Maharishi put forward two basic principles of states of consciousness:

Knowledge is different in different states of consciousness. As we shift from one state of consciousness to another, we move from one world to another. Each state involves a unique mode of knowledge and experience, of ourselves and the surrounding world.

The world of the waking state, for example, differs radically from the illusory dream world. Both differ radically from the world of deep sleep. Similarly, each higher state of consciousness is a world in itself.

Each state of consciousness has a unique mode of physiological functioning. A physiologist can tell whether you are awake, dreaming, or asleep by measuring your breath rate, brainwaves, and so on. When you shift from one state to another, your physiology switches to a different style of functioning.

Accordingly, higher states of consciousness develop when the physiology reaches specific thresholds of purification and integration. Growth of higher states thus has nothing to do with adopting new ideas, attitudes, or moods. Rather it depends on cultivating coherent brain functioning and refining and purifying the nervous system, culminating in optimal integration and balance. Without these refinements, higher states cannot develop.