The Transcendental Meditation Technique

At our school the day starts and ends with a few minutes of the Transcendental Meditation technique. The liveliness of the students’ arrival at school is soon replaced by a peaceful silence as the students settle down in the Hall of Bliss to their morning session of meditation before class. This is a unique start to a school day.

During meditation the students effortlessly and very naturally experience the deep inner silence of transcending, thereby enlivening the coherent functioning of the brain—the basis for success in life. The coherent brain functioning of the students and faculty naturally creates a happy, friendly atmosphere at the Maharishi International School.

Hundreds of published research studies have shown that the total potential of the brain can be developed through the simple, natural practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique. This means that the students are able to use more of their full creative genius and experience greater fulfillment and success in everything they do.

The most frequent asked questions about Transcendental Meditation:

What is the Transcendental Meditation (TM) 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. It’s the most widely practiced, most researched, and most effective method of self-development in the world.

What happens when you meditate?

The Transcendental Meditation technique 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 many people practice the TM technique?

More than six million people worldwide have learned this simple, natural technique — business people, scientists, athletes, students — people of all ages, cultures, and religions.

Will I be able to practice TM successfully?

If you can think a thought you can practice the TM technique. People from the age of 10 to 100 have successfully learned to practice the TM technique.

How long and how often do you meditate?

The TM technique is practiced for twenty minutes twice a day, sitting comfortably with the eyes closed.

As a student at our school, you’ll have additional time structured for simple yoga postures (yoga asanas) and an easy-to-learn breathing technique (pranayama) for balancing body and mind.

How much scientific research has been done on the TM technique?

Over 600 research studies have been conducted at more than 200 universities and research centers (including Harvard, UCLA, and Stanford).

These studies have been published in more than 100 journals (see TM research published).

Where did the TM technique come from?

The Transcendental Meditation technique is based on the ancient Vedic tradition of enlightenment in India. This knowledge has been handed down by Vedic masters from generation to generation for thousands of years.

About 50 years ago, Maharishi — the representative in our age of the Vedic tradition — introduced Transcendental Meditation to the world, restoring the knowledge and experience of higher states of consciousness at this critical time for humanity.

When we teach the Transcendental Meditation technique today, we maintain the same procedures and effectiveness as the teachers of thousands of years ago.

How does the TM technique compare with other forms of meditation?

A meta-analysis of 597 studies of meditation practices was published in the American Journal of Health Promotion. The study found the Transcendental Meditation technique to be significantly superior to other forms of meditation and relaxation in a wide range of criteria related to mental and physical health.

Another meta-analysis, published in the Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, found the effect of the TM technique on self-actualization (growth toward one’s total potential) to be markedly greater than that of other forms of meditation and relaxation.