Criticism of Transcendental Meditation: Overview

SKEPTICS: "Transcendental Meditation is not really scientifically validated."

FACTS:

• Over 350 research studies on TM published in peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals.

• All major findings replicated.

• Studies done at 250 independent institutions and medical schools worldwide.
• 50 randomized controlled trials.

• $26 million in National Institutes of Health/U.S. Government grants awarded over the past 20 years for scientists to continue researching the TM technique.
• Please see a review of the research here.

SKEPTICS: "The research was done only by 'TM' scientists.”

FACTS:

• 360 scientists in 30 countries have conducted research on the TM technique.

• The vast majority were not affiliated with the TM program.
• Quality of research on TM praised by independent scientists

SKEPTICS: "The TM program is a for-profit business."

FACTS:

• It’s a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) educational organization.

• All course fees go to support teaching activities—including the subsidizing of meditation courses in inner cities, on Native American reservations, for impoverished students in developing nations, and programs for the homeless—all of whom can learn the TM technique free of charge.
• No individual or organization has ever made a lucrative profit from teaching the TM technique—there are no highly paid share holders, no kickbacks—only modest salaries paid to organization employees. All non-profit financial records are public access.
• For anyone wishing to learn who cannot afford the full tuition, the TM organization offers special reduced fees, grants, scholarships, work-study programs and other financial aid options.

SKEPTICS: "Practicing the TM technique is no different from just relaxing."

FACTS:

• Numerous physiological studies have confirmed a unique state of restful alertness not found during ordinary relaxation.

• Neuroscience shows unique brain patterns—increased alpha power and high EEG coherence in the brain's frontal cortex, as well as intra-hemispheric synchrony and integration of the frontal and occipital regions—distinguishing TM practice from ordinary relaxation and other meditations.

• A wide parameter of physiological markers shows relaxation much deeper than eyes-closed rest or other relaxation techniques.

SKEPTICS: "All meditation practices are the same and other techniques produce the same effects as TM.”

FACTS:

• The variety of meditation practices engage the mind in different ways, have various aims and produce different results.
• Neuroscientists have discovered that different meditation techniques produce markedly different effects on brain function.
• According to research studies, only the meditative state associated with TM practice has been found to consistently produce high levels of EEG alpha coherence throughout the brain—indicating growth of more efficient, integrated brain functioning and improved mental performance.
• Comparative research studies and meta-analyses show that other meditation practices have not been found to produce the same effects as the TM technique for providing deep rest, reducing anxiety, lowering high blood pressure, promoting self-actualization and various other benefits.

SKEPTICS: "You shouldn't have to pay to learn meditation."

FACTS:

• Learning the TM technique requires a 10-12-hour course taught by a professional, certified teacher.

• The TM course tuition pays for this non-profit, educational service.

• The TM program offers lifelong follow-up and support as needed at no further cost—consisting of one-on-one guidance and ongoing classes.

• Other meditation practices may cost less or nothing because they are not as time-intensive for the teacher—or require no teacher at all. The authentic TM technique can be properly learned only from a certified TM instructor, and cannot be learned from a book, CD, or other less formal methods.

SKEPTICS: "It's a religion disguised as a science."

FACTS:

• TM practice is secular and not faith-based—it's a technique for direct experience.
• There is no TM-related belief system or dogma that one is urged to accept when learning the TM technique—or anytime afterward.

• It's practiced by people of all religions and no religion.

• TM is scientific because every principle associated with the practice is verifiable by direct experience and scientific research.

SKEPTICS: "It's a form of Hinduism."

FACTS:

• The TM technique comes from the ancient Vedic tradition of India—a tradition that includes systematic, testable knowledge about consciousness, meditation, health and other areas.

• Just as yoga is practiced by people of all religions in a non-conflicting, secular context, TM practice is universal and non-religious.

• According to Vedic and Sanskrit scholars, mantras such as those used in TM practice are not "names of deities" as sometimes claimed by anti-meditation advocates. Even if certain people were to ascribe religious context to particular mantras, that would be irrelevant to TM practice, which uses specific mantras or sounds in an innocent, natural way devoid of meaning. In fact, that the mantras not be associated with meaning is fundamental to the effectiveness of the TM technique.
• Maharishi, known by many as a "scientist of consciousness," revived the TM technique, which had been long lost to society even in India, and established it as a secular, scientific practice free of religious trappings. He identified the universal, scientific elements of this technique—previously shrouded in mysticism—and demonstrated its unique, practical benefits for people of all cultures and religions.

Learning the Transcendental Meditation technique:

Why personalized instruction?
Why a certified instructor & course fee?

by Tom McKinley Ball

There are many forms of meditation, practiced for various reasons—to simply chill or relax, to promote a sense of compassion, or to become more “mindful” of oneself or surroundings. Most of these practices can be learned either for free or very cheaply, from a friend who learned in her yoga class, from a book, online or from a CD.

The Transcendental Meditation (TM®) technique is a specific form of meditation introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Its purpose is to provide the experience of transcending: a state of restful alertness or 'pure awareness,' beyond thought, an experience known to revitalize mind and body and stimulate growth of one’s creative potential. According to Maharishi and the organization he set up to teach the TM technique, learning Transcendental Meditation requires personalized, one-on-one instruction, a series of classes and comprehensive follow-up—all taught by professionally trained teachers. The TM program is a non-profit, tax-exempt educational organization [501(c)(3)]. When you learn the Transcendental Meditation technique, your course tuition covers the educational expenses of teaching and supports the non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the benefits of meditation to people everywhere.

Why is the TM technique not taught for free, as many other meditation practices? Does one really need a professionally trained teacher and a systematic, seven-step course with personalized instruction and comprehensive follow-up to correctly practice this meditation technique and enjoy its full benefits? Our experience teaching meditation around the world for the past fifty years—along with hundreds of independent, peer-reviewed scientific research studies [1] that verify the program’s effectiveness—tells us that the answer is most definitely yes. Millions of people who have learned the TM technique in this way would agree.

If learning the TM technique requires personalized instruction and a series of classes, obviously educational expenses will be incurred—this is why there's a course fee.

But why is personalized, comprehensive instruction necessary to learn to meditate effectively? And why would someone choose to learn the Transcendental Meditation technique when so many other practices can be learned more cheaply or at no cost?

Why TM practice is unique:

The operative word in describing the Transcendental Meditation technique is transcendental. During TM practice, one transcends—the mind naturally and effortlessly settles inward—away from the surface, active levels of thinking to progressively more settled and refined levels of the mind, until you experience the silent field of restful alertness at the source of thought, known as pure awareness. Neuroscientists have found that this particular meditative state gained during TM practice is the only experience known to create “global EEG coherence”—a state of highly efficient and orderly functioning throughout the entire brain, which stimulates growth of creativity, intelligence and heightened awareness in daily life.[2]

A basic principle of the Transcendental Meditation program is that this experience of transcending is the primary cause of the positive effects of the TM technique—that is, experiencing the silent, self-referral field of pure awareness at the source of thought, as distinct from practices that have other purposes or which engage the mind and keep it active or busy in various ways, usually on the more surface thinking levels. According to physiological research, it is this state of “Transcendental Consciousness”—a fourth state of consciousness unlike waking, dreaming or sleep—that gives the most profound rest and rejuvenation to mind and body. Over 600 scientific studies on the effects of the Transcendental Meditation technique support this principle that Transcendental Consciousness produces the widest range of benefits among the variety of meditative experiences.

Why TM requires personalized instruction:

The process of “effortless transcending” is natural, simple and easy, but also very, very delicate; so delicate that the technique was lost to society—in the East and the West—for thousands of years simply because of misunderstanding and inadequate teaching methods.

In the 20th century, Maharishi revived correct practice of this ancient meditation technique and structured a systematic, standardized, seven-step course of personalized instruction to ensure that everyone everywhere can learn to meditate properly and gain maximum benefit.

Maharishi spent over 50 years elucidating the principles behind the Transcendental Meditation technique, always emphasizing the need for personal, one-on-one instruction:

“By necessity, the practice of Transcendental Meditation is imparted by personal instruction. It cannot be done through a book [or CD or online training] because it not only involves telling an aspirant how to experience the subtle states of thinking, but an even greater responsibility lies in finding out what the aspirant experiences when he proceeds on that path… The experiences on the path of Transcendental Meditation are very subtle… It takes a while for the beginner to be able to pinpoint his experiences of the subtle state of thought. The practice of Transcendental Meditation must always be given by the expert teachers of Transcendental Meditation who have been properly trained to give it and who have been trained to check the experiences.” [3]

When a person learns the TM technique, every instruction is given out on the basis of the previous instruction being understood and acknowledged. The certified TM teacher guides the student step by step, adjusting the teaching process according to the pace of the student.

Follow-up and one-on-one support:

The Transcendental Meditation course comes with extensive follow-up and personal support—offered at no further cost beyond the one-time TM course tuition. This means that even after you’ve completed your TM course, teachers remain available to provide further guidance and facilitate deeper understanding of the practice.

The one-on-one support allows the opportunity for personal meetings with your teacher, as needed, arranged according to your schedule. These private, 30-minute “checking” sessions stabilize correct, effortless practice and verify experiences. It is recommended that these personal meetings be scheduled weekly for the first month and monthly for the first year—or more, according to the student’s needs. After the first year this personal support remains available as needed to everyone who has learned the TM technique.

The follow-up also includes optional, ongoing advanced classes so that your understanding can grow along with your experiences. These advanced TM lectures are held weekly in most TM teaching centers and include checking and group meditation.

The Transcendental Meditation course, one-on-one support and follow-up is designed to allow each student to gain the experience and understanding they need to correctly practice the Transcendental Meditation technique on their own and gain maximum benefit in daily life.

Because there’s an established, professional organization and an initial TM course tuition, the lifetime follow-up can be offered at no charge, and you can go to a TM teaching center in almost any major city and have your meditation checked or receive further guidance from the teachers.

The TM course tuition is a one-time fee for a lifetime program.

What is the course fee used for?

1. Educational expenses: Although the TM organization is non-profit, it’s pays the same overhead that businesses must pay—rent, utilities, teaching supplies, etc. The TM course fee helps sustain the teachers, teaching centers, the non-profit educational organization and TM teaching activities around the world. As with every tax-exempt organization, the finances are public record.

2. To help others learn: Because others before you have paid their TM course fee, the program is now available to you in all its effectiveness. Everyone’s course fee helps ensure that others after them may enjoy the full benefits of the Transcendental Meditation technique—especially future generations.

In wealthier countries, like the United States, the Transcendental Meditation organization sends part of the course fees to developing nations to support TM programs for people who cannot afford to pay—places such as Brazil (pictured), India, and Thailand, where, with the help of private benefactors such as the David Lynch Foundation, over 140,000 schoolchildren have learned free of charge and practice the TM technique during in-school “Quiet Time.” [4]

3. Maharishi’s Program for World Peace: Another very important project supported by your course fee is the establishment of “peace-creating groups” around the world. These large groups of hundreds or thousands of people practice the Transcendental Meditation technique and its advanced programs together twice daily. Why? Because scientific research has shown that a sufficiently large number of people practicing the TM programs together create an intensified harmonious effect—not just personally for the individual meditator, but also for the surroundings. Through what scientists call a “field effect,” the quality of life of the whole society improves, measured by decreased crime and violence and improvements in the economy and other social indicators. These large groups have been established on almost every continent, and scientists continue to monitor the effects, with 13 research studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals validating the phenomenon.

As a teacher of meditation, Maharishi was concerned not only for the individual’s personal growth but for the whole world. He believed that a sufficient number of people in society ‘transcending’ twice daily, especially together in large groups, would have a significant positive impact on the entire civilization. This pioneering area of scientific research is ongoing and admittedly outside the current paradigm of conventional sociological methodologies. But the studies thus far are highly promising and support Maharishi’s formula for reducing collective stress in society and creating world peace through large peace-creating groups.

When you learn the Transcendental Meditation technique, your course fee helps support this peace-creating endeavor in your country and around the world. Admittedly, this is a bigger vision and more ambitious program than learning to watch your breath or relax, and a project with such global initiatives requires more funding than checking out a library book about meditation or learning meditation in a yoga class. But Maharishi remained true to his vision that life on earth can rise to its full potential. The certified TM teachers around the world continue to uphold the teaching procedures and policies that have proven so effective in bringing the benefits of the Transcendental Meditation program to everyone.

1. Selection of scientific research:
Hypertension 26 (1995): 820-827.
Annals of Behavioral Medicine 22 (2000) S133.
American Journal of Hypertension (2004).
Human Physiology 25 (1999) 171-180.
Psychophysiology 31 Abstract (1994) S67.
Psychophysiology 27 Supplement (1990) 4A.
Psychophysiology 26 (1989) 529.
International Journal of Neuroscience 13: (1981) 211-217.
Psychosomatic Medicine 46: (1984) 267–276.
2. International Journal of Neuroscience 15 (1981) 151-157; International Journal of Neuroscience 14: (1981) 147–151.
3. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, The Science of Being and Art of Living (New York: Plume/Penguin Group, 1963/2001), p. 35-36.
4. As of December, 2008.

Natural Stress Relief (NSR)

By Tom Mckinley Ball

Advertisements and marketing articles about a form of meditation called "Natural Stress Relief" (NSR) have been posted by it's promoters throughout the Internet. The pitch typically begins with a few facts about the Transcendental Meditation program, which, as a certified instructor of the TM technique, I'm glad to see—it's wonderful that people wish to teach meditation and spread its benefits. But unfortunately the NSR articles quickly veer off into inaccuracy and make several misleading statements about the Transcendental Meditation technique and TM organization.

What is the Transcendental Meditation technique?

The Transcendental Meditation technique is a specific form of meditation introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The benefits of Transcendental Meditation technique for mind, body and relationships have been enjoyed by millions of people over the past 50 years, and verified by over 350 peer-reviewed scientific research studies conducted at independent research institutions—such as Yale Medical School, UCLA Medical School, Harvard Medical School and Stanford—and published in leading peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals. The National Institutes of Health has awarded over $24 million for scientists to further research the TM technique's benefits for cardiovascular health and brain functioning. The Transcendental Meditation program is a non-profit, tax-exempt educational organization [501(c)(3)], devoted solely to bringing the benefits of the meditation to people everywhere.

The first step in learning the Transcendental Meditation technique is an Introductory Lecture, given by a certified TM instructor or viewed online at one of the official TM Websites. To learn more about the TM technique, research and benefits, please visit TM.org or DoctorsOnTM.org.

A technique for 'transcending':

The operative word in describing the Transcendental Meditation technique is 'transcendental.' During TM practice, one transcends—the mind naturally and effortlessly settles inward—away from the surface, active levels of thinking, to progressively more settled and refined levels of the mind, until you experience the silent field of restful alertness at the source of thought, known as pure awareness. Neuroscientists have found that this particular meditative state gained during TM practice is the only experience known to create “global alpha EEG coherence”—a state of highly efficient and orderly functioning throughout the entire brain. Twice daily practice of the TM technique is said to stimulate growth of creativity, intelligence and heightened awareness in daily life.

What is NSR?

The NSR method is a form of meditation very loosely modeled after the Transcendental Meditation technique. The NSR internet marketing strategy is, first, draw attention to the scientifically proven benefits and track record of the TM program, then try and persuade the reader that the TM technique, while highly beneficial, is too expensive and that one doesn't need the one-on-one, personalized instruction and followup offered by the TM program. Next step: criticize the organization that teaches the TM technique for being "mystical," "elitist," "too inward," etc. (someone's personal opinion, perhaps, but irrelevant to the scientifically established facts about the TM program and counter to the benign nature of the non-profit educational organization). Finally, NSR strives to close the deal by arguing that the NSR method is basically the same practice as the TM technique and will produce the same results, but because NSR is taught much differently—by CD or online, as opposed to personal instruction—this home-study "alternative to Transcendental Meditation" can be delivered for much less money than the TM technique—only $47!

Personal instruction: is it important?

Maharishi, the founder of the Transcendental Meditation program, spent over 50 years elucidating the principles behind the Transcendental Meditation technique, always emphasizing the need for personal, one-on-one instruction:

"By necessity, the practice of Transcendental Meditation is imparted by personal instruction. It cannot be done through a book [or CD or online training] because it not only involves telling an aspirant how to experience the subtle states of thinking, but an even greater responsibility lies in finding out what the aspirant experiences when he proceeds on that path… The experiences on the path of Transcendental Meditation are very subtle… It takes a while for the beginner to be able to pinpoint his experiences of the subtle state of thought. The practice of Transcendental Meditation must always be given by the expert teachers of Transcendental Meditation who have been properly trained to give it and who have been trained to check the experiences.

"The checking of experiences is a vital point in the practice of Transcendental Meditation. Again, it cannot be done through books…by nature it is delicate and therefore highly technical. But under personal instruction and guidance the way is smooth and easy.“ [Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, The Science of Being and Art of Living (New York: Plume/Penguine Group, 1963/2001), p. 35-36]

This principle applies to any medium of learning the Transcendental Meditation technique other than learning it through personalized instruction—CDs, videos, online—and to any form of meditation self-training. When a person learns the TM technique, every instruction is given out on the basis of the previous instruction being understood and acknowledged. The certified TM teacher guides the student step by step, adjusting the teaching process according to the pace of the student.

The process of systematic "effortless transcending" is simple and easy, but also very, very delicate; so delicate that it was lost to society, East and West, for thousands of years simply because of misunderstanding and inadequate teaching methods. Maharishi revived correct practice of this technique and structured a systematic, standardized course of personal instruction to ensure that everyone everywhere can gain maximum benefit from meditation.

If the TM technique could be learned from a book, CD or online, it would be taught that way. Selling CDs or offering this practice online could reduce educational expenses, but we would not see the benefits that people enjoy from TM practice. The TM organization's purpose is not to make money or sell a product at the most marketable price point to maximize sales. The purpose of the non-profit, educational organization is to create a better world by bringing the full benefits of this meditation to as many people as possible. This can be done only by preserving the effectiveness and quality (or 'purity') of the TM technique through proper teaching methods and providing ongoing meditator support.

Different practice/different results:

NSR is an autodidactic method of learning. This means the learner takes on the role of both student and teacher. A fundamental requirement for transcending is innocence—being natural and simple without complicating the process. A student is challenged to be completely simple and innocent when trying to teach themselves how to be simple and innocent.

The TM technique differs from NSR practice in many other ways—besides in how it is taught and practiced:

Scientific research: There are no peer-reviewed, controlled research studies verifying benefits from NSR meditation. It is claimed in NSR marketing materials that NSR practice produces the same results as the TM technique, but such strong claims are unsupported by research.

Followup: NSR does not provide continuing followup as needed with a trained and experienced instructor.

• The TM program offers personal "checking" of meditation: a systematic, one-on-one process that stabilizes correct practice and ensures effortless transcending, offered freely in all TM centers to everyone who has learned the TM technique.

• Knowledge program: The TM program provides ongoing advanced lectures, providing further knowledge and meditation instruction—offered at no charge in every TM Center.

Source: The Transcendental Meditation technique is authentic—a gift from the most ancient and revered tradition of meditation on earth, the Vedic tradition of India.

The TM course—one-time fee for a lifetime program:

To learn the Transcendental Mediation technique, or if you have questions, I suggest you contact your local TM center (or call 888-LEARN-TM) and speak to a certified meditation instructor. Learn about the 15 hours (or more) of training you get during the TM course and the careful personalized instruction you receive. Learn about the one-on-one followup—a lifetime of personal guidance, as needed—and the optional, ongoing advanced classes and group meditations at TM centers.

Maharishi created a wealth of knowledge and clarification to ensure that your understanding can grow as your experience deepens. All of this followup is available to you for the rest of your life when you learn the TM technique—at no further charge after you've completed the initial seven-step TM course. And learn about the gift of scholarships and grants for people in financial need, to help pay for such comprehensive training.

The Transcendental Meditation program comes from the oldest, possibly most venerated tradition of self-development on earth, the Vedic Tradition of India. Personalized meditation instruction has has been upheld by the master teachers of this great tradition of tradition of Enlightenment for thousands of years. I invite you to enjoy the gift of meditation from this ancient tradition and experience the many benefits of twice daily TM practice.

*Vedic: The Vedic (VAY-dik) tradition of knowledge is the oldest continuous tradition of knowledge on Earth. The Vedic tradition includes detailed information on a wide range of topics—from health care to architecture, from agriculture to music. But it focuses especially on knowledge about consciousness, technologies of consciousness, and evolution to enlightenment—the highest state of human functioning. People sometimes assume that the Vedic wisdom is a cultural tradition, relevant only in India. But Newton’s laws of motion are not English or Christian, nor Einstein’s theory of relativity German or Jewish. Scientific discoveries are true for all people, all cultures.

® Transcendental Meditation, TM and Maharishi are registered or common law trademarks licensed to Maharishi Vedic Education Development Corporation and are used under sublicense.

Why is the TM technique trademarked?

by Tom McKinley Ball

If the Transcendental Meditation program is taught by a non-profit educational organization, then why is the TM technique trademarked—like McDonald’s or Microsoft?

The registered trademark sign (®) is commonly associated with for-profit corporations who use trademarks to protect their brand names, products or services against infringement by competitors, and thus help insure profits. However, in the case of the Transcendental Meditation technique and other programs founded by Maharishi, there is a different reason for the registered trademark.

The Transcendental Meditation technique is unique. There is no other practice that works in the same way or produces quite the same results. Many scientific research studies conducted at medical schools and independent research institutions worldwide have investigated and compared the effects of Transcendental Meditation technique to various types of meditation practices—such as Zen, Vipassana, mantra meditation, and various relaxation techniques—and no other meditation procedure has been found to produce the wide range of effects for mind, body, behavior and environment that result from TM practice.

The only way to legally distinguish the TM technique from other types of meditation available is to maintain the technique’s registered trademark. This way, when someone learns the Transcendental Meditation technique, they can rest assured they are learning the real thing, because only highly trained and certified TM teachers can teach this technique or legally use the name ‘TM’ or 'Transcendental Meditation.'

Trademarks protect consumers by allowing them to identify ‘the real thing’ as opposed to a facsimile. If meditation techniques were all basically the same and produced the same results, there would be no altruistic reason to trademark or otherwise distinguish the Transcendental Meditation technique. But all practices are not the same and do not produce the same results, as research shows. 

The registered trademark is another way of maintaining the effectiveness or 'purity' of the Transcendental Meditation program—helping ensure that even future generations will benefit.

Advisory Board: Skeptics on TM

Jonathan Shear, PhD: founding editor of the Journal of Consciousness Studies, and Affiliated Associate Professor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University

Peter Scharf, PhD, Senior Lecturer in Sanskrit, Department of Classics, Brown University

David Haight, PhD: Professor of Philosophy; Chairman, Dept. of Philosophy, Plymouth State University

Patrick Pomfrey, PsyD: Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Asheville, NC

Bridget Harwell, PhD: Clinical Psychologist, Cleveland, Ohio