Transcendental Meditation: Why I Had To Quit

Transcendental meditation is a popular practice, with around 4 million people worldwide engaging in it daily. It has been rebranded from transcendental meditation to TM, and is often associated with celebrities such as Jerry Seinfeld, Martin Scorsese, Oprah Winfrey, and Clint Eastwood. However, some people have decided to quit transcendental meditation, with reasons ranging from the high cost of the course to feelings of detachment from reality.

The high cost of TM

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a meditation practice that has gained popularity in recent years, with celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld, Martin Scorsese, Oprah Winfrey, and Clint Eastwood swearing by it. While it promises various benefits such as reduced stress, better sleep, and improved overall well-being, the high cost of TM has been a significant barrier for many interested individuals.

TM courses can be extremely expensive, with prices reaching up to $1687 in some cases. This high price tag is often justified by claims of superior effectiveness compared to other meditation techniques and the promise of lifelong benefits. However, the cost is not always reflective of the value received, as some have found more affordable alternatives that provide similar or even better results.

Furthermore, the high price can create a sense of pressure to stick with the practice even when it may not be the best fit for an individual. This can lead to a sense of betrayal and confusion, as some have felt that they were sold a costly cure-all solution that did not live up to its promises.

While TM may work for some, it is essential to consider the financial implications and explore alternative options that may be more accessible and better suited to one's needs. The high cost of TM can be a deal-breaker for many, and it is crucial to make informed decisions about one's mental and financial well-being.

TM's ineffectiveness in reducing rumination

TMs Ineffectiveness in Reducing Rumination

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a technique that involves repeating a "mantra" to achieve a state of relaxation and stress relief. While TM has been touted as a cure for modern life, with celebrities such as Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah Winfrey, and Clint Eastwood endorsing it, there are also those who have quit the practice, citing its ineffectiveness and high cost.

One of the main criticisms of TM is its inability to reduce rumination, or repetitive thinking about negative topics. While TM may provide temporary relief from rumination, it does not address the underlying causes or provide long-term solutions. Those who practice TM may still find themselves struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that contribute to rumination.

Some former practitioners of TM have reported that the technique did not help them become more present and aware of the moment, which is a key aspect of mindfulness. Instead, they found themselves getting lost in their thoughts and emotions, unable to break free from the cycle of rumination.

In addition to its ineffectiveness in reducing rumination, TM has also been criticized for its high cost. The course can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, which can be a barrier for those who may benefit from the practice the most. There are also concerns about the secretive nature of the organization and its connection to a cult-like group, the Natural Law Party.

Overall, while TM may provide some temporary relief from stress and anxiety, it does not appear to be an effective long-term solution for reducing rumination. The high cost and secretive nature of the organization further contribute to a sense of distrust and skepticism among some practitioners. As a result, many have chosen to quit TM and explore other meditation techniques that better suit their needs.

TM's lack of transparency about the mantra

The process of obtaining a mantra is also shrouded in secrecy. During the course, there is an introductory lecture, followed by an individual session with a teacher who explains the technique and its origins. The teacher then performs a ritual, singing a song in Sanskrit and bowing down to a picture of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of the TM organization. Only then is the mantra revealed, and practitioners are instructed never to share it with anyone or use it verbally.

The lack of transparency extends beyond the mantra itself to the broader TM technique. The organization claims that TM is a simple, effortless technique that requires no religious belief. However, the ritualistic aspects of the course and the secrecy surrounding the mantra suggest otherwise. Additionally, the high cost of the course, which can range from $843 to $1687, has raised questions about the value and accessibility of the technique.

Furthermore, the TM organization's response to criticism and dissent has been less than transparent. When individuals have raised concerns or questioned the high price, their voices have often been silenced or dismissed. In one instance, a person posted on the "transcendental meditation movement" Facebook group, suggesting that the price should be reduced to make it more accessible to people with depression. Their post was deleted by the administrator, and when questioned, the response was evasive and defensive. This lack of transparency and openness to criticism has contributed to the perception of TM as a cult-like organization.

In conclusion, TM's lack of transparency about the mantra, the technique, and its handling of criticism have raised significant concerns. The secrecy surrounding the mantra and the ritualistic aspects of the course contradict the organization's claims of simplicity and effortlessness. The high cost and defensive response to criticism further contribute to the perception of TM as a cult, deterring potential practitioners and raising doubts about its benefits.

TM's questionable health effects

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a technique that involves repeating a "mantra" in one's mind. It is supposed to be easy and effortless, requiring no religious belief, and is supposed to have a wide range of benefits, including better sleep, reduced addiction to drugs, and less stress. However, there are some questionable health effects associated with TM that are worth considering.

Headaches, Depression, and Drowsiness:

Some people have reported experiencing headaches, depression, and drowsiness after practising TM regularly. These side effects can be quite intense and may not go away quickly. In some cases, they may even persist long after one has stopped meditating. It is important to note that the TM organization tends to attribute these symptoms to "tension release," claiming that they are a sign that the meditation is working and will eventually pass. However, it is unclear whether there is scientific evidence to support this claim.

Depersonalization:

Depersonalization, or DP, is a feeling of detachment from reality. Some individuals have reported experiencing DP after practising TM, which can be a frightening and disorienting experience. While the TM organization may dismiss these reports as tension release, it is important to recognize that DP is a recognized condition that can have a significant impact on one's sense of self and perception of reality.

High Cost and Secretive Nature:

The high cost of TM instruction, often ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, has raised concerns among some individuals. The organization justifies the price by claiming that TM is a lifelong technique and that the benefits accumulate over time. However, this argument has been criticized, as similar claims could be made about other courses or techniques. Additionally, the secretive nature of the organization and its teachings has raised suspicions, with some people feeling that important information is withheld until after the fee is paid.

Inadequate Support and Lack of Transparency:

Some individuals have expressed dissatisfaction with the level of support provided by TM teachers. When facing challenges or negative experiences during their practice, they felt that the teachers offered vague or unhelpful responses, such as suggesting that they were not repeating the mantra effortlessly enough. This lack of transparency and clarity can be concerning, especially when individuals are investing a significant amount of money in the technique.

Potential for Cult-Like Behavior:

There are also concerns about the TM organization exhibiting cult-like behavior. Some people have reported feeling betrayed by the organization and its prominent supporters, such as David Lynch. The organization's high prices, secretive nature, and insistence on following Maharishi's orders without question have contributed to these concerns. Additionally, the organization's claims of being a non-profit and its financial practices have been questioned.

While TM may provide benefits for some individuals, it is important to approach it with a critical eye and be aware of the potential questionable health effects and organizational concerns surrounding it.

TM's cult-like organisation

The Transcendental Meditation (TM) organisation has been described as a "fascist, cultish organisation" that uses "mind control". The organisation has been criticised for its high prices, secrecy, and strict rules.

TM courses are expensive, with one person reporting that the course cost them the equivalent of $1687, although they did manage to get a 50% student discount. The high price is justified by the organisation as being the result of extensive research into the technique and its lifetime efficacy. However, critics argue that other courses, such as yoga, are more reasonably priced and offer similar benefits.

TM has also been criticised for its secrecy. The mantra is kept secret, and participants are not told what it actually does to their mind. The ritual involves bowing down to a picture of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of the TM organisation, and singing a song in Sanskrit. Some people have also reported being introduced to concepts like "yogic flying" and "enlightenment" only after paying the course fee.

In addition to its high prices and secrecy, the TM organisation has been criticised for its strict rules and control over practitioners' lives. One person reported feeling pressured to meditate twice a day for 20 minutes, even when they were experiencing negative side effects. They also felt that the organisation discouraged questioning and criticism, as their Facebook post about the high cost of the course was deleted by the administrator of the group. Another person shared a similar experience, stating that their thread about the price of the course was also deleted.

Overall, while some people have found TM helpful, there are concerns about the organisation's cult-like characteristics, including its high prices, secrecy, and strict control over practitioners' lives.

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