Transcendental Meditation: Why The High Price Tag?

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a form of meditation that involves silently reciting a mantra in your mind. It was founded in the 1950s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who taught it to the Beatles in the 1960s. TM has been criticised for its high cost, with some people claiming that it is a scam to market an ancient technique. The minimum cost of TM in the USA is $420, but it can cost up to $980 or more depending on your income. The high price is often justified by the need to pay trained instructors and cover other expenses such as teaching spaces. Some people argue that the price is set based on demand and people's willingness to pay. While there are cheaper alternatives available, proponents of TM emphasise the benefits of having a guide or teacher to explain the fundamentals properly.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is expensive because it is marketed as a luxury item

TM is often promoted as a quick-fix supplement for a healthy mental-hygiene regimen and is marketed as a conventional practice, similar to doing yoga or getting a good night's sleep. This image makeover has been successful in attracting new converts, including fashionable devotees and Type A traders from Wall Street. The high price is also justified by the inclusion of lifetime follow-up meetings and the expenses of running a non-profit organization.

The founder of TM, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is known to have increased the price of the technique to target the rich and famous, believing that "they set the trends and fashions of society, and the rich don't shop at a poor store." This strategy of positioning TM as a luxury item has contributed to its high cost.

TM is costly due to the need for trained instructors and teaching spaces

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is costly due to the need for trained instructors and dedicated teaching spaces. The TM technique requires rigorous training and certification for its instructors, who provide personalised, in-person guidance to students throughout the course. This individualised instruction is necessary as the experience of transcending is subtle and delicate, and students often require support to overcome challenges and fully benefit from the practice.

The teaching of TM involves a significant time investment from instructors, not only during the initial course but also through a lifetime of follow-up meetings. This ongoing support ensures correct practice and is provided free of charge at TM centres worldwide. The cost of training and employing these instructors is, therefore, a significant component of the overall price of TM courses.

In addition to instructor salaries, the cost of dedicated teaching spaces also contributes to the expense of TM. These spaces must be adequately equipped and maintained to create the right environment for learning and practising TM. This includes the provision of comfortable seating, incense, flowers, candles, and other ceremonial items used during instruction and meditation.

The fees charged for TM courses are also influenced by the need to cover the expenses of running a non-profit organisation that offers TM. This includes administrative costs, rental or purchase of teaching spaces, and promotional activities to raise awareness of the technique.

While the cost of TM may seem high, it is important to consider the value it brings to individuals and society as a whole. TM has been shown to have significant health benefits, including stress reduction and improved cardiovascular health, which can lead to reduced healthcare costs. Additionally, the personal growth and increased self-awareness gained through TM can have positive ripple effects in various aspects of life, such as improved relationships, enhanced creativity, and increased productivity.

In conclusion, the expense of TM is largely due to the need for trained instructors who provide ongoing support and dedicated teaching spaces that create the appropriate environment for learning and practising. While the upfront cost may be significant, the long-term benefits of TM can outweigh the initial investment, contributing to improved physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

TM is expensive because it is an ancient technique

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is an ancient technique that was started in the 1950s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who taught it to the Beatles in the 1960s. The technique involves effortlessly thinking a mantra silently in one's mind.

TM teachers train for five months on a meditation retreat to learn to perform their teaching role. It is meant to be a full-time profession, and the price is set to allow them to earn a living. The cost also acts as a commitment device, encouraging participants to stick with the program.

TM is a precise and personalized practice that requires an expert instructor to guide students through the subtle and delicate states of thinking. It is not something that can be learned from a book, website, or download.

TM is a business, and the price is set by demand

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a business, and the price is set by demand. The minimum cost of TM in the USA is $420, but it can cost up to $980 depending on income. The high price is justified by the need to earn a living and the fact that people are generally willing to pay that much for the service. The price is set at a level that strikes a balance between charging as much as possible and maintaining demand for the course.

TM teachers need to earn a living, and the high price of the course reflects this. It takes time and resources to train and certify TM teachers, and they need to be compensated for their work. The course fee also covers the cost of renting teaching spaces, as well as the expenses of running a non-profit organization. Additionally, the high price can be justified by the fact that people are generally willing to pay that much for the service. This is based on the law of demand and supply – if the price were suddenly increased to an extremely high amount, such as $200,000, they would lose business as people would no longer be willing to pay for the course.

The current price of TM courses is probably the perfect balance between charging as much as possible and maintaining demand. This balance ensures that TM teachers can make a good living while still having enough people interested in taking the course. The high price can also be justified by the fact that TM offers lifetime follow-up support, which means that participants can continue to benefit from the practice long after the initial course is over.

While some may view the cost of TM as a barrier, it is important to note that scholarships and grants are available for those who cannot afford the full price. Additionally, TM teachers are often willing to work with individuals to find a payment plan that works for them. In some cases, David Lynch, the founder of the David Lynch Foundation, has been known to personally donate money to provide scholarships for those in need.

In conclusion, the high price of TM is a result of it being a business that needs to cover its costs and earn a profit. The price is set by demand, as it needs to be high enough to be profitable but not so high that it deters potential customers. While some may view the cost as a barrier, TM teachers are often willing to work with individuals to find a payment plan that works for them, and scholarships and grants are also available.

TM is expensive because it is exclusive

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is expensive because it is exclusive. TM is a form of meditation that involves silently thinking a mantra to oneself. It was started in the 1950s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who taught it to the Beatles in the 1960s. The official TM website states that the minimum cost of the course in the USA is $420, but it can cost up to $980 depending on income. The high price is partly due to the fact that it is taught by certified teachers who have undergone rigorous training. The training involves a 5-month meditation retreat where they learn to perform their "teaching play". There are also costs associated with running the program, such as teaching spaces and the expenses of running a non-profit organization.

TM is marketed as a luxury product, with the founder, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, stating that "they [the rich] don't shop at a poor store". By pricing the course at a premium, it becomes exclusive and desirable to those who can afford it. This sense of exclusivity is further enhanced by the secretive nature of the practice, with initiates being asked not to share their mantras or discuss the details of the course with others.

The high price of TM can also be attributed to the perceived benefits of the practice. TM promises life-changing effects, including improved health, happiness, focus, balance, creativity, and productivity. The technique is said to be effortless and easy to learn, with personal expert instruction provided throughout the course and lifetime follow-up support. The organization also highlights the scientific research that supports the effectiveness of TM, with over 380 peer-reviewed studies published in over 160 scientific journals.

While the cost of TM may be justifiable to some, it is important to note that there are alternative meditation techniques available for free or at a lower cost. Additionally, the high price may exclude those who could potentially benefit the most from the practice but cannot afford it.

Frequently asked questions