice a day, you’ll think and act more creatively, and intelligently, engage in activity feeling less tired and stressed, and enjoy increased alertness and efficiency in all areas of your life. Since the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique is completely natural, you can be 100 percent skeptical and it will still work perfectly. Frequently Asked Questions—The Transcendental Meditation Technique Q: What does the Transcendental Meditation technique do? A: The Transcendental Meditation technique provides the mind and body with a unique and profound state of restful alertness. The body gains an extraordinarily deep state of rest while the mind settles down to a state of inner calm and wakefulness. “It’s very simple. TM eliminates stress and this is very, very good for health.” —Veronica Bulter, M.D. The quietest level of the mind is known as Transcendental Consciousness, a field of maximum energy, creativity, and intelligence. By contacting this unlimited source of energy and intelligence twice a day, you’ll think and act more creatively and intelligently—and you'll enjoy increased alertness and efficiency in all areas of life. This deep level of rest also dissolves deeply rooted stress and tension in the body, rejuvenates the entire system, and provides the basis for dynamic, successful activity. Q: I play tennis to relax. A friend of mine listens to music. Doesn’t exercise or simple relaxation do the same thing as the Transcendental Meditation program? A: Tennis, jogging, fishing, golfing, gardening, reading a book, listening to soothing music, bowling, etc., are all relaxing, enjoyable activities. They provide a welcome change of pace, a break in the routine. But the important question is: While they may seem relaxing, do these activities actually release deeply rooted stress and tension? No. This is because even though they may feel relaxing, nonetheless, they keep the mind and body engaged in some activity. What is nature’s antidote to stress? Deep rest—and the deeper the better. The Transcendental Meditation program is not just another form of activity or recreation. It is a scientifically validated technique that provides the entire system with very deep rest—far deeper than ordinary eyes-closed rest or relaxation—and gives us an opportunity to unfold the full range of our own consciousness. This deep rest has been shown to release accumulated stress and tension that nothing else comes close to eliminating—not a good night’s sleep, a restful vacation, relaxation exercises, a great tennis match, or a stroll in the park. Q: Is the Transcendental Meditation program like hypnosis or other types of meditation techniques? A: The Transcendental Meditation program is unique. Hypnosis involves suggestion. The Transcendental Meditation technique is natural and involves no suggestion. All other forms of meditation or self-development involve either concentration or contemplation. The Transcendental Meditation technique is easy to learn, effortless to practice, and involves neither concentration nor contemplation. Research comparing the Transcendental Meditation program with other meditation and relaxation techniques has found it to be far more effective for reducing anxiety, increasing self-actualization, improving psychological health, and reducing use of cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. Q: Will the technique make me so relaxed that I won’t be motivated for success? A: Just the opposite. By eliminating stress and tension, and increasing energy and intelligence, the Transcendental Meditation technique provides an effective basis for dynamism and success in life. It’s like pulling an arrow back on a bow. Draw the arrow back 2 feet, and the arrow flies forward 50 yards. The Transcendental Meditation technique naturally draws the mind back to its own source, a reservoir of energy, creativity, and intelligence. After 20 minutes of the technique, you can plunge into activity refreshed and rested, with more creativity and intelligence. The result: Do less and accomplish more with greater energy, success, and satisfaction in everything you do. Q: Can I learn the Transcendental Meditation technique from a book or a tape? A: No. Each person is unique; each person has a different nervous system and therefore a different pace of learning. Ensuring that you learn the technique properly requires personal instruction from a qualified Transcendental Meditation program teacher. Reading a book or listening to a tape cannot provide the experience of pure consciousness and the corresponding profound state of restful alertness; nor can a book anticipate or answer all of the questions that every person might ask while learning the practice. With proper personal instruction, you can enjoy the technique for the rest of your life—as well as all of the benefits it naturally unfolds. Q: Is the Transcendental Meditation technique difficult to learn? A: The Transcendental Meditation technique is easy to learn and effortless to practice. Over one million Americans—and six million people worldwide—of every age (10 years and up), profession, education, and religion have learned the technique and enjoy its benefits. Q: When I start the Transcendental Meditation technique do I have to join an organization? A: No. Once you’ve learned the Transcendental Meditation technique, you practice it on your own. There is, however, a complete, optional, lifetime follow-up program, available to all meditators, to ensure that they continue to practice the technique correctly and gain maximum benefits. You can take advantage of this program at your convenience. Q: Will my practice of the Transcendental Meditation program conflict with my religion? A: No, it will enhance your religion. Millions of people of all religions—including clergy—practice the Transcendental Meditation technique. They report that the technique, by increasing energy and intelligence and eliminating stress and fatigue, allows them to better follow the tenets of their religion. It is a technique, pure and simple. It involves no religion, belief, philosophy, or change in lifestyle. Rev. Dr. Craig Overmyer explains this point: “I would say to any Christian—to anyone of any religion—that Transcendental Meditation would benefit your life. It’s a technique, a simple process that requires no belief. It is not a religion. There are so many thoughts that clutter the mind, and Transcendental Meditation is like taking a bath—it’s very cleansing and very refreshing.” Q: Where do you meditate? The Transcendental Meditation technique is practiced sitting comfortably with the eyes closed for 20 minutes twice a day. It can be done anywhere—at home, in your office, on an airplane, on a camping trip. Anywhere. Q: How long does it take before I will notice some benefits? A: It varies from individual to individual. All those who practice the Transcendental Meditation technique do notice positive growth and development in their life; however, it’s not really possible to predict which particular benefits you might receive from the practice or even how long it will take before you would experience a specific benefit. Extensive scientific research and the experience of teaching the technique to more than six million people around the world do show that correct practice of the Transcendental Meditation program on a regular, twice-daily basis is very important for gaining the most from the technique. Q: And everyone can do it? A: Yes. Anyone of any age, profession, education, religion, or culture. It doesn’t matter if you believe in the Transcendental Meditation program or not. You can be 100 percent skeptical about the technique, and it will still work perfectly. The Transcendental Meditation technique is natural. It’s just like gravity. If you don’t believe in gravity, and you drop a tennis ball, the ball still falls. In the same way, the Transcendental Meditation technique is automatic. It does not require any belief. It works for everyone. And for those who think, “I could never sit still for 20 minutes,” or “I’m too high strung, I could never relax,” or “I’ll probably be the first person in the world who won’t be able to learn it,” don’t worry. Everyone can learn to meditate. See for yourself.