Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve tried meditation before, my mind was too busy. Will this work for me?
Vedic Meditation is designed for people with busy minds. There is no need to stop thinking, in fact thoughts are part of the process. A mantra is used to naturally draw the mind in. There is no effort, concentration or focus involved. With proper instruction the whole process is easy and automatic.
I’m very busy, how long will this take me each day?
The busier we are the more we need a tool for rest, recovery and productivity. The optimum time commitment when practicing Vedic Meditation is 20 minutes, twice a day. That’s around 2% of your day invested in rest that pays you back exponentially.
Do I have to sit cross legged?
No. When practicing Vedic meditation you can sit comfortably upright in your favourite chair.
How long will it take to work?
The benefits will begin from your first meditation and are cumulative over time. Most people report feeling calmer, having greater physical energy and mental clarity in the first week they start meditating. Others notice the benefits unfold more gradually over time. Everyone is at a different starting point in terms of stress and fatigue when they learn to meditate so while the benefits begin immediately how quickly one notices them will vary.
I already have a practice, will this conflict?
There are many different practices out there and they’re all great for their intended outcomes. There is absolutely no conflict with other techniques. When practiced properly, Vedic Meditation will enhance whatever else you’re doing.
Is Vedic Meditation a religion?
No. Vedic Meditation is a simple mental technique designed to give the body profound levels of rest that in turn release the stored stress holding you back from your full mental and physical potential. It’s not necessary to believe anything in order to practice or to enjoy the many benefits. People from many different religions, and cultures practice Vedic meditation.
Can I learn to meditate when I’m pregnant?
Yes. We encourage it. When you’re pregnant the body is going through a significant amount of change daily so the high quality rest experienced through meditation is very beneficial.
What is the relationship between Vedic Meditation, and “Transcendental Meditation,” as taught and promoted by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi?
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (“Maharishi”) was a revered spiritual teacher from the Shankaracharya lineage of the Vedic tradition. I teach Vedic Meditation. I was trained to teach this form of meditation as taught by Thom Knoles, who continues to teach Vedic Meditation. Thom Knoles was trained as a teacher of Transcendental Meditation (“TM”) by Maharishi, and Thom Knoles taught TM for over 25 years with organizations affiliated with Maharishi. Since 1997, he has continued to teach meditation as he learned it from Maharishi, and has done so independently and separately from the Transcendental Meditation organizations. Thom Knoles trained me to teach meditation as he was trained to teach meditation by Maharishi. I am not affiliated with the TM organizations or their current services or programs, which may differ from my services.