3 min
Accumulated stress causes fear, intolerance and conflict in society. The Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique addresses stress at its core, contributing to a more peaceful and harmonious collective consciousness.
Can inner peace lead to world peace? We believe that real change comes from within. TM helps individuals as well as society move forward.
"Can we leverage this knowledge of the brain and behavior to create lasting societal peace?"
--Dr.John Hagelin, Harvard trained quantum physicist, addresses the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, Monterrey, Mexico, September 2024
Stress does more than just stress the individual; it physically changes the way our brains function. By inhibiting activity in the prefrontal cortex, stress fuels reactive, anxious and aggressive behavior. When this stress accumulates within a population, the collective impact manifests as social conflict and instability.
Can we stem this tide? As early as 1962, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi predicted that if just 1% of a population meditated, it would neutralize the hostility that fuels war. This phenomenon, known as the "Maharishi Effect," now appears to require even fewer participants: just the root of 1% of a population practicing the advanced TM-Sidhi program in groups is enough to radiate coherence.
This method goes beyond theory. Proven in more than 50 demonstrations and supported by 23 scientific studies, it provides evidence of concrete positive changes in society and a significant reduction in violence and the effects of war.
In 1983, practitioners of the TM technique gathered in Jerusalem for a special experiment: testing the Maharishi Effect during the then conflict between Israel and Lebanon. The results of this intervention were remarkable and statistically significant.
On days when the group of participants was large enough, the number of war casualties in neighboring Lebanon dropped by as much as 76%. Moreover, the study showed that the quality of life in both Jerusalem and Israel improved measurably during these periods.
The study in Israel and Lebanon was repeated six times over the following two years. The results of these interventions were:
A 17-year study in the United States revealed a broad, holistic improvement in quality of life. This positive effect occurred once the number of people practicing the TM program together at Maharishi International University exceeded the 1,725-participant mark - equivalent to the root of 1% of the U.S. population.
During these periods, rates of murder, rape, assault, and robbery dropped significantly. Other indicators, such as infant mortality, drug-related deaths and traffic accidents, also showed marked decreases.
The Maharishi Effect demonstrates that through the joint practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) and the TM-Sidhi program, the collective consciousness of a society can be positively affected. With over 40 years of demonstrations and research, there is evidence that this practice can transform not only individuals, but communities and even entire nations.
Under the leadership of Dr. Tony Nader, the worldwide TM organization strives to establish permanent groups of 10,000 practitioners. This number is based on the square root of 1% of the world's population, a threshold that research suggests is sufficient to create a lasting effect of world peace.
This initiative highlights the power of collective intention and meditation, and offers a hopeful path to a more peaceful world.
Changes in war casualties in Lebanon and quality of life in Israel correlated with the number of people in group practice of TM and the TM-Sidhi program.
Orme-Johnson DW et al - The Journal of Conflict Resolution, 1988
7 experiments: effect of TM & TM-Sidhi group practice on war. Conflict reduced by 48%, war casualties by 71%, cooperation increased by 66%.
Alexander CN, Davies JL - J Social Behavior and Personality, 2005
TM & TM-Sidhi group practice over √1% of US population correlated with significant reductions in conflict and improvements in quality of life.
Orme-Johnson DW et al - World Journal of Social Science, 2022
Learn more about the course structure, your teacher, schedule and course fee.
Discover the TM courseEverything you want to know about TM, from costs to scientific research.
Transcendental Meditation is a meditation technique introduced in the 1950s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. You practice it twice a day for 20 minutes, sitting comfortably with your eyes closed.
During meditation, you use a personal mantra - a sound without meaning - that you repeat in your mind. This sound becomes progressively quieter, allowing your mind to settle naturally.
What makes TM unique is that it is completely effortless. You don't have to control your thoughts, you don't have to concentrate and you don't have to clear your head.
More than eight million people worldwide have learned TM.
The course fee is income-based so that TM remains accessible to all.
| Gross monthly income | Term (In3/Klarna) | One-time |
|---|---|---|
| Up to €2,000 | 3 × €165 | €495 |
| €2.000 - €3.000 | 3 × €209 | €625 |
| €3.000 - €4.000 | 3 × €252 | €755 |
| €4,000 and more | 3 × €299 | €895 |
| Special Rate | Term | One-time |
|---|---|---|
| Partners | 1,5× above | 1.5× above |
| Full-time students | 3 × €115 | €345 |
| Scholars | 3 × €82 | €245 |
| Children up to 10 years | 25% of parental tariff | 25% of parental fee |
| Private course | 3 × €432 | €1.295 |
The course fee includes:
Each TM center offers additional sponsorship as needed.
TM is taught in many places in the Netherlands.
The first step is to attend a free introductory lecture. The lecture is completely non-binding.
Check tm.nl/lectures to see which teacher and location is closest to you.
Although both TM and mindfulness are forms of meditation, they differ substantially in technique, approach and scientifically measured effects.
Technique: In mindfulness, you consciously focus your attention on the present moment. With TM, you use a personal mantra that leads your mind naturally and completely effortlessly to stillness.
Brain activity: TM leads to coherence throughout the cerebral cortex. Mindfulness particularly activates areas related to attention and self-regulation.
Effort: Mindfulness takes practice and discipline. TM is effortless from the first moment.
Both techniques have their value. Read the detailed comparison →
The course consists of four meetings on consecutive days:
Day 1: Personal instruction (1 to 2 hours).
Days 2, 3 and 4: Follow-up meetings in small groups of about an hour and a half each.
After these four days, you can practice TM completely independently at home.
More than 400 peer-reviewed scientific studies published by more than 200 universities.
The American Heart Association (AHA) has recognized TM as the only meditation technique proven to lower hypertension.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has invested more than $26 million in TM research.
The EU provided a half-million euro grant in 2018 for research on TM in education.
TM can only be learned through personal instruction by a certified TM teacher.
This is a conscious choice, not a commercial restriction. An experienced teacher can tailor the technique to your personal situation.
The advantage is that after four days of course, you can practice the technique completely independently - a lifetime, at no extra cost.
Completely free of charge, even if you're just curious.
Find a lecture near you