Transcendental Meditation (TM) is one of the most famous—and most expensive—forms of meditation in the world. Celebrities swear by it. Scientific studies support it. And it costs upwards of £500 to learn officially.
So what is it? Is it worth the price? And can you get similar benefits elsewhere?
Here’s an honest breakdown.
What Is Transcendental Meditation?
TM is a mantra-based meditation practice taught through a structured 4-day course. You sit comfortably with eyes closed and silently repeat a personal mantra—a meaningless sound given to you by a certified TM teacher.
The goal is to “transcend” ordinary thought and access a state of restful alertness. You’re not concentrating on the mantra; you’re using it as a vehicle to settle into deeper states of awareness.
Sessions are typically 20 minutes, twice a day.
How TM Differs From Mindfulness
| Aspect | Transcendental Meditation | Mindfulness |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Effortless mantra repetition | Present-moment awareness |
| Goal | Transcend thought | Observe thought without judgement |
| Effort | Minimal (described as “effortless”) | Active attention and redirection |
| Teaching | Must be learned from certified instructor | Can be self-taught or app-guided |
| Cost | £300-800+ for the course | Free to low-cost |
| Tradition | Derived from Vedic tradition | Derived from Buddhist vipassana |
Both reduce stress and anxiety. Both have scientific backing. They’re just different techniques.
The Science
TM has a substantial body of research, particularly around:
- Blood pressure reduction — Several studies show TM lowers blood pressure, especially in high-risk populations
- Stress and anxiety — Meta-analyses confirm significant reductions in anxiety
- Heart health — The American Heart Association has acknowledged TM may help cardiovascular health
- PTSD — Studies with veterans show promising results for trauma-related stress
However, critics note that much TM research was funded by the TM organisation itself, which raises questions about bias. Independent research has also shown similar benefits from other meditation forms.
Why Is TM So Expensive?
The official answer: because personalised instruction from a trained teacher ensures you learn the technique correctly.
The cynical answer: because it’s a branded, trademarked product with significant marketing overhead.
The honest answer: probably somewhere in between. Personal instruction does have value. But £500+ is a significant barrier that prices many people out of learning.
Can You Get TM Benefits Without TM?
The core of TM is simple: silent repetition of a mantra to settle the mind. This isn’t unique to TM—mantra meditation has been practiced for thousands of years across multiple traditions.
What you can do:
- Choose a simple, meaningless sound or word (like “om,” “so-hum,” or any two-syllable sound)
- Sit comfortably with eyes closed
- Silently repeat the mantra without effort
- When you notice you’ve drifted, gently return to the mantra
- Practice for 15-20 minutes, twice a day if possible
This isn’t “official TM,” but it’s the same underlying technique. Many people find it equally effective.
Other Mantra-Based Alternatives
If you’re interested in mantra meditation without the TM price tag:
Vedic Meditation — Essential the same practice as TM, taught by teachers who trained in the same tradition but aren’t affiliated with the TM organisation. Often significantly cheaper.
NSR (Natural Stress Relief) — A book-based approach that teaches mantra meditation for a fraction of the cost.
Effortless Meditation — Apps and teachers offering similar mantra-based practices outside the TM trademark.
DIY Mantra Practice — As described above, you can learn the core technique yourself.
Is TM Right for You?
TM might suit you if:
- You prefer in-person, structured instruction
- You can afford the fee without financial strain
- You want the accountability of follow-up sessions
- The brand and community appeal to you
You might prefer alternatives if:
- The cost is prohibitive
- You’re comfortable with app-based or self-directed learning
- You want more flexibility in technique
- You’re skeptical of trademarked meditation
Where InTheMoment Fits
InTheMoment doesn’t teach TM (that’s trademarked), but we can create mantra-based meditation sessions that use similar principles—effortless repetition, settling the mind, accessing deeper states of rest.
What we offer:
- AI-generated sessions that can incorporate mantra-style techniques
- Personalised guidance based on what you’re looking for
- Flexibility to explore different meditation styles
- No upfront cost barrier (free tier includes 2 sessions per day)
If you’re curious about mantra meditation but not ready to invest in TM, we can help you explore the territory.
Curious about mantra meditation? Try a session with InTheMoment—tell the AI you want to explore mantra-based practice and see what it creates.
Last updated: November 2025