I've been interested in TM for years, as I've always wanted to establish a regular meditation practice. Unfortunately, what I'd heard about costs kept me away. Luckily, I found out that it was actually affordable to learn and based on income. Thing is, I've probably spent at least double trying to learn other techniques--but never being able to establish a regular practice. What has surprised me is how much of a difference learning TM has been to other meditations. My instructors have been teaching TM for years--and upon meeting them, you see the difference that those years of experience make and the results of a long term meditation program. Although one hears about the four days of instruction, what one doesn't understand is how much more there is. You check in and have lectures for the first four months, but even after that, you're never alone. You can always go back for a lifetime for free. I've always been convinced that I was never meditating "right". With Karen and Herb's gentle and clear instruction, those fears abated and I've been regularly meditating, twice per day, since day one...save for two missed sessions. I can't believe it. For me... the lecture on day three made the biggest difference in my practice. I'm so grateful for this in my life.