I participated in a Transcendental Meditation course through the Mission Valley center years ago, where I paid for instruction, received the opening ceremony, and attended group follow-up sessions. However, when I recently reached out for support, I was told there was no record of my instruction or payment in the TM system. This lack of accountability was deeply concerning. A global organization of this size should maintain accurate records of its students and protect them from being lost in the process. Instead, I was told that what I experienced "had nothing to do with TM," despite it taking place at their center. My hope in sharing this review is to encourage greater transparency, proper record-keeping, and accountability within the TM organization so others do not face the same dismissal or confusion. read more

For the price you pay, you're better off doing a $100 meditation workshop. This organization is highly money motivated. $1100 to give you "secret" mantra that can be looked up online by age and gender. Very disappointed. Hesitated writing this review for a long time but feel it's important others know. Any organization so focused on money while also claiming to be about dropping beliefs, opening up, sharing love with the world, etc might want to be more transparent and mindful themselves. The meditation is mediocre at best if you've had any experience at all. If you haven't, a couple YouTube videos will provide as much guidance and more. Plus it's free! Their weekly "checks" are NOT a meditation group. They are a constant repeat of the same material. Not worth it. read more

TM is the easiest, best researched and most popular meditation practice in the world with multiple benefits. Without daily meditation practice then there is little chance to attain the highest state of happiness or bliss in this lifetime. read more

On March 28, 2012, I went to an introductory TM meeting after a close friend, whom I really respect, shared with me on the profound differences it has made in her life. She doesn't say things like this lightly. My friend was filled with such gratitude that she even accompanied me to the meeting to support the TM teachers and me. This was also around the time that TM was premiered on Oprah's OWN channel. Also, respecting Oprah's spiritual journey inward this further intrigued me to look into it. While intuitively I felt called to it, I knew it wasn't yet time. Almost three months later, I just finished TM training with Nina and Jim Meade at the Encinitas TM center. I'll admit, though I was intuitively guided (and I trust my intuition) and even with the credible references, there was a part of me still skeptical....until now. My life's calling is to be and support authenticity in life and so I am called to say...there was even a part of me (my ego) resisting the idea of paying to learn TM (by the way, they offer special consideration discounts and scholarships). I now see the INFINITE value. I will do my best to put words to it because I truly want to support others on a similar path. Stress. Let's start there. What I've come to realize is that living in a stressed state long enough (chronic, which I suspect is more common than not) eventually takes the toll on the body. Fight/Flight/Freeze mechanisms are great short term coping mechanisms, but long term our bodies are not designed to sustain in a contracted, anxious, and adrenaline based mode of operations. Stress arises from daily life, internal stresses, external stresses, and often unresolved emotional patterns and energies from childhood and through out life. TM has shown me (through profound contrast) just how deeply engrained a low-level chronic anxiety permeated as a pattern within my own energy and body. Without the necessity to go into details for purposes of this review, I am clear these energy patterns originated at a young age and unbeknownst to me for so long took a heavy toll on my body. Fatigue. My biggest interest beside feeling the true sense of peace that comes from diving into a deeper level of consciousness was to raise my energy and alleviate adrenal fatigue (what many are calling the 21st Century Stress Syndrome). I was tired and knew intuitively that my body needed to learn how to live in a more peaceful pattern. Here's where TM comes into play: My TM Experience: Simple. So simple it's almost baffling...but not. I absolutely love how Nina and Jim teach TM. Nina is known for saying, "it's simple, yes?" No more fighting your thoughts. It's explained, your thoughts are an important part of the process and not to be resisted. Jim's words, "I hope to liberate you" with this idea and to just allow your thoughts to be while following the TM process. Rested. There's this peaceful calm sense that follows me through out the day after a TM session. And as Nina explains, it's due to the parasympathetic system kicking in (the sympathetic system is responsible for fight/flight/freeze mechanism). AMAZING! My experience, it almost feels like I am "out of body," at times, yet with such clarity of mind and peacefulness that permeates my being. TM is truly profound! I look forward to the ongoing support to deepen my practice. I am a TMer for life! I will certainly be taking the opportunity that the TM program offers for lifetime checkins with your teacher, group meditations, and lectures. It has truly changed my life and goes way beyond any level of peace I could have imagined. I get it now. Thank you to my beloved friend, Nicole, for sharing and holding such a loving space. I am so happy to see that Oprah and Dr. Oz have both raised the awareness on this amazing gift of life! Still not enough words to express my gratitude and this amazing "being" state. If you are seeking peace, a release of stress, a deeper sense of connection, better health/relationships, quality of life...the list is probably infinite...I highly recommend attending an intro TM meeting. Passing it on and hoping to pay it forward. Thank you TM!! read more

The TM Center in Encinitas has everything a person may need to have a fulfilling TM experience. Jim and Nina are long time meditators and experienced and well-organized teachers for those with initial questions regarding TM through the advanced techniques programs.They are both good communicators and supply ample notice time for us to be able to attend any of the events. And the center is beautiful, warm, welcoming, comfortable, easy to reach with off-street parking, scheduled with lessons, music and art events, discussions, films, and good will. Important to me is group meditation which is scheduled frequently and is so fulfilling. The TM Center in Encinitas is well-named: Peace Palace. Hope you enjoy your visit. read more

Norin and Thyra are very warm and personable people who run the TM Center in Encinitas. I enjoy coming here for events and their hospitality. Having been a TM practitioner for the past 38 years, I can attest to all the positive things associated with TM. I typically go to my weekly group mediations out in the Mission Valley, but the Peace Residence in Encinitas is always a wonderful experience. read more

Rather than reiterate the same points, I will direct you to Debby E.'s review dated 6/20/12. She eloquently summarizes the amazing benefits of TM. I can't say enough good things about Jim & Nina - they are truly gifted teachers and make you feel comfortable at all times. The Peace Palace lives up to its name - it's an exceptionally peaceful environment to learn a practice that will serve you well and become an invaluable part of your everyday life. The way TM permeates every part of your life by bringing inner peace and well being is such a gift - if you think it's not worth the cost of learning, don't. It's worth every penny. If money is an issue talk to Jim and Nina about financial options that are available. It's one of the best investments I've ever made. read more

I started learning TM at the peace palace in Encinitas about three months ago what a wonderful experience it is. Both Nina and Jim are excellent teachers with many years of experience that they both happily share with the group. I have had a very positive experience with the TM program it was effortless to learn and the benefits to me are many. I am more alive and focused lots more energy. I am better able to deal with stress, other people have commented how I have changed for the better. More later. Gerry D. read more

Inquired via eMail about the program because I was captivated by an Oprah interview aired on XM radio. I received thorough and timely response to my questions and quite a bit more information about TM. read more

There are so many benefits to the practice of TM that I cannot even list all of them here. When I am able to practice it for 20 minutes two times a day, I am happier, feel healthier, sleep better, and everything seems to operate on a more serene level. I would highly recommend it. Although I haven't been to this TM center as I just moved back to San Diego, I have been to others around the country and they are very similar. I am looking forward to continuing my practice here. It is such a simple practice with such profound results. read more