TM and Calm—what’s the difference?
Discover how Transcendental Meditation (TM) and the Calm app can help you manage stress and improve your daily life. Which one aligns best with your needs? Find out below.
Discover the Transcendental Meditation technique:
The Transcendental Meditation technique, introduced to the world by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s, is a simple, effortless practice that is done for 20 minutes, twice a day.
TM offers:
- Personalized instruction: taught by certified teachers in over 100 countries
- Tailored approach: the course format is customized to each individual’s preferences
- Scientific validation: 380+ peer-reviewed studies, backed by over 50 years of research
- Proven benefits, including: TM reduces anxiety, improves heart health, lowers blood pressure
- A practice for everyone: anyone can do TM
What is the TM technique?
watch this video to learn more about how TM can transform your life through deep relaxation and stress reduction.
What is Calm?
The Calm app is an example of mindfulness practices. Calm offers guided meditations which help you stay present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. Mindfulness is:
- Rooted in tradition: originates in Buddhist practices
- Observational: encourages monitoring thoughts and feelings without trying to change them
- Flexible: can be practiced alone or with guidance, during various activities.
How TM differs from Calm
Transcendental Mediation is distinct from mindfulness apps like Calm:
- Effortless: TM is done silently with eyes closed, and does not involve chanting, focus, intention, or contemplation
- Independence: once learned from a certified teacher, you can practice TM on your own, without use of an app
- More coherent brainwaves: TM induces alpha-one brainwaves linked to deep relaxation, which are measurably different to mindfulness
- Duration: TM is practiced for 20 minutes, twice a day, compared to Calm’s shorter sessions
- Personalized: the TM instruction is personalized for you, including a TM mantra (a beneficial sound without meaning)
- Transcendence: TM practice allows the mind to reach the source of thought, while mindfulness or guided meditations keep the mind on the surface level
How is TM different?
watch the video with Dr. Fred Travis, comparing TM with other types of meditation including Calm
What are the benefits of Transcendental Meditation?
More than 380 peer-reviewed research studies have documented the wide range of benefits resulting from TM practice, including:
- Physical health: better sleep and reduced blood pressure
- Mental health: less anxiety and effective PTSD treatment
- Personal growth: enhanced creativity, productivity, and self-actualization
- Spiritual development: deep fulfillment.
A unique advantage of TM is the personalized instruction from a certified teacher, who provides guidance and ongoing support at no additional cost.
What are the benefits of Calm?
Practicing mindfulness with the Calm app can result in:
- Increased attentiveness to surroundings
- Greater awareness of breathing, body, and thoughts
- Enhanced presence and self-awareness.
The Calm app offers "Sleep Stories" read by celebrities and other speakers, which aim to distract the brain as you try to fall asleep.
But, this might not be the most convenient option for everyone. For example, if you share a sleeping space with others, or if you don't like to sleep with your phone next to your bed.
The TM technique is also a great way you can improve your sleep, naturally and effectively. A 2023 study showed a
How TM practice reduces anxiety
A Stanford University meta-analysis of 146 independent studies found that TM is twice as effective at reducing anxiety compared to other meditation techniques.
Which tool is right for you?
If you seek relief from poor sleep, anxiety, lack of focus, or personal relationship difficulties, Transcendental Meditation could be the answer. Many people enjoy the Calm app, but to truly jumpstart your tranquility, join the millions who practice TM. Everyone can benefit from TM, whether struggling or not, by diving within twice a day to experience inner calm, greater creativity, and self-actualization. If you’re new to meditation, Calm and other mindfulness apps offer an accessible starting point.
TM: the only effortless, personalized, and evidence-based meditation technique
The first step to learning TM is attending a free info session with a local TM teacher. These sessions are available in person and online every day across the U.S. Dive deeper into why TM is unique, how it works, and what makes it so effective.