Experiencing Higher States of Consciousness : A Qualitative Analysis of Results of Research in Consciousness within the Framework of the Science of Creative Intelligence

Abstract

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi clearly defines the state of enlightenment in his Science of Creative Intelligence in terms of higher states of consciousness. This science includes both theoretical and practical aspects. In Science of Creative Intelligence, Maharishi predicts that regular practice of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programs leads to experience of higher states of consciousness, to enlightenment. In the Science of Creative Intelligence, there are seven states of consciousness: three ordinary states of consciousness, waking, dreaming, and sleeping states and four higher states of consciousness, Transcendental Consciousness, Cosmic Consciousness, Refined Cosmic Consciousness, and Unity Consciousness. The state of Cosmic Consciousness, God Consciousness, and Unity Consciousness are considered as enlightenment. Through the qualitative phenomenological case study of self-research in consciousness, personal experiences during and after the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programs, this study examines if the experience of higher states of consciousness, in particular, Transcendental Consciousness and Cosmic Consciousness, is an actual and attainable reality for me through practice of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programs.