Maharishi explains that Cosmic Consciousness arises spontaneously and naturally when the nervous system becomes sufficiently stress-free and is functioning normally. This upends the prevalent view of enlightenment, that if it exists at all, it is extremely rare and special. It may be rare, but only because humanity has been operating in a highly stressed, less than normal state.“

A meta-analysis of all available physiological research on the TM technique found that the practice of TM produces a state of deep rest compared to control conditions. (Source: Dillbeck, M.C., Orme-Johnson, D.W. “Physiological Differences between Transcendental Meditation and Rest.” American Psychologist 42(9): 879-881, 1987.)

The process of stress release and normalization of the nervous system is thus the most important factor in the rise to Cosmic Consciousness. The TM technique produces a unique style of restful alertness, a state in which the body and mind can self-repair.During sleep and dreaming, the body repairs damage and recovers from the fatigue and stresses of the day, refreshing us for the activity of the new day. The mechanisms of physiological restoration involve innumerable feedback loops that detect imbalances and initiate the repair process.

What TM practice adds to the normal cycle of rest and activity is a unique style of coherent rest: restful alertness.

During the TM technique, the brain becomes highly coherent: All the different areas of the brain are in heightened communication with each other. This appears to facilitate the self-repair process beyond what happens during sleep and dreaming.