LA Wildfire Relief TM Scholarship Program

Funder: Maharishi Foundation USA Inc, in partnership with the David Lynch Foundation

Geographic Scope: Los Angeles, California

Purpose: Provide Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique scholarships to support disaster recovery and trauma relief following the LA wildfires.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants:

• California first responders
• Residents of Los Angeles who have been displaced by the wildfires

Ineligible: Other individuals not meeting the above criteria (income-based pricing available as alternative)

What is Funded

• Full TM course instruction (4-session personalized course)
• Access to certified TM teachers
• Follow-up support and guidance
• Access to TM app with resources and videos
• Group meditation participation (online and in-person)

Program Structure

The TM technique is taught through:

• Session 1: In-person one-on-one instruction with personalized meditation and teacher feedback
• Sessions 2-4: In-person or online classes with meditation, instruction on correct practice, discussion, and feedback
• Course Duration: Typically 4 days (flexible scheduling available; can be extended via online learning)
• Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per session

Benefits of TM Practice

• Reduce stress and anxiety by regulating cortisol levels
• Increase mental clarity and creativity
• Improve sleep and overall health
• Lower blood pressure (only meditation practice proven to do so by American Heart Association)
• Build connection with TM community

Follow-up Support

• Continued access to certified TM teachers across the U.S.
• TM app with videos and key takeaways
• Online and in-person group meditations
• Additional support and guidance for questions

Background

In response to the LA wildfires that displaced more than 100,000 Angelenos, this program offers TM scholarships as a trauma relief and community recovery initiative. The TM technique is described as a simple, effortless meditation practice requiring 20 minutes twice daily while sitting comfortably with eyes closed.

Contact

• Phone: 888-LEARN-TM
• Website: tm.org
• Application link available on trauma relief program page

How to Apply

1. Watch the Introduction Video: View the 7-minute video introduction to TM with Bob Roth, CEO of the David Lynch Foundation (optional but recommended)
2. Submit Application Form: Complete and submit the scholarship application form
   • Form Location: Available via "Apply for scholarship" button on the trauma relief program page
   • Eligibility Verification: Application will verify that you are either a California first responder or a Los Angeles resident displaced by the wildfires
3. Begin TM Course: Upon approval, enroll in the personalized TM course
   • Option to schedule sessions over 4 consecutive days or spread over longer period
   • Sessions can be in-person or online

Required Materials

Not explicitly detailed in provided content, but application form will verify:

• Status as California first responder OR
• Proof of displacement from LA wildfires

Course Participation

After scholarship approval:

• Day 1: In-person one-on-one instruction session
• Days 2-4: Follow-up classes (in-person or online)
• Access to TM app and follow-up support resources