Can the TM technique be learned from a book or CD?

“The Transcendental Meditation technique is taught one-on-one by a trained and certified TM teacher in a standardized course of instruction. Although the process of TM instruction is highly systematized—which insures effectiveness and makes the technique ideally suited for scientific research—TM instruction is tailored to each individual who learns the practice. Every person is different, and every person has a different pace of learning and different personal experiences. When a person learns TM, every instruction given is on the basis of the previous instruction being understood. A book or a CD can’t do that. This personalized instruction ensures that everyone learns to practice meditation correctly and gain maximum benefit.”

“The TM technique is unique among forms of meditation. It’s natural and effortless, but requires personal instruction to learn. Imagine trying to learn a natural golf stroke from a book. Or if you have ever learned to play a musical instrument, you know how helpful it is to have a good teacher. The teacher is needed to show you proper technique, so you can grow in confidence that you’re proceeding along correctly. Learning the TM technique is a lot easier than mastering the piano or getting a good, natural golf swing, but involves the same kind of personalized guidance.”