The Priceless Benefits of Transcendental Meditation: Less Than the Cost of a Smartphone and Service, More than a Lifetime of Value
A one-time investment in TM versus decades of phone bills and replacements
In her highly regarded 2017 TED Talk, The Science of Cells that Never Get Old, Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist Elizabeth Blackburn discusses her research into telomeres and telomerase, which may play central roles in how we age. Of particular interest to me is her comment on the effects of meditation on telomere length (timestamp 13:31):
“Thousands of scientists from different fields added their expertise to telomere research, and the findings have poured in. It’s up to over 10,000 scientific papers and counting. So several studies rapidly confirmed our initial finding that, yes, chronic stress is bad for telomeres.”
“And now many are revealing that we have more control over this particular aging process than any of us could ever have imagined. A few examples: A study from the University of California, Los Angeles of people caring for a relative with dementia found that their telomere maintenance capacity improved by practicing a form of meditation for as little as 12 minutes a day for two months.”
Dr. Blackburn’s talk, and the above section in particular, ignited my thinking about the resistance some people express toward learning Transcendental Meditation (TM), particularly regarding the cost of the course fee. Ironically, as I viewed her TED Talk on my iPhone, it struck me: People willingly spend substantial amounts on mobile devices every two to three years, plus the ongoing service fees, yet balk at the prospect of a one-time investment in learning TM. This realization prompted further reflection and, ultimately, this article.
Below, I compare my personal expenditure on mobile devices and services over twenty-six years — starting with early Nokia phones, progressing through Motorola, Palm, and Blackberry models, and now to my second iPhone — to the investment and benefits of practicing TM. This comparison underscores how viewing TM as an essential asset for life, rather than an accessory, provides enduring benefits far beyond the one-time financial outlay.
The Cost of Owning a Mobile Device
Initial and Ongoing Costs
A new mobile device typically costs around $1,000, with replacements every two years. Monthly service fees average $70. Over twenty-six years, beginning when I graduated from undergrad in 1998, these expenses add up significantly:
Device Costs: $1,000 every 2 years = $13,000 over 26 years.
Service Costs: $70 per month = $840 per year; $840 x 26 years = $21,840.
Total Cost: $13,000 (device) + $21,840 (service) = $34,840 over 26 years.
While individual calculations may vary, this example highlights the considerable long-term financial commitment required to maintain a mobile device and its services. By contrast, the one-time course fee to learn TM is comparatively minor and offers benefits that outlast any mobile device.
The Cost and Value of Transcendental Meditation
Course Fees
When my wife and I learned TM in 2008, the course fee was $2,500 per person. While this is not a trivial sum, we viewed it as a worthwhile investment. Today, TM course fees are structured on a tiered scale based on combined gross annual household income (CGAHI), making the practice accessible to a wide range of individuals:
$980 for CGAHI of $200,000 or more.
$880 for CGAHI of $100,000–$199,000.
$780 for CGAHI of $50,000–$99,000.
$540 for CGAHI of less than $50,000.
$420 for full-time students.
This one-time investment includes lifelong follow-up and support provided by Certified TM Teachers through the 501(c)(3) Maharishi Foundation, Inc. USA. When compared to the recurring costs of mobile devices, the value becomes clear.
Health and Wellness Benefits
Mental and Emotional Health
Regular practice of TM has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies indicate that TM lowers cortisol levels (as discussed in Dr. Blackburn’s TED Talk), improves brain coherence, and enhances overall mental health. For example, research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found significant reductions in anxiety and depression among TM practitioners.
Physical Health
TM also contributes to improved cardiovascular health, reduced blood pressure, and enhanced immune function. Research published in the American Heart Association Journal demonstrated that TM practitioners experienced nearly a 50% reduction in the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.
Cognitive Benefits
TM enhances cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and creativity. A study in the Journal of Neuroscience highlighted increased brain efficiency and coherence among TM practitioners, correlating with improved cognitive performance.
Cost Savings in Healthcare
Given the health benefits of TM, practitioners often experience reduced healthcare costs. By lowering the incidence of stress-related illnesses, TM can lead to substantial savings on medical expenses. For example, the cost savings from reduced cardiovascular events alone can far exceed the initial investment in learning TM.
Example of Potential Cost Savings
Average annual healthcare cost per person in the U.S.: approximately $10,739 (CDC, 2019).
Estimated reduction in healthcare costs due to TM: 30–50%.
Even a conservative estimate of a 30% reduction translates to significant savings over twenty-six years:
Annual savings: $10,739 x 0.30 = $3,221.70.
Total savings over 26 years: $3,221.70 x 26 = $83,764.20.
When compared to the one-time TM course fee, the financial and health benefits become undeniable.
The Justification for the TM Course Fee
The TM course fee is structured to make the practice accessible while supporting the program’s sustainability. Expenses such as website management, marketing, and facility upkeep necessitate a fee structure that ensures quality instruction and ongoing support.
Certified TM Teachers undergo rigorous training during a five-month in-residence course, followed by continuing education. This ensures they can provide high-quality, effective instruction. Just as professionals in other fields are compensated for their expertise, TM teachers deserve appropriate remuneration for their specialized training and services.
Conclusion
When comparing the cost of owning and using a mobile device over twenty-six years to the investment in learning Transcendental Meditation, the latter offers far greater value. TM provides lifelong benefits for mental, emotional, and physical health, leading to significant healthcare cost savings for individuals and society. Viewing TM as an essential asset for life, rather than an accessory, ensures that individuals can fully reap these benefits, fostering healthier, more fulfilling lives. Meanwhile, mobile devices are destined to be replaced every few years.
In the end, the choice is clear: Invest in what truly matters. Invest in you.
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Dr. Baruti KMT-Sisouvong, along with his wife, Mina, serves as Director of the Transcendental Meditation Program in Cambridge and the larger area of Metropolitan Boston. They are parents to three children. To learn more about him, visit his website: https://www.barutikmtsisouvong.com/