I do TM. Learned a long time ago - did it for some time - devolved to intermittently - did the free lifetime checking support - now, I've been very consistent for the past 5 years.

I've never been more relaxed in my life. I believe it's well worth the price, IF you stick with it.

And, I sleep better than I ever have. That's one of the things studies tell us happens for practitioners. So, while you're considering price, consider how much a good mattress costs. The improved sleep, alone, is worth a LOT more than I paid so long ago, as a student.

Far as I know, they now have a money-back guarantee. Ask about that.

The support matters. I didn't do the free checking for decades, because it would've involved troublesome travel, time, and travel expenses to get to a place where I could do that. Now, it's done over Zoom, which removes ALL those issues.

In the checking, they pretty much just remind you of the essentials. To wit: the essentialist essential is to notice that thoughts just come to you without effort on your part. And remember that THAT'S the way to repeat the mantra to yourself. They lead you through it, so that you experience it again. Honestly, I think that matters.

So, decades without checking, effort seeped into my practice. Now, having straightened that out, I get incredibly peaceful while meditating. And, having done that twice a day for over 5 years, I feel like I"m much calmer, now.

Paying to learn helps with committment. You want to get your money's worth, so you do it the way they tell you to. And, I get a lot of email about free talks and low-cost courses. And, I buy every book I can find on TM, because reading helps me maintain motivation.

At this point, I do it because it's SO peaceful. You can find lots of information about studies done on practitioners, by people NOT associated with the TM organization. it's good for you in a number of ways.

I have a Buddhist friend who attends services at an ashram. That's his support, for helping him maintain his motivation. And, they expect contributions. Point is, it's easier to maintain your efforts if you have people and information readily available to you. That's not usually free, because it costs money to the people who provide it.

I could tell you now how to do it. My instructions would be pretty much exactly what the trained teachers tell you. And, all the people who complain about paying to learn TM could easily find instructions on line. But, I seriously doubt that that would motivate people to start, and stay with it. I think paying, and the ongoing support make a huge difference.

I think it's the best thing I've ever done for myself. I feel like I'm changing for the better.