Many meditation techniques are available today. Contrary to common belief there are distinct differences between techniques, such as the effort involved, their impact on the brain, and whether or not they result in verifiable benefits.
Comparing Meditation Techniques

A study published in the journal Consciousness and Cognition identified the following three meditation categories, based on measured brain wave differences:
- Concentration or focus : Zen, Vipassana, etc.
- Open monitoring : Mindfulness, Kriya Yoga, etc.
- Self-transcending : Transcendental Meditation
Meditation techniques and their impact on the brain

Form of meditation | Transcendental Meditation | Mindfulness (monitoring of thoughts) |
Concentration or Focus |
---|---|---|---|
Brain wave activity | Alpha | Theta | Beta |
Brain wave description | “Relaxed, happy, focused” — Mayo Clinic |
“Dream-like” — Mayo Clinic |
“Logical-thinking, problem-solving” — Mayo Clinic |
EEG image | ![]() |
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Mental effort | Effortless | Moderate effort | Strong effort |
Transcendental Meditation
Brain wave activity | Alpha |
---|---|
EEG image | ![]() |
Brain wave description | “Relaxed, happy, focused” — Mayo Clinic |
Effort required | Effortless |
Mindfulness (monitoring of thoughts)
Brain wave activity | Theta |
---|---|
EEG image | ![]() |
Brain wave description | “Dream-like” — Mayo Clinic |
Effort required | Moderate effort |
Concentration or Focus
Brain wave activity | Beta |
---|---|
EEG image | ![]() |
Brain wave description | “Logical-thinking, problem-solving” — Mayo Clinic |
Effort required | Strong effort |
Why do people who have tried other techniques find TM to be completely different?

1. Absolutely effortless
The TM technique is so easy and enjoyable that anyone can do it, even children with ADHD.
- No concentrating
- No control of the mind
- No monitoring of thoughts (mindfulness)
- No trying to “empty the mind”
2. Proven effective
Hundreds of published research studies on the TM technique have documented its effectiveness on stress and anxiety, brain function, cardiovascular health, and more.
“Life finds its purpose and fulfilment in the expansion of happiness”

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Founder of Transcendental Meditation
