Why does transcendental meditation cost money to learn

Home What is TM? The Transcendental Meditation technique is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition. Individual results may vary. All rights reserved. So I signed up for a free introductory class on TM in Manhattan. During the free intro, I heard a lot about scientific reports on the benefits of TM, like reducing stress and releasing creativity.

It sounded reasonable enough, and I was impressed that the people in the room looked pretty normal. The technique, he assured the class, was easy to learn and could provide a lifetime of benefits for both mind and body. I gulped. That was quite a pricetag. But at this point, I was already looking forward to my transformation. I rationalized that people paid far more than this for therapy in New York City, and after all, I had hard evidence from my boyfriend that the technique could have long-lasting effects.

I had just landed a lucrative ghostwriting contract, and if learning TM would make me less stressed and more productive, it would be worth it, right? My inner skeptic was silenced. I went for it. Over several courses, I learned to sit with my eyes closed and just let my thoughts flow until I began to feel a sense of peaceful awareness come over me. There was no need to concentrate or sit in any particular way, or refrain from scratching my nose.

A steady flow of references to scientific studies promising increased intelligence and emotional development padded what was otherwise a pretty straightforward lesson on sitting still and chilling out. After the completion of the course, there was a special "graduation" ceremony in which students were given individual mantras to use in our practice.

This was the first real whiff of spirituality. I was told to bring an offering of flowers to meet the instructor, who now appeared wearing a robe.

He solemnly told me that he had a special word to give me that was mine alone and would be the key to my successful practice of TM. I was invited to attend group meditation sessions where the combined force of our effort would increase harmonic vibrations of the universe and contribute to global peace. Or something like that. Meditation is an ancient technique for relaxing, and it comes in a variety of forms.

Some focus on breathing; others on an object, like a flame or a bowl of water. Mindfulness meditation adds on the directive to be attentive to feelings of gratitude and not to be an asshole. Transcendental Meditation is just a fancy name for a common variety of meditation in which a mantra — a word or series of syllables — is repeated with the intention of creating a meditative state. Pretty much any word or syllable will do, despite the hype of TM, which insists that a mantra can only be given by a "qualified" instructor.

The TM initiate is told never to reveal her mantra under any circumstances, lest its magic be lost. My instructor suggested that he had some particular insight into me in choosing my mantra, but this is utter nonsense. Nothing mystical about it. Two syllables. Vaguely pleasant sounding. If I repeat it consistently for several minutes, I begin to feel a little spacey. To achieve a similar result, some people take a nap.

Others go for a walk. To help you decide, or so you can simply prep to be a TM aficionado the next time the topic comes up at a cocktail party, we turned to Dean Sluyter , who taught TM from to Here, Sluyter gives a rundown of what you need to know about the suddenly hot-again practice. It feels good. Its benefits have been proven … kind of. He traveled the world, giving lectures and, eventually, training teachers and building centers.

Droves of people — the suburban bourgeoisie along with hippie types — started queuing up to learn. His original organization is still around, but these days most of the action is in the David Lynch Foundation, which promotes TM in schools and throws all-star benefit concerts featuring the likes of Russell Brand and Sarah Silverman — and sometimes Ringo and Sir Paul McCartney.

Yes, you need a mantra. The technique consists of resting your attention on a mellow, meaning-free one- or two-syllable mantra in an effortless way that allows the mantra to gradually melt like a cough drop, leaving a state of inner silence.

The mantras come from the Vedic traditions of India, and are assigned by the teacher at the time of instruction. As do those who get excited about finding lists of mantras online. The mantra is just a vehicle for the settling-down process; the crucial element is how you drive it.