What is Transcendental Meditation?
TM is a mental technique, and to practice it is simple: One sits in a comfortable position with the eyes
closed. Then one practices a Sound – a word without meaning. Everyone will receive his or her individual
Sound, and the way to use it: internally repeating this word without effort.
The magic of the sound is that it will bring your mind to rest: a restfulness deeper than sleep, but you
will stay awake – alert.
You can practice at home or may be at the office in a quite space. This for 2 x a day, in the morning and
after work.
This meditation stems from an ancient Indian tradition, and has been introduced in the Western world by
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi – an Indian physicist and philosopher.
No other relaxation method or personal development technique can even match the results gained by TM.
How It Works
During TM practice, the mind naturally settles to a state of restful alertness—deeper than ordinary
relaxation or sleep but fully alert. This unique state produces measurable changes in brain functioning
that can be observed through EEG (electroencephalography) measurements. Research shows increased alpha
coherence across brain regions, indicating better integration and communication between different parts of
the brain.
Key Points for Organizations
- Effortless: No concentration, contemplation, or control required. The technique works
automatically.
- Time-efficient: 20 minutes twice daily—can be practiced at home or in a quiet space at
the office.
- No lifestyle changes: No dietary requirements, philosophical commitments, or belief
systems needed.
- Evidence-based: Dozens of peer-reviewed scientific studies demonstrate measurable
benefits.
- Immediate and cumulative: Benefits appear from the first session and increase with
regular practice.
What Makes TM Different from Other Relaxation Techniques?
Unlike Mindfulness meditation or concentration techniques that require active attention or monitoring of
thoughts, TM is completely effortless. The mind naturally transcends thinking to experience a unique state
of restful alertness. EEG research clearly distinguishes TM from other meditation practices, showing
distinctive alpha coherence patterns not seen in Mindfulness or concentration meditation.
Practical Implementation in Organizations
TM can be learned by employees through a standardized course taught by certified instructors. The technique
requires:
- Initial instruction: Personal one-on-one session with a certified TM teacher
- Follow-up sessions: Three 1 hour group sessions over consecutive days to refine the technique
- Regular practice: 20 minutes twice daily—typically morning and afternoon/evening
- Ongoing support: Optional follow-up sessions available to ensure correct practice
Once learned, TM is practiced independently by each individual employee. Group sessions or ongoing
instruction can be organised on request, making it highly scalable and practical for organisations of any
size.
Relevance for Knowledge-Intensive Organizations
In today's fast-paced, innovation-driven business environment, optimized cognitive performance is a
critical competitive advantage. TM addresses the root cause of decreased performance—accumulated
stress—by providing deep physiological and mental rest that allows the nervous system to release stress and
restore optimal brain functioning. This results in:
- Enhanced creativity and innovative thinking
- Improved decision-making under pressure
- Better focus and concentration
- Increased resilience to stress and challenges
- Better work-life balance and overall well-being
Major organisations worldwide—including technology companies, financial institutions, and healthcare
organisations—have successfully implemented TM programs for their employees, with measurable improvements in
productivity, job satisfaction, and reduced healthcare costs.
