Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? See if it’s already been answered below.
General
What is MERU?
MERU was founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as a university promoting research into consciousness as a field of all possibilities. Today, MERU is the global headquarters of the international TM organisations and a centre for knowledge, deep rest, and personal development, offering courses, retreats, and wellness experiences to meditators and the general public. You can read more about our story here.
Can I learn Transcendental Meditation at MERU?
Yes, TM can be learned at MERU. To find out more or get in touch, write to us at events@meru.international. You can also find a certified TM teacher near you by visiting this page.
Is the Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centre at MERU open?
Yes. The Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centre at MERU is now open, offering a full range of deeply rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments in a beautiful new Maharishi Vastu building. To book a consultation or treatment, contact wellness@meru.international. For more information, visit the wellness page.
Where will I stay during a course?
Courses take place at MERU in Vlodrop, set in the peaceful surroundings of the Meinweg National Park in the Netherlands, the home of Maharishi for 18 years and the global headquarters of the international TM organisations.
Participants stay in brand-new Maharishi Vastu rooms in the MERU Academy & Residence Building. The rooms are quiet, comfortable, and surrounded by the stillness of the forest, creating an ideal setting for deep rest and rejuvenation.
Application
How do I attend a course?
MERU courses and events require a short online application and approval process before your place is confirmed. After submitting your application, you’ll receive an automatic email confirming we’ve received it.
For courses open to TM practitioners, please allow a few business days for processing, as we coordinate with your TM Teacher or national TM office to confirm your TM status.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and you’re welcome to arrange your travel.
How early should I apply?
The sooner you apply, the better, especially if you need a visa invitation letter or want to secure a specific accommodation option. In general, we recommend applying at least one month before the course begins, and no later than one week in advance.
Accommodation at MERU is limited, with only 19 Maharishi Vastu rooms available on campus. Places are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Some courses also offer an early bird discount. Check the course page for details.
Do I need to apply for the special celebration days?
Yes, we ask that you apply online in advance. This helps us ensure there is enough space to seat everyone comfortably in Maharishi’s Peace Palace. Walk-ins may not always be possible, so booking ahead is the best way to secure your place.
I haven't received my confirmation yet. Is everything okay?
Most applications are confirmed within a few business days. If it takes longer than one week, you’re welcome to contact us at events@meru.international to ask about your application status. You’re also welcome to reach out to your TM Teacher and let them know you’ve applied, as their prompt response can help speed up the process.
What are the payment options?
Our payment options include credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer (available for amounts of €350 or more).
Planning
What are the arrival and departure times?
Start and end times are listed at the top of each course landing page, so we recommend checking there for the most accurate information, as times can vary by event.
For most multi-day courses, arrival is in the afternoon on the first day listed, and departure is after lunch on the last day. For single-day celebrations, you’re welcome to arrive in the morning and stay through the final evening session, with meals and group programme included throughout the day.
What is the daily schedule like?
Each event is a little different, but in general you can expect a full, relaxed, and enjoyable rhythm. Retreats and courses have structured days with knowledge sessions and group programme, usually running until around 21:30 in the evening. Assemblies and celebrations are also structured, though you have more flexibility to attend sessions or rest as needed.
Many participants find that stepping away from work and devices during their stay is one of the most restful parts of the experience. A few days of natural digital detox can make a noticeable difference.
Is there wi-fi on campus?
Wi-fi is available in the MERU Academy & Residence Building and in the Dining Hall.
Please note that phone reception at MERU is limited. If you need to make an urgent call or book a taxi, the security team at reception can help.
We are also considering introducing a low-EMF room option for guests who are sensitive to WiFi and electromagnetic radiation. If this would be useful to you, please let us know when you apply.
When and how can I book my travel?
We encourage you to book your travel as soon as you receive your confirmation email from the MERU Academy Events Team. Visit our travel information page for all details about getting to MERU.
I need a visa invitation letter. What should I do?
If you need an invitation letter to apply for a visa, please apply and inform us at events@meru.international as soon as possible, ideally a few months before the course. We’ll need additional information from you before we can issue your letter, so please respond to any follow-up questions from our visa office promptly to avoid delays.
Online courses
How do I access the course?
If you are following an online course live, it will be hosted on Zoom. You will receive the Zoom link to access the broadcast via email once your payment has been confirmed. If you are following a pre-recorded course, or you want to watch a replay of a live course, you will receive login details to access online.meru.international when your application and payment have been confirmed.
How do I pay for the course?
You can pay with PayPal or credit card.
What is the refund policy for online courses?
If you apply for an online course for personal use, you have a 14-day right of cancellation starting from the date your application is accepted. This does not apply to professional development courses.
Cancelling in writing within 14 days will result in a full refund if the course has not yet started. If a course begins within 14 days of your acceptance and you still wish to cancel, the sessions you have attended will be charged on a proportional basis and deducted from your refund.
We will do what we can to ensure you are satisfied with your experience. You can also submit a refund request in writing at any time after the start date, even after the cancellation period has expired. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If a refund is granted, it will be prorated based on sessions attended, time elapsed, and minus any applicable processing fees.
If MERU delays a course start date by more than three months or cancels a course, you will receive a full refund.
How do I watch a course with translations?
If a course is being offered in multiple languages, you will follow these steps to enable simultaneous translation on Zoom:
- Click Interpretation:
- Select the language that you would like to hear.
- (Optional) To only hear the interpreted language, click Mute Original Audio.
How do I apply for an online course?
Visit the Online Courses page on the MERU website to see current offerings. To apply, simply click “apply now” on the course page and complete the short online application form.
Will translation be available for my course?
On the course landing page you will see whether simultaneous translation will be available for this course, and which languages will be offered. If you are unsure about it, don’t hesitate to write to events@meru.international and check if your language will be translated for your course.
If I miss a session, can I watch the recording? How do I access it?
All sessions are recorded and uploaded to the online platform shortly after each session. For most courses, you can catch up by watching the recording before the next session.
That said, we encourage you to join the live sessions whenever possible, as this allows you to interact with the teacher, stay engaged with the group, and get the most out of the experience.
How quickly after the session will the recording be available on the online platform?
Recordings are prepared and uploaded as soon as possible after each session. Depending on the length of the course and any necessary editing, this may take a day to up to a few days.
Which time zone is the course in?
All listed times follow Central European Time (CET) or Central European Summer Time (CEST), depending on the season.
I lost my password or username for the online platform. How can I get them?
An email with your username and password was sent to you with the subject “Your Login details for the [Name of the Course]”. Please also check your spam folder. If you cannot find it, contact us at events@meru.international and we will help you.
