What does TM do in the brain?

TM promotes brain coherence — a unique measurable pattern where the entire brain cortex works synchronously. EEG research shows TM activates alpha-1 brain waves associated with calm alertness. This results in better focus, improved memory, more creativity and higher intellectual performance.

Does TM improve concentration and focus?

Yes. The increased brain coherence during TM leads to better focus, longer attention span and improved ability to filter out distractions. Research among students showed improved academic performance.

Does TM help with ADHD?

Yes. Research among students with ADHD showed TM significantly reduced symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Brain coherence increased, contributing to better self-regulation.

Does TM improve memory?

Yes. Research among older adults showed improved memory and processing speed after TM. Students also showed better recall and learning ability. This is attributed to increased brain coherence and reduced stress.

Does TM increase creativity?

Yes. Research shows TM leads to more creative thinking and better problem-solving. The deep rest during meditation allows the brain to make new connections, resulting in more original ideas and insights.

What is Transcendental Meditation?

TM is a simple, natural meditation technique practised for 20 minutes twice daily using a personal mantra. It is completely effortless. Learned in a four-day course with a certified TM teacher.

How much does a TM course cost?

Income-based: from €245 for school students to €895 for higher incomes. Includes personal instruction, follow-up sessions and lifetime follow-up worldwide.

Is TM scientifically validated?

Yes. Over 400 peer-reviewed studies at 200+ universities. The AHA recognises TM as the only meditation technique shown to lower high blood pressure.

brain

Wat doet TM met de hersenen?

Hersencoherentie

Het meest opvallende effect van TM op de hersenen is de toename van hersencoherentie. Dit is een meetbaar patroon waarbij verschillende hersengebieden synchroon gaan werken — ze communiceren geordend en efficiënt met elkaar. Dit patroon is uniek voor TM en wordt niet waargenomen bij andere meditatietechnieken. Hersencoherentie wordt geassocieerd met creatief denken, betere besluitvorming, hogere intelligentie en innerlijke rust.

Alfa-1-hersengolven

EEG-onderzoek toont aan dat TM alfa-1-hersengolven activeert — dit zijn andere golven dan de theta-golven die bij mindfulness worden waargenomen. Alfa-1-golven worden geassocieerd met een staat van kalme alertheid: de geest is rustig maar volledig wakker en klaar voor activiteit. Deze golven overlappen met het default mode network, het hersengebied dat actief is bij creatief en intuïtief denken.

Focus, geheugen en intelligentie

Door stress te elimineren en de hersencoherentie te verhogen, verbetert TM een breed scala aan cognitieve functies. Onderzoek toont verbeteringen in focus en concentratie, langetermijngeheugen, verwerkingssnelheid, vloeiend redeneren en verbale intelligentie. Bij middelbare scholieren verbeterden schoolprestaties, bij ouderen verbeterden geheugen en verwerkingssnelheid.

Scientific evidence for how the TM technique enhances mental potential

Research on the effects of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique in various groups, such as students, workers and at-risk groups, shows that TM naturally develops our mental capacities. By reducing stress and quieting the mind, TM promotes clarity, creativity and focus.

These improvements enable people to get more satisfaction from their daily activities while being more productive. Whether it's better academic performance, increased work productivity or an enhanced ability to meet challenges, TM helps individuals reach their full mental potential.

Increased focus and productivity
Improved memory
Higher energy levels
More consistent access to creativity

Integrated brainwave function during and after TM practice

EEG research shows that alpha-1 brain waves are activated during TM practice, which differ from the theta waves commonly found in mindfulness meditation. These alpha-1 waves promote integrated brain function, resulting in improved cognitive abilities and a state of calm alertness that persists even after the meditation session.

Moreover, transcendence during TM practice is linked to increased brain-wave coherence between different brain regions. This supports not only mental clarity and focus, but also a deep sense of inner harmony.

TM practice leads to holistic improvements in intellectual performance

Research shows that TM practice yields significant improvements in all standard measures of intelligence. Whereas traditional education typically shows no further development of intelligence after adolescence, it appears that adding TM to secondary or higher education does lead to measurable increases in intellectual ability.

This holistic improvement highlights how TM not only reduces stress, but also helps unleash the full mental potential, contributing to better learning and cognitive growth.

TM practice reduces stress and increases self-confidence

A study of women aged 13-26 in poverty-stricken conditions in Kampala, Uganda, shows how powerful TM can be. After five months of TM practice, significant improvements were reported in self-confidence, self-efficacy and gratitude, while fatigue decreased.

After eight months, as many as 98% of participants reported reductions in stress and anxiety, and an equal percentage reported improved family relationships. These results highlight the transformative impact of TM, even in challenging life circumstances.

TM bij ADHD en concentratieproblemen

Onderzoek bij leerlingen met ADHD (11-14 jaar) toonde significante vermindering van stress en angst, verbeterde ADHD-symptomen en betere executieve functies na het starten met TM. De techniek kalmeert het zenuwstelsel en verbetert de hersencoherentie, wat bijdraagt aan betere concentratie en zelfregulatie.

Wat TM bijzonder geschikt maakt bij concentratieproblemen is dat de techniek volledig moeiteloos is. Er wordt geen concentratie of aandacht gevraagd — precies het tegenovergestelde van wat moeilijk is voor mensen met ADHD. De mantra leidt de geest op een natuurlijke manier naar rust, zonder inspanning. Lees meer over TM en stressvermindering.

Research on TM and brain development

TM in college students: increased interhemispheric brainwave coherence; alpha1 activation overlapped the default mode network.

Travis F et al - Cogn Process, 2010

TM among high school students: improved English and math scores; more TM students improved at one or more achievement levels.

Nidich S et al - Education, 2011

TM among women in poverty in Uganda: significantly improved in self-efficacy, perceived stress and mental well-being.

Goldstein L et al - Health Care for Women International, 2024

TM in the elderly: significantly improved in fluent reasoning, verbal intelligence, long-term memory and processing speed.

Nidich SI et al - J Social Behavior and Personality, 2005

TM in government employees: significant decreases in anxiety, anger, depression, fatigue, confusion and increase in vitality.

Travis F et al - Brain and Cognition, 2018

TM in students with ADHD (11-14 years): significantly reduced stress, anxiety and improved ADHD symptoms and executive function.

Grosswald SJ et al - Current Issues in Education, 2008

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.

What makes TM unique is that it is completely effortless. 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

Included in the course price is:

Personal one-on-one instruction
Three follow-up meetings
Free monthly group meetings (first six months)
Lifetime support worldwide

TM is taught in many places in the Netherlands. The first step is to attend a free introductory lecture.

Check tm.nl/lectures to see which teacher is closest to you.

In mindfulness, you consciously focus your attention on the present moment. In TM, you use a personal mantra that guides your mind completely effortlessly into stillness.

TM leads to coherence throughout the cerebral cortex. Both techniques have their value.

The course consists of four meetings on consecutive days. After these four days, you can practice TM completely independently at home.

Yes. More than 400 peer-reviewed studies conducted at more than 200 universities.

The American Heart Association recognizes TM as the only meditation technique proven to lower high blood pressure.

No, TM can only be learned through personal instruction by a certified TM teacher.

After four days of training, you can practice the technique independently for a lifetime, with lifelong guidance worldwide.

Ja. Meer dan 400 peer-reviewed onderzoeken, uitgevoerd aan meer dan 200 universiteiten. De American Heart Association erkent TM als de enige meditatietechniek die aantoonbaar hoge bloeddruk verlaagt. Het NIH heeft meer dan 26 miljoen dollar geïnvesteerd in TM-onderzoek.

De cursusprijs is inkomensafhankelijk, zodat TM voor iedereen toegankelijk blijft.

Bruto maandinkomen	Termijn (In3/Klarna)	Éénmalig
Tot €2.000	3 × €165	€495
€2.000 – €3.000	3 × €209	€625
€3.000 – €4.000	3 × €252	€755
€4.000 en meer	3 × €299	€895

Inbegrepen: persoonlijke instructie, drie vervolgbijeenkomsten, zes maanden groepssessies en levenslange begeleiding wereldwijd.

Bekijk alle tarieven en betaalopties →

The TM technique for a clearer mind