Transcendental Meditation Mantra: Why Pay For A Mantra?

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a popular form of meditation that has been practised since the 1950s. It involves silently repeating a mantra for 20 minutes, twice a day. TM instruction encourages students not to be alarmed by random thoughts and to return to the mantra once aware of them. TM is taught by accredited teachers and can cost between $420 and $980, depending on income level. Some people argue that TM is a scam, as it is simply basic mantra meditation marketed and sold as a commodity. Others believe that TM is a unique meditation technique that requires an accredited teacher to guide students through their journey.

Transcendental Meditation is expensive due to the high costs of running TM centres and schools

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is expensive due to the high costs of running TM centres and schools. The course fee covers the initial training and lifetime follow-up support, as well as contributing to the construction and maintenance of TM centres and schools worldwide. The fees also provide TM scholarships for special-needs groups and grants through the Maharishi Foundation, a non-profit organisation.

TM is taught by certified TM teachers who have undergone extensive training. The training process includes a four- or five-month meditation retreat, followed by a six- to 24-month internship under the guidance of an experienced TM teacher. This ensures that students receive a high-quality education and are properly supported throughout their TM journey.

In addition to the costs of teacher training, the fees also cover the cost of running TM centres and schools. These spaces provide a comfortable and serene environment for students to learn and practice TM. The centres also offer follow-up sessions, advanced lectures, and group meditations for students to continue their TM practice and deepen their understanding.

The high cost of TM can be attributed to the comprehensive support and resources provided to students, both during and after their initial training. The fees help cover the expenses associated with teacher training, centre maintenance, and lifetime follow-up support, ensuring that students have access to ongoing guidance and a community of practitioners.

While the cost of TM may seem high, it is important to consider the value of the education, support, and resources provided. The fees help ensure the sustainability of the TM organisation and its ability to provide ongoing support to students on their meditation journeys.

The price of TM is justified by the need to ensure commitment from students

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a technique that involves silently thinking a mantra in one's mind for 20 minutes, twice a day. It was introduced in India in 1955 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and has since gained popularity worldwide, with several celebrities endorsing it.

TM instruction is provided by accredited teachers either through private lessons or group courses. The cost of learning TM is often seen as a barrier, with prices ranging from $420 to $980, depending on the individual's income level. While some argue that TM is overpriced and that mantra meditation can be learned for free, others justify the price by emphasizing the need to ensure commitment from students.

The high cost of TM can be seen as a way to ensure student commitment and seriousness about the practice. When TM was initially offered for free or at a lower cost, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi observed that many people would not continue the practice after receiving the mantra. By charging a higher fee, the TM organization aims to encourage long-term commitment and reduce the number of "dabblers" who are not fully dedicated to the practice.

The pricing strategy also targets the rich and powerful, as Maharishi believed that they "set the trends and fashions of society." By setting a higher price, the organization hopes to attract individuals who will continue the practice and serve as influential advocates for TM.

In addition, the fees collected from TM instruction are used to cover the costs of providing lifetime follow-up support for students, as well as building and maintaining TM centers and schools worldwide. The fees also fund TM scholarships and grants for special-needs groups through the Maharishi Foundation, a non-profit organization.

While the cost of TM may seem high, the justification lies in ensuring student commitment, reaching influential individuals, and covering the expenses associated with providing ongoing support and maintaining TM centers and schools.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who founded TM, believed that high prices would attract the rich and powerful

Transcendental Meditation (TM) was founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s and introduced to the West in 1959. It is a form of meditation that involves silently thinking a mantra in one's mind. The technique is purported to promote a state of relaxed awareness, stress relief, creativity, and efficiency, as well as physiological benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

TM instruction is provided by accredited teachers and includes private and group sessions. The cost of learning TM varies depending on the individual's income level, with fees ranging from $$420 for students to $980 for members of households with incomes of $200,000 or more.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of TM, believed that setting a high price for the technique would help attract the rich and powerful. He is quoted as saying, "They set the trends and fashions of Society and the rich don't shop at a poor store." By targeting this demographic, he believed that he could increase the reach and influence of TM.

This strategy of catering to the wealthy was a shift from the earlier days of TM when the fees were lower, and the focus was more on accessibility. However, Maharishi found that many people who learned the technique for free or at a low cost did not continue practising it. By increasing the price, he aimed to create a sense of commitment and ensure that those who paid for it would value and stick to the practice.

While some critics argue that TM is overpriced and should be more accessible, others defend the pricing as a necessary compromise to sustain the organisation and ensure its long-term survival. The high cost has also been justified by the extensive training that TM teachers undergo and the lifetime follow-up support provided to practitioners.

In conclusion, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's decision to increase the price of TM was driven by his desire to attract the rich and powerful, recognising their influence in setting trends and potentially reaching a wider audience. This strategy has sparked debates about the commercialisation of ancient meditation techniques and the accessibility of TM to those who may benefit from it but cannot afford the high cost.

TM is taught by trained professionals who require payment for their services

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is taught by trained professionals who require payment for their services. TM teachers undergo a rigorous training process to become certified, which includes spending time on a meditation retreat and completing an internship under the guidance of an experienced TM teacher. This training equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach the TM technique and provide guidance to their students.

The cost of learning TM is not just for the mantra but also for the expertise and support of these trained teachers. The fees charged by TM teachers cover the cost of their training and ongoing education, as well as the maintenance of TM centres and schools worldwide. Additionally, a portion of the fees is used to provide scholarships and grants for special-needs groups and individuals who may not be able to afford the full cost of the course.

TM teachers play a crucial role in the learning process, providing personalised instruction and ensuring that students receive the maximum benefit from the technique. They guide students through the proper use of their mantra and offer follow-up support to verify the correctness of their practice. This personalised instruction and ongoing support are key components of the TM programme and contribute to its effectiveness.

Furthermore, TM teachers are trained to tailor the mantra selection to each student's needs, taking into account their personal interview, age, and gender. This customised approach ensures that the mantra resonates with the individual and suits their nature and way of life. The TM organisation emphasises the importance of a trained teacher in choosing the appropriate mantra, as using the wrong mantra can be dangerous and counterproductive.

While some may argue that the cost of TM is high, it is important to recognise the value of the professional instruction provided by certified TM teachers. Their expertise and guidance enhance the learning experience and help students achieve the desired benefits of the technique. The fees charged by TM teachers are not merely for the mantra but also for the specialised knowledge and ongoing support they provide to their students.

TM is a unique, ancient technique that cannot be learned elsewhere

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a unique, ancient technique that cannot be learned elsewhere. It was introduced in India in 1955 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and brought to the West in 1959. Yogi is considered one of the most important spiritual leaders of our time by many people worldwide, including celebrities such as John Lennon and Clint Eastwood, scientists, business professionals, and educators.

TM is a simple, natural, effortless, and easy-to-teach technique that involves sitting comfortably for 20 minutes twice a day while silently repeating a mantra. However, it is important to note that the mantra is not just any word or phrase but a specific sound chosen for the individual based on their personal interview or assigned by age and gender. The mantra is said to be a vehicle that allows the individual's attention to travel naturally to a quieter style of mental functioning.

TM teachers are trained to handle questions and guide students through their journey. They provide a context that is crucial to learning TM effectively. The training includes a four-month course offered in Poland, Maine, and California, with the final three months held in Colorado. The training covers courses in Maharishi Vedic Science, extended meditation practice, and becoming the "custodian" of an "ancient Vedic tradition".

TM is backed by a large body of scientific literature that supports its effectiveness in reducing stress and the risk of heart disease. It is also said to promote a state of relaxed awareness, creativity, efficiency, and physiological benefits. TM is unique in that it is mantra-based, and the specific mantras chosen by TM teachers are said to be crucial to maximising the results.

While some may argue that TM is overpriced or a scam, it is important to note that the cost includes not only the initial training but also lifetime follow-up support. The fees also help build and maintain TM centres and schools worldwide and provide scholarships for special-needs groups. Additionally, TM teachers need to make a living, and the cost reflects the value and commitment of the students to the practice.

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