FAQs

  • Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a revered spiritual teacher from the Shankaracharya lineage of the Vedic tradition.

    Angela Goodsir teaches Vedic Meditation and was trained to teach this form of meditation by Thom Knoles. Thom was trained as a teacher of Transcendental Meditation (“TM”) by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (“Maharishi”), and taught it for over 25 years with organizations affiliated with Maharishi. Since 1997, Thom has continued to teach this meditation as he learned it from Maharishi, and has done so independently and separately from the TM organizations, using the terms “Vedic Meditation". Thom Knoles trained ANGELA GOODSIR to teach meditation as Thom was trained to teach meditation by Maharishi.  ANGELA GOODSIR teaches Vedic Meditation independently and separately from TM organizations, and is not affiliated with those organizations. 


  • The form of meditation that Thom Knoles* teaches, and taught for over 25 years with the TM organizations as “Transcendental Meditation,” has been the subject of hundreds of scientific studies showing a wide range of benefits from regular practice. These studies, which refer to this form of meditation using the name “Transcendental Meditation” or “TM”, support the benefits obtainable from regular practice of Vedic Meditation.

    These benefits may include:

     •Increased resistance to stress
    • Increased levels of energy
    • Relief from depression and anxiety
    • Relief from insomnia
    • Improved relationships with other people
    • Improved, memory, concentration and learning ability
    • Reduced risk of heart disease and tumours
    • Relief from migraines, headaches and asthma
    • Normalisation of blood pressure
    • Reduced cholesterol levels
    • Normalisation of weight
    • Reversal of ageing
    • Increased self esteem
    • Faster reaction times
    • Improved sports performance
    • Reduced use of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs

    To read more about Vedic Meditation, click here.

    See link on Research Studies.

  • Whilst many meditation techniques look and have the aim of settling the mind, the body is frustrated and is always fighting the mind to try and relax. Vedic Meditation is different. It lets thoughts be there as part of the meditation practice. Trying to get rid of thoughts is as ridiculous as trying to stop breathing. Vedic Meditation introduces another more charming thought (via a mantra or settling sound) which allows the mind to move in the direction of quieter and calmer states. It is purpose built to take your mind into subtle awareness. 

    There are certainly other meditation techniques. Let’s classify them into 3 broad buckets:

    1. Concentrative techniques - focussing the mind through effort. Some styles may include guided visualisations, chanting. These give the mind some suggested experience to follow to aid relaxation. If the mind is tasked to do something, it is no different to performing tasks during the day. The mind and body only settle when the mind is in non task oriented mode. It may feel relaxing in the moment, but the effect may not be long lasting. 

    2. Contemplative techniques - ongoing thoughts about something. Mindfulness is primarily a contemplative technique (although it may also involve some concentration),  with the goal of being aware of the present moment without judgement. In this practice, you are encouraged to observe and accept thoughts, feelings and sensations as they arise, increasing an awareness of self and the environment. It is primarily focussed on maintaining awareness and non judgement grounded in present moment awareness. Again keeping the mind at the active level.

    3. Vedic Meditation is an automatic self transcendence technique. It uses an anchoring device (the mantra)which pierces through the active layer into quieter states though an effortless technique. When you close your eyes and repeat your mantra, your mind settles and your body rests deeply so that accumulated stresses can be released. The mantra is the vehicle that leads the mind to quieter and quieter states. 

  • Thoughts are part of Vedic Meditation. If you can think, you can meditate. All you need is a curiosity to learn and the ability to follow a few simple instructions. You don’t have to stop thinking to be able to meditate. If you use too much effort trying not to think, it will generate more thinking!

    You will learn more about thoughts as part of the Learn to Meditate Course.

  • No, the practice is not affiliated with any religion or belief system. It stems from an ancient body of knowledge known as the Veda, in an unbroken lineage that goes back approximately 5,000 years. The teachings of Vedic Meditation spring forth from this knowledge. Vedic Meditation is a simple mental technique and is open to students from all religious denominations who would like to learn.

  • At first, it may seem daunting to ask you to find 20 minutes twice daily for your practice of Vedic Meditation. Students from all over the world, many of whom lead extremely busy lives, have found ways to make time to practice each day. As you continue with your practice and the mind begins to de-excite and accumulated stresses are released, you will find that you will be more focussed and find the time to meditate.  We will talk more about this and tips in the Learn to Meditate Course

  • No, the practice of Vedic Meditation does not require any specific dietary protocols or lifestyle changes.

  • No, there are no age barriers to learning Vedic Meditation, but if you are under 18 years of age, parental permission is required. Generally under 16 years of age, at least one parent will also need to be a Vedic Meditator.

  • Consistent practice of Vedic Meditation is the key to experiencing the benefits. The impact of Vedic Meditation on the individual physiology and mind is different for everyone. 

    For some, as the nervous system de-excites through the practice, immediate benefits such as calm and relaxation are noticed by some after the first session. For others, after a few weeks of regular practice, benefits such as improved sleep quality or greater clarity and focus are noticed. 

    With the regular practice of Vedic Meditation over time, changes such as a deep sense of inner peace, improved relationships with others, and increased resistance to stress may be noticed. Sometimes, it is others who notice the change in you, as they are often gradual in nature. 

    Please see the information on research studies and benefits of Vedic Meditation for further information. Click here

  • Once you have attended the Learn to Meditate Course, there is no requirement for you to come to Group Meditation. What many people find is that they enjoy the community and social aspects of being together in a group setting and meditating together. The Sanskrit word Satsang is often used to describe the gathering for learning, reflection, connection and evolution.