F.A.Q

How is Vedic Meditation different from Mindfulness or other meditation practices?

Meditation practices generally fall into one of three categories:

Observation - Mindfulness is the most widely known and practiced observation technique. In it, the practitioner notices and acknowledges thoughts, sensations, feelings, and aims to pull back or observe these phenomena with a more distant, impartial lense, which then allows for a healthy detachment and restful experience.

Concentration - in a concentration technique, the practitioner is focusing on a specific, meaningful or symbolic object, a specific intention or purpose, or is being guided in a specific journey

Contemplation - in a contemplation technique, the practitioner has a purpose or goal of pondering the meaning of something, often a specific text, deity, or spiritual or existential concept.

Transcendence - The Vedic practice is classified as a transcendence technique. To “transcend” means to “step beyond”. We use a prescribed “mantra” or “mind vehicle”. Each mantra used in Vedic Meditation is meaningless, however its vibratory sound quality easily and effortlessly draws the mind inward, beyond thought, bringing the meditator to a deeply restful state.

Will I be asked to modify my beliefs or lifestyle?

Not at all. People of all backgrounds and religions practice this technique. Whether you have a spiritual practice, you’re an atheist, or neither of the above, this practice produces immediate and long term benefits.

How long will it take before I am a good meditator?

Vedic Meditation is truly a simple and effortless practice. Most students have a positive experience during their very first meditation. What’s more, every student completes the 4-day course with a self-sufficient practice, which can be taken home and implemented anywhere.

I’ve tried meditating and my mind is just too busy. How do I stop thinking long enough to benefit?

A common misconception about meditation is that a successful practice results from clearing the mind of thoughts. In truth, thoughts are very much a part of meditation; what’s more, wherever and whenever we can think, we can meditate. With regular practice, the specific content of our thinking naturally becomes less intriguing, and our thoughts fade into the background like white noise, freeing up the nervous system to release stress and return to its natural and healthy homeostasis.

Is Vedic Meditation related or connected to “Transcendental Meditation” or Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who taught and promoted “TM” ?

I was trained to teach in the tradition of Vedic Meditation by my teacher, Thom Knoles. Thom was trained by his teacher, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the technique of Transcendental Meditation (“TM”), he worked under MM Yogi and various TM organizations for more than 25 years, and he continues to teach meditation independent of any TM organizations. I also teach independently and I am not affiliated with any proprietary organizations, the Maharishi Foundation LTD, or with any trademark, program, organization, or affiliate of the Maharishi Foundation USA.