The fourth state of consciousness, Transcendental Consciousness, which we experience during the TM technique, forms the gateway to higher states. With regular experience of the fourth state, the three higher states develop naturally. To the fifth, sixth, and seventh states of consciousness, Maharishi gave the names Cosmic Consciousness, Refined Cosmic Consciousness or God Consciousness, and Unity Consciousness.

Each state of consciousness is a progressive stage of awakening, of enlightenment. Each opens a distinctive new world of experience and knowledge, as different from the waking state as waking is from dreaming. And each has a corresponding style of physiological functioning, a unique physiological signature.

If the idea of higher states of consciousness seems abstract, the benefits are concrete and immensely practical. The Transcendental Meditation program has been utilized in schools and universities, boardrooms and factories, substance abuse clinics and prisons, as well as homes for the elderly and programs for veterans with post-traumatic stress. In all settings, the simple experience of daily transcending has produced breakthrough results.

But these results are merely byproducts of the technique’s ultimate purpose: to cultivate higher states of consciousness—enlightenment.