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: €495 to €895 one-time, depending on gross monthly income. Full-time students pay €345, secondary school students €245. Includes personal instruction, follow-up sessions and lifetime follow-up worldwide.

TM & the brain: focus, memory, creativity

Q: 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.

Q: Is TM scientifically validated?

Yes. Over 800 studies (of which 400+ peer-reviewed) at 200+ universities. The 2025 US guideline on high blood pressure names TM as the only meditation technique by name, as a possible adjunct for elevated blood pressure.

Transcendental Meditation promotes brain coherence — a unique measurable pattern where the entire brain cortex works synchronously. This results in better focus and concentration, improved memory, more creativity and higher intellectual performance. EEG research shows TM activates alpha-1 brain waves associated with calm alertness. In students, academic performance improved; in older adults, memory and processing speed improved; and in students with ADHD, symptoms were significantly reduced.

What does TM do to the brain?

Brain coherence

The most striking effect of TM on the brain is the increase in brain coherence. This is a measurable pattern in which different brain areas start working in sync, communicating with each other in an orderly and efficient way. This pattern is unique to TM and is not observed with other meditation techniques. Brain coherence is associated with creative thinking, better decision-making, higher intelligence and inner calm.

Alpha-1 brain waves

EEG research shows that TM activates alpha-1 brain waves, which differ from the theta waves observed in mindfulness. Alpha-1 waves are associated with a state of calm alertness: the mind is calm but fully awake and ready for activity. These waves overlap with the default mode network, the brain network active during creative and intuitive thinking.

Focus, memory and intelligence

By eliminating stress and increasing brain coherence, TM improves a wide range of cognitive functions. Research shows improvements in focus and concentration, long-term memory, processing speed, fluid reasoning and verbal intelligence. School performance improved among secondary school pupils, and memory and processing speed improved among older people.

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 for ADHD and concentration problems

Research among pupils with ADHD (aged 11-14) showed a significant reduction in stress and anxiety, improved ADHD symptoms and better executive functions after starting TM. The technique calms the nervous system and improves brain coherence, which contributes to better concentration and self-regulation.

What makes TM particularly suitable for concentration problems is that the technique is completely effortless. No concentration or focused attention is asked of you, the exact opposite of what is difficult for people with ADHD. The mantra leads the mind naturally to rest, without effort. Read more about TM and stress reduction.

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

Read the full scientific analysis of these and other TM studies, including methodological notes →

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 ten 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 800 studies (of which 400+ peer-reviewed) conducted at more than 200 universities.

The 2025 US guideline on high blood pressure names TM as the only meditation technique by name, as a possible adjunct for elevated 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.

The TM technique for a clearer mind