student

"Maharishi says that the Transcendental Meditation technique is derived from the ancient Vedic tradition of India. The technique is taught to new practitioners in a standardized, seven-step procedure, comprised of two introductory lectures, a personal interview, and a two-hour instruction session given on each of four consecutive days. Instruction begins with a short ceremony performed by the teacher, after which the student learns and begins practicing the technique. Subsequent sessions are said to provide further clarification of correct practice, as well as more information about the technique.^[3][4]

The goal of long-term practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique is enlightenment, according to Maharishi. He posits a theory of enlightenment comprising seven major states of consciousness. The first three, Waking, dreamless Sleep, and Dreaming (REM) are commonly known. The last three states describe aspects of what Maharishi calls enlightenment, a state in which the human being is said to be fully developed:

Transcendental Consciousness, is a fourth state of consciousness, distinct from waking, sleeping or dreaming. During the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique thought can become increasingly subtle, until the finest level of thought is reached. From there the mind can further experience the source of thought, or is said to transcend thought itself.^{[5] [6] [7]}

Cosmic Consciousness, the fifth state, is the state of "enlightenment" that results from alternating the experience of Transcendental Consciousness with the activity of daily life, so that eventually Transcendental Consciousness becomes permanently maintained along with the waking, sleeping, and dreaming states. This all-inclusive state of Cosmic Consciousness is said to be marked by a peaceful, non-changing, restful, yet alert, inner state that is maintained while one is actively engaged in life. ^[8]

God Consciousness is said to be a state where, during waking, sleeping, and dreaming states, the state of Cosmic Consciousness is accompanied by refined, sensory perception, awareness of the mechanics of creation, and development of devotion and love for the created universe and its creator.^[9]

Unity Consciousness, the seventh state, is said to be a state in which all of the aspects of life are seen as expressions of one's inner life. The outer and inner realities of life are said to be bridged in Unity Consciousness."