A new EEG Study discovers that the practice of the Transcendental Meditation® (TM) Technique helps the brain reset to a state of Restful Alertness.  Results of this study were published in the February 2010 issue of the Journal Cognitive Processing. 

The three-month randomized, controlled study was conducted on college students at American University. During the study, researchers found students could more highly activate the default mode network, a suggested natural "ground state" of the brain.

Specifically, the study found the TM technique: 

a) Produces a unique state of "restful alertness," as seen in the markedly higher alpha power in the frontal cortex and lower beta and gamma waves in the same frontal areas during TM practice.

b) Creates greater alpha coherence between the left and right hemisphere of the brain suggesting the brain is working as a whole.

"Research has already shown that simply closing one's eyes and relaxing increases the default mode. A significant additional finding of this new study is that activity in the default mode increases during TM compared to simple eyes-closed rest," said lead author Fred Travis, Ph.D. "Different meditation techniques entail various degrees of cognitive control. Thus, activation patterns of the default mode network could give insight into the nature of meditation practices. In fact, the TM technique is unique in its ability to exercise this critical part of the brain -- to make the brain healthier and able to function as a whole." (See Dr. Travis video - bottom of events page

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi came through Canada 40 years ago to bring a simple message that "life is bliss" and that people are not meant to suffer. He taught an effortless form of meditation called Transcendental Meditation which has now been learned and enjoyed by over 6 million people worldwide. 

In Toronto there are thousands of people who have learned the TM technique and here you will find a way to connect with these meditators and also where to learn it yourself.

Classic film footage of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi speaking about the nature of human consciousness and its spiritual basis. Filmed in 1968 by Canadian national television in the beautiful setting of Lake Louise, Canada. This vintage classic is being released as part of the 50th anniversary of Maharishi's first visit to North America from India - the beginning of America's fascination with his revival of the ancient practice of Transcendental Meditation. 

A recent study by Harvard University found that almost one in five Americans now practice some form of Mind/body therapy, and meditation tops the list. TIME magazine's 2004 cover story on "The Science of Meditation" called Maharishi Mahesh Yogi the person most responsible for the upsurge of interest in meditaiton in the western world. This documentary film provides rare footage of Maharishi talking about the essence of the ancient wisdom he revived from India's ancient tradition of knowledge, and which he spread throughout the world.