Top Academic Performance

Research has shown that regular practice of TM leads to a more integrated, complete functioning of the brain.

Since the 1970s scientific research on the effects of the Transcendental Meditation technique has shown increased intelligence and reduced anxiety among high school students, improved academic achievement, cognitive ability, creativity and self-esteem, and increased tolerance, friendliness, and trust among many other findings.

Growing interest in the effectiveness of the Transcendental Meditation technique and its theoretical aspect, the Science of Creative Intelligence and Maharishi Vedic Science, inspired Maharishi to offer Consciousness-Based Education, which develops the total creative potential and total brain functioning of the student and prevents the harmful effects of stress. Today, hundreds of schools have adopted Consciousness-Based Education with remarkable results. This programme is a reliable, practical way to develop all students, irrespective of their background, so that they grow in ideal citizenship and inner fulfillment.

Development of intelligence—Increased IQ among university students.

University students practicing the Transcendental Meditation programme increased significantly in intelligence compared to control subjects from another nearby university (7). This finding corroborates other studies showing increased IQ and faster choice reaction through practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique.

Increased intelligence and reduced anxiety among high school students.

A longitudinal study of students practicing the Transcendental Meditation programme in four Canadian high schools showed significant improvement in intelligence, creativity, tolerance, self-esteem, and five other personality factors, in comparison to randomly assigned controls (2).

Increased practical intelligence, IQ, creativity, and field independence and reduced anxiety among high school students.

A longitudinal study of students practicing the Transcendental Meditation programme in three Taiwan high schools showed significant improvement in both practical intelligence and IQ, creativity, and field independence, in comparison to randomly assigned controls who practiced contemplative meditation or napping (105).

Improved academic achievement, cognitive abilities, creativity, and self-esteem.

Research has shown that the practice of the Transcendental Meditation programme by elementary and secondary students significantly improved academic achievement on national standardized tests (17, 18); improved cognitive abilities (12); and improved field independence, indicating broader comprehension with the ability to focus sharply (13).

Post-secondary students showed increased intellectual ability, creativity, field independence, academic achievement, and self-esteem (3, 4, 7, 15, 19-21); improved self development to uniquely high levels (50); and increased self-actualization (38-40) through the Transcendental Meditation programme.

Improved student behavior at school.

African American adolescents at risk for hypertension who learned the Transcendental Meditation programme showed not only lower blood pressure, but also reduced number of school-related negative behavioral incidents and suspensions, reduced absenteeism, reduced tardiness, and reduced expressions of anger. (103)

Reduced substance abuse.

Studies with students and adults show reduced in substance abuse and antisocial behavior through the Transcendental Meditation programme. A recent issue of the journal Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly (80) is devoted entirely to the effects of this programme in reducing substance abuse. Findings show reduced use of all classes of illegal drugs, and reduced use of alcohol, cigarettes, and prescribed drugs.

Note: The numbers in parenthesis provide research references to studies in the Findings and References page of this web site.