Yes — and the difference is structural. TM involves no concentration, no control of thoughts, no contemplation and no observing of the mind. It is a natural, effortless technique that brings you to a settled state of awareness which improves brain function, energy, creativity and focus in everyday life.
In person or online · about an hour, no obligation · or explore the TM course
TM is genuinely different from other forms of meditation. Brainwave research groups meditation into three categories — focused attention, open monitoring, and automatic self-transcending. TM is the main self-transcending technique: it asks for no concentration or control, and produces frontal alpha-1 coherence, the signature of restful alertness. It is taught one-to-one by a certified teacher and personalised to each individual.
TM is an effortless, practical meditation technique that brings you into a natural state of awareness — one that supports brain function and improves your energy, creativity and focus in daily life. It is practised for 20 minutes a day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed.
Sign up for a free introductory talk, in person or online — no commitment.
Find a free talk near youEveryone learns at their own pace. Instruction in TM is carefully personalised by your certified teacher. The first private session is followed by group meetings, so you get the most from this easy and enjoyable technique.
The TM technique is natural and makes use of the inherent tendency of the mind to settle. It is not a religion, philosophy or lifestyle. No belief or expectation is needed for it to be effective.
Hundreds of published studies on the TM technique have documented significant benefits for stress and anxiety, brain function, cardiovascular health and much more.
The TM technique is so easy and enjoyable that anyone can do it: no concentration, no control of the mind, no monitoring of thoughts (mindfulness), and no trying to empty the mind.
The technique can only be taught by certified TM teachers in a course personalised for each individual. TM was brought to light more than 50 years ago by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and has been learned by more than ten million people.
“The EEG signatures of self-transcending result from the effortless nature of the TM technique. The brainwave patterns reach a high degree of coherence and integration after just a few months.”
Dr. Fred TravisDirector, Center for Brain, Consciousness and Cognition
There are many meditation techniques today. They differ structurally — in the effort involved and their effect on the brain. A study in Consciousness and Cognition grouped them into three categories, based on measured brainwave differences.
From Tibetan Buddhist (compassion), Buddhist (Zen), and Chinese (qigong) traditions. These produce beta/gamma activity in the brain — seen during active cognitive processing or control of the mind.
From Buddhist (mindfulness, Zazen), Chinese (qigong) and Vedic (Sahaj Yoga) traditions. During practice the brain shows theta activity — seen when reflecting on mental concepts.
Techniques that automatically settle beyond their own activity. TM produces frontal alpha-1 coherence, marking inner wakefulness. Higher coherence indicates the prefrontal cortex — the brain's executive centre — working in an integrated way.
A certified teacher explains how TM works and answers your questions. About an hour, in person or online, no obligation.
Personal instruction over four short sessions on consecutive days. Effortless from the very first time.
Follow-up sessions and free check-ins with any certified TM teacher, anywhere in the world.
Given by a certified TM teacher and lasting about an hour. Completely without obligation — and you are welcome to bring someone with you.
About how TM differs, how it is taught, and brain coherence.
Yes. TM involves no concentration, no control of thoughts, no contemplation and no observing of the mind. Brainwave research groups meditation into focused attention, open monitoring and automatic self-transcending — and TM is the main self-transcending technique, producing frontal alpha-1 coherence associated with restful alertness.
Through personal, one-to-one instruction by a certified teacher, carefully personalised to you. The first private session is followed by group meetings. It cannot be learned authentically from a book, app or video.
No. TM is a technique, not a belief, and works whether or not you believe in it. No expectation is needed for it to be effective.
Coherence is an orderly, integrated pattern of brain activity. During TM the prefrontal cortex — the brain's executive centre — works in a more integrated way, producing frontal alpha-1 coherence that characterises a state of inner wakefulness.
Completely without obligation — even if you are just a little curious.
Find a talk near you