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Are there any controversies or criticisms surrounding Transcendental Meditation or its founders?

Ashlyn Plumer

Well, hello there my fellow social media aficionados! Let's talk a little bit about Transcendental Meditation, or TM for short. Now, I know what you're thinking - "TM sounds like some kind of sci-fi thing that only advanced beings from other planets can do", but let me assure you, it's not as complicated as that! In fact, it's a type of meditation that involves sitting quietly twice a day for 20 minutes and repeating a simple mantra. Sounds easy enough, right?

But, to answer the burning question at hand - are there any controversies or criticisms surrounding TM or its founders? Well, buckle up because we're about to dive into some juicy controversy!

First of all, let's talk about the founder of TM, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. He founded the movement back in the 1950s and gained worldwide popularity in the 60s after celebrities like the Beatles and Mia Farrow began practicing TM. However, while many people swear by the benefits of TM, there has been some controversy surrounding Maharishi himself. Some have accused him of being cult-like and taking advantage of vulnerable followers. Others have claimed that his teachings are not rooted in science, despite Maharishi's claims to the contrary.

Another controversial figure in the world of TM is John Hagelin, a physicist who has promoted TM as a method for achieving world peace. While Hagelin has impressive credentials and has run for president of the United States under the Natural Law Party, he has also been criticized for promoting what some view as pseudoscience.

Furthermore, while many people find TM to be a helpful tool for reducing stress and anxiety, some have criticized the movement for being too expensive. Courses and retreats can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, which can be a barrier for many people who would otherwise benefit from TM.

In addition to these controversies, there have also been criticisms of the scientific research on TM. While some studies have shown that TM can be beneficial for reducing stress and improving overall health, others have questioned the quality of the research conducted by the TM movement itself.

Despite all of these controversies and criticisms, it's important to note that many people still find TM to be a valuable tool for achieving inner peace and reducing stress. At the end of the day, it's up to each individual to decide whether TM is the right meditation practice for them.

So, there you have it, folks - a rundown of some of the controversies and criticisms surrounding Transcendental Meditation. As with anything, it's important to do your own research and make an informed decision about whether or not this practice is right for you. Happy meditating!