Transcendental Meditation Mantras
A critical look at the mantras used in Transcendental Meditation (TM), and how to try the technique without paying for a course.
The claim
TM courses have historically cost around $1,000, with each student told their mantra was chosen specifically for them. Critics point out that Maharishi's own early writings said almost any sound could serve to train the mind. The mantras were in fact traditional Hindu invocations, said to bring the grace of particular deities.
The leaked list
According to former teachers and court materials, some TM teachers assigned mantras purely by age:
| Age | Mantra |
|---|---|
| 0–11 | eng |
| 12–13 | em |
| 14–15 | enga |
| 16–17 | ema |
| 18–19 | ieng |
| 20–21 | iem |
| 22–23 | ienga |
| 24–25 | iema |
| 26–29 | shirim |
| 30–34 | shiring |
| 35–39 | kirim |
| 40–44 | kiring |
| 45–49 | hirim |
| 50–54 | hiring |
| 55–59 | sham |
| 60+ | shama |
Advanced techniques, sold later at extra cost, reportedly just lengthen the phrase (variations of "shri aing namah", roughly "O most beautiful [goddess] Saraswati, I bow").
The technique
- Close your eyes and wait about half a minute.
- Begin silently thinking the mantra, over and over.
- Don't concentrate or pronounce it clearly. It's just a faint idea. Don't force a rhythm, and don't fight other thoughts. When you notice you've drifted, gently return.
- Let it change naturally: faster, slower, fainter, distorted. Take it as it comes.
- At the end, stop the mantra and sit for about two minutes before opening your eyes.
A caution
The original post claimed a significant share of practitioners report negative effects. If meditation of any kind leaves you feeling worse, stop, and consider a simpler breath-focused practice (see Meditation).
See also
Summary of a widely circulated critique of TM (1990s–2000s); mantra list as reported by former TM teachers.