Transcendental Meditation (TM)
Transcendental Meditation, taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, uses a personally assigned mantra repeated silently to transcend thought and reach pure consciousness. Practiced 20 minutes twice daily.
Overview
Transcendental Meditation was introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi from 1958. It uses a personal mantra repeated silently and effortlessly. Over 600 published studies validate its effects.
Core Principles
- Personal mantra assigned by certified teacher
- Effortless transcendence of thought
- 20 minutes twice daily
- Standardized teaching protocol
Main Indications
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Hypertension (AHA recommended)
- PTSD
- Cognitive performance
Learning Structure
4 consecutive days of instruction, then autonomous practice with lifetime follow-up.
Contraindications
- Very few formal contraindications
- Active psychosis