Transcendental Meditation Benefits – Better Brain Function – What is Transcendental Meditation

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The TM technique for a clearer mind

When we are less stressed, our mind is able to function better. The deep rest of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique eliminates stress, resulting in greater clarity in our thinking. More creativity is available to us in daily life. With regular practice, the TM technique unfolds more of our mental potential, enabling us to become more efficient in all our endeavors.

"How do you develop more of the potential of the mind? In TM we experience the very core of our consciousness."

Mario Orsatti, certified TM teacher

Scientific evidence for how the TM technique expands mental potential

Scientific research conducted on the effect of TM practice on different kinds of populations—students, workers, at-risk populations—has found that the TM technique naturally unfolds our mental capabilities. This enables us to enjoy our activity and be more productive. Here are some examples of cognitive improvements due to regular TM practice:

"In TM, the mind is not passive. It is ready for very full, forward activity."

Fred Travis, Ph.D., psychologist and professor

Integrated brainwave functioning during and after practicing the TM technique

EEG tests show that alpha-one brainwaves, which appear during TM practice, differ from the theta brainwaves associated with mindfulness meditation. Alpha-one brainwaves support integrated brain functioning, leading to improved cognitive abilities and a state of calm alertness that extends beyond the meditation session. Further, research shows that transcendence in TM practice is associated with a state of brainwave coherence across different parts of the brain, which also contributes to more integrated brain function.

TM practice leads to holistic improvements in intellectual performance

This study shows significant improvement in all standard measures of intelligence, revealing new possibilities for the development of life. Standard education has not been shown to develop intelligence after adolescence; but when Transcendental Meditation practice is added to the secondary or college curriculum, intelligence has been shown to increase significantly.

TM practice reduces stress and increases self-esteem

This study involves teaching the TM technique to women aged 13–26 living in poverty conditions in the slums of Kampala, Uganda. These young women are representative of the millions of women and girls living in poverty globally, who face great challenges on a daily basis. After five months, significant improvements in self-esteem, self-efficacy, gratitude, and a decrease in tiredness and excessive alcohol use were found. At eight months, 89% of the meditating participants reported improvement in their health, 98% reported decreased stress and anxiety, 98% reported improvement in relationships with family members, and 88% reported improvement in relationships with friends and neighbors.

What people say about TM

“I started Transcendental Meditation in 1973…It has given me effortless access to unlimited reserves of energy, creativity, and happiness deep within.”

David Lynch, filmmaker, artist

Research on TM and brain development

TM & college students: Increased inter-hemispheric brainwave coherence; alpha1 activation overlapped the default mode network, vs. resting control.

Travis, F., Haaga, D.A.F., Hagelin, J. et al.

A self-referential default brain state: patterns of coherence, power, and eLORETA sources during eyes-closed rest and Transcendental Meditation practice. Cogn Process 2010 11, 21–30

TM and middle school students: Improved English and math scores; more TM students improved on one or more performance levels, compared to controls.

Nidich, S., Mjasiri, S., Nidich, R., Rainforth, M., Grant, J., Valosek, L., Chang, W., Zigler, RL.

Academic achievement and Transcendental Meditation: a study with at-risk urban middle school students. Education 2011 131(3):556-564.

TM & women living in poverty in Uganda: Significantly improved in self-efﬁcacy, perceived stress, and mental and physical well-being vs. control.

Goldstein, L., Smith, A. M., Romagnoli, D., & Katergi, E.

The effect of Transcendental Meditation on self-esteem, self-efficacy, and gratitude, for increasing empowerment of female youth in Uganda. Health Care for Women International, 1–34.

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This website is being provided for general educational purposes only and not as personal medical advice. The Transcendental Meditation technique is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition. While research shows strong statistical evidence of the benefits and efficacy of the Transcendental Meditation technique in a wide set of fields, the results that any individual may actually receive cannot be predicted or promised. © 2026 Maharishi Foundation International. All rights reserved