Transcendental Meditation (TM), rooted in ancient Indian traditions and integrated into the Yoga system and Ayurveda, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The teachings of great spiritual figures, such as Lord Krishna, Lord Buddha, and Christ, all share the essence of TM as a path to inner transcendence and peace.
TM has evolved from a spiritual practice to a globally recognized technique for personal development and stress reduction. Its history is marked by widespread adoption, scientific inquiry, and a lasting cultural legacy.
The founder of TM, His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, was born in 1918 in India. He studied physics at Allahabad University before becoming a disciple of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, also known as Guru Dev. After Guru Dev’s death in 1953, His Holiness Maharishi began teaching meditation techniques based on his master’s teachings.
In 1955, His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi began teaching the technique that would become known as Transcendental Meditation. He initially started in India, then began traveling internationally in 1958 to share his teachings.
His first world tour included visits to various countries where he held lectures and established meditation centers. By the early 1960s, TM had gained a significant following in the Western world. During the 1960s, His Holiness Maharishi established several organizations to promote TM. The International Meditation Society and other TM centers were founded, and the movement began to grow rapidly.
TM gained significant attention when high-profile figures became practitioners. The Beatles’ visit to His Holiness Maharishi’s ashram in Rishikesh in 1968 brought massive media attention and helped popularize TM.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, a number of scientific studies were conducted to investigate the effects of TM. Researchers reported various benefits, including reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and improved mental clarity. This helped to establish TM’s credibility in the scientific community.
His Holiness Maharishi introduced educational programs incorporating TM, leading to the establishment of schools and universities that incorporated TM into their curricula. Maharishi International University (MIU), originally Maharishi University of Management, was founded in 1973 in Fairfield, Iowa, USA.
The TM movement continued to grow globally, with meditation centers and practitioners established worldwide. Maharishi also introduced advanced programs like the TM-Sidhi program, which included yogic flying, and initiated projects such as creating “world peace groups.”
In the later years of his life, His Holiness Maharishi focused on the global spread of his teachings and the establishment of peace-creating groups. He also launched several initiatives aimed at societal improvement, including the Global Country of World Peace in 2000, an organization that promotes peace and harmony.
His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi passed away in 2008, but the TM movement continues to thrive. The Maharishi Foundation and other related organizations continue to promote TM practices, support scientific research, and provide TM instruction globally.