“Advanced Techniques are like fertilizers; fertilizers bring better fruit to every tree. To enjoy greater achievement and fulfillment in life, take advantage of this beautiful program of Advanced Techniques to enrich the development of higher states of consciousness.” —Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

I always like to write in a down-to-earth way, so let me first introduce myself in a nutshell: I am Israeli, 48, married, with three kids. I own a software company and have been practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique since high school.

I thought this might be the right time to share some of the experiences I have had since learning the Advanced Techniques of the TM program.

The Many Blessings of Practicing TM

The difference between before and after I learned the TM technique was like the difference between crawling on the floor and driving a race car. No joke. And I thought that was it.

For almost 30 years I was practicing TM regularly, going to TM Retreats, and seeing these blessings in my life: more energy, less stress, relentless optimism, and an inner drive to grow and prosper.

I was curious about the advanced TM-Sidhi® program, but I felt I was not ready to commit to the extra time needed for regular practice. I was building my life, my business, and my family, and all that was intensive enough.

The difference between before and after learning the TM technique was like the difference between crawling on the floor and driving a race car.

Something Changed Deep Inside

Then three years ago, I was attracted from within to learn the Advanced Techniques of the TM program, which enhance the benefits of TM practice. I can’t explain it, but I just felt it was time.

I wasn’t sure what the effects would be for me, but I trusted what Maharishi said, that these techniques would do me good. I wanted to see if and how my thoughts and actions might spontaneously become more effective to better fulfill my desires.

So, over the course of two years, I completed the training for the four Advanced Techniques, which are taught in a sequence developed by Maharishi. This began a new chapter in my life.

Like all the Advanced Techniques, the first one is designed to speed up the growth of enlightenment. After talking with the Advanced Techniques instructors and receiving a few Checking sessions, I gained clarification and felt at home with the new practice.

Surprisingly, something changed deep inside me. My days started to feel different because of the added quality of rest. I felt a strangely pleasant feeling of inner expansion.

My days started to feel different because of the added quality of rest. I felt a strangely pleasant feeling of inner expansion.

Spontaneous Growth of Balance and Compassion

When I learned Advanced Techniques two, three, and four, I knew that the way to see the value and results was by practicing regularly and innocently, just as when I first learned the TM technique.

And here comes the interesting part. Practicing these Advanced Techniques seems to have deeply changed me from within. Looking back, my daily routine spontaneously became more balanced.

I was naturally ready for bed by 10:00 p.m. and waking up early. My appetite for meat had essentially disappeared, and my appetite for fresh food had greatly increased. I used to drink beer occasionally, but I noticed that I lost interest in alcohol almost completely.

I also found that I was backing away from negative people and situations in my life. Everything became much quieter, in place, in tune, accurate, and simple.

Don’t get me wrong. I did not become an angel. I still had challenges like anyone else. But when talking to clients, providers, employees, neighbors, family, and almost every person I met, I felt compassion and understanding that came from nowhere. Problems seemed to dissolve before even taking shape. It was like taking mud off your windshield and seeing the world as it is: richer, full of details, depth, and immense complexity and beauty.

When talking to clients, providers, employees, neighbors, family, and almost every person I met, I felt compassion and understanding that came from nowhere. Problems seemed to dissolve before even taking shape.

A Door to New Dimensions and Fulfillment

Since I started the Advanced Techniques, miracles have taken place: My company has been growing more, yet it actually requires less and less effort. It has just grown stronger due to great relationships with our clients. Can you imagine?

In my spare time, I wrote a book and a new technological venture was created. In a funny way, it did not make me busier—I had more time on my hands to spend with my family, and the intensity of work just kept going down.

Every hour of the day I feel like I am growing and learning new things. I have become more connected to the world and care more for the people around me.

Many positive experiences came after practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique for many years, when it felt like I was driving a race car. Now, with the Advanced Techniques, I am on a jet plane.

I have written this not to pat myself on the back, but rather to share with all of you that the Advanced Techniques of the TM program are truly a door to new dimensions and fulfillment in life. All that is required is practicing twice a day, innocently, and everything falls in place.

Learn more about Advanced Techniques and upcoming courses ►

Many positive experiences came after practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique for many years, when it felt like I was driving a race car. Now, with the Advanced Techniques, I am on a jet plane.

Oded Shefer is the founder and CEO of CPattern. He lives in Kfar Saba, Israel, with his family.