How Transcendental Meditation Helps Attain the Blissful State of Turiya (The Fourth State of Consciousness)
The Significance of Maha Shivratri and the Connection to 'Turiya'
Maha Shivratri, the "Great Night of Shiva," is one of the most spiritually significant festivals in the Vedic tradition. It is a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, the embodiment of pure consciousness and the destroyer of ignorance.
On this sacred night, devotees meditate, fast, and chant mantras to connect with Shiva's divine energy, but beyond the rituals, Maha Shivratri holds a much deeper spiritual significance—it is an opportunity to experience ‘Turiya’, the fourth state of consciousness, as distinguished from the three ordinary states of consciousness experienced by all of us – waking, sleeping and dreaming.
According to the Upanishads, Turiya is a state of pure, unbounded awareness that transcends the other three states.
It is the experience of pure consciousness where there are no perturbations of thoughts or emotions, and that state of the mind, pure silence, observes only itself. In essence, we remain who we essentially are, in this state – complete and orderly stillness, peace and fullness of life.
It is a state of blissful silence, where the mind is fully awake yet completely at rest. This state is associated with Shiva, who represents the ultimate reality and the source of all creation, it is the state of non-change, just like Shiva who is eternal, ajanma or unborn.
As explained in this article, this state, beyond change or the state of Turiya is not just a theoretical concept but a lived experience that can be accessed through the Vedic meditation technique of Transcendental Meditation.
In this blog, we’ll explore how TM can help you attain the blissful state of Turiya, and why this state is so essential for spiritual growth and self-realization.
The Mechanics of Transcendental Meditation: Quieting the Mind and Accessing Pure Consciousness
Transcendental Meditation is a simple, natural, and effortless technique that allows you to dive deep within yourself and experience pure consciousness.
Unlike other forms of meditation that require concentration or control of the mind, TM works by gently guiding your awareness to quieter levels of thought, until you transcend thought altogether.
This process is effortless because it aligns with the natural tendency of the mind to seek greater happiness and peace, and the deeper levels of mind are naturally full of peace and bliss.
During TM, you sit comfortably with your eyes closed and silently repeat a specific life supporting sound derived from the Vedas—given to you by a trained TM teacher.
This meaningless sound acts as a vehicle, helping your mind settle inward. Consider it a special thought that is designed to take you inward rather than outward.
As your mind becomes quieter, you begin to experience deeper levels of awareness. Eventually, you transcend all mental activity and arrive at the source of thought—the field of pure consciousness, or Turiya. It is also known as Transcendental Consciousness.
This state is not just a temporary experience; it has lasting effects. Regular practice of TM helps you stabilize this state of pure awareness, allowing you to carry its benefits into your daily life. You become more calm, focused, and connected to your inner self.
This is because, just like after bathing in a pond or a pool, droplets of water keep clinging to our bodies even after we come out, the qualities of this field of pure consciousness also, in a way, 'drench' the mind, making it calm, organized and blissful.
How TM Makes It Easy to Access Turiya
One of the most remarkable aspects of Transcendental Meditation is its accessibility. Unlike advanced yogic practices that require years of discipline, TM is easy to learn and practice.
It doesn’t require any special skills, beliefs, or lifestyle changes. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a retiree, you can practice TM and experience the state of Turiya, also known as Samadhi, as per Yogic terminology.
The key to TM’s effectiveness lies in its simplicity. As explained in the previous section, you bypass the surface-level chatter of the mind and access deeper levels of awareness effortlessly.
This process is natural and enjoyable, making it easy for anyone to experience the fourth state of consciousness. You don’t need to force your mind to be still; instead, you allow it to settle on its own, like a calm lake reflecting the sky.
Moreover, TM is taught by certified instructors who ensure that you learn the technique correctly and experience its benefits from the very first session. This personalized approach makes it easier for you to access Turiya and integrate it into your life.
The Importance of Turiya for Higher States of Consciousness
According to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of the Transcendental Meditation program, Turiya is the gateway to higher states of consciousness.
In his innumerable lectures, he has explained that regular experience of Turiya, alternating with activity outside of meditation, day after day, cultivates the mind to simultaneously experience activity and silence together – the buzz of thoughts playing out harmoniously with a deep, witnessing silence that is able to keep itself distinct from the surface level activity of the mind with its ceaseless chatter of thoughts.
By regularly experiencing this state, you begin to develop Cosmic Consciousness—a state where you remain fully awake to your inner self even while engaged in outer activity.
A permanent peace abides within you which makes you fearless and unshakeable, undaunted by any thought or situation. It is what is referred to in the Bhagawad Gita as the ‘Sthitapragya’ state, a state of ‘established creative intelligence’ that aligns the cosmic laws of Nature with the workings of the mind to maximize its functional capacity.
In this state, you become more attuned to the Devatas, or in other words the Laws of Nature, which govern the universe. These Devatas are not just abstract concepts but living aspects of creative intelligence, that can guide and support you in every aspect of life.
By connecting with Turiya through TM, you align yourself with these natural laws, leading to greater harmony, success, and fulfillment.
Maharishi often emphasized that Turiya is the key to unlocking your full potential. It is the state where you realize your true nature as awareness without boundaries, and experience the unity of all creation. This realization is the essence of spiritual awakening.
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Connecting with Shiva at the Level of Pure Awareness
On Maha Shivratri, devotees seek to connect with Shiva, as an object of personal devotion and spiritual guidance. This is a way to connect with Shiva at the fundamental level—the level of pure, unbounded awareness.
This is the state of Turiya, where Shiva, pure consciousness, resides as the silent witness of all creation. Through the practice of Transcendental Meditation, you can experience this state and connect with Shiva in the most profound way.
TM allows you to go beyond the surface-level rituals and connect with the essence of Shiva.
As you meditate, you experience the stillness and silence that Shiva represents. This experience is not limited to Maha Shivratri; it can be a part of your daily life, helping you stay connected to your inner self and the Divine.
By practicing TM, you honour Shiva in the truest sense. You move beyond external worship and connect with the divine within you. This is the ultimate goal of spirituality—to realize that you are not separate from the divine but an expression of it.
Takeaways: Why Turiya and TM Matter
1. Turiya is the Fourth State of Consciousness: It is a state of pure awareness that transcends waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. It is the foundation for higher states of consciousness and spiritual growth.
2. TM is a Simple and Effective Tool: Transcendental Meditation is an easy, natural, and effortless way to access Turiya. It doesn’t require any special skills or lifestyle changes.
3. Regular Practice Leads to Lasting Benefits: By practicing TM regularly, you can stabilize the state of Turiya and experience greater peace, clarity, and connection in your daily life.
4. Turiya Connects You with the Divine: Through TM, you can connect with Shiva at the level of pure awareness, experiencing the unity of all creation.
5. Spiritual Growth is Within Reach: TM makes it possible for anyone to experience higher states of consciousness and realize their full potential.
Conclusion: Embrace the Bliss of Turiya Through TM
Maha Shivratri is a powerful reminder of the importance of connecting with our inner self and experiencing the state of Turiya.
Through the practice of Transcendental Meditation, you can easily access this blissful state and carry its benefits into your daily life. Whether you’re seeking inner peace, spiritual growth, or a deeper connection with the divine, TM offers a simple and effective path.
As you celebrate Maha Shivratri, consider incorporating the transcendental experience into your spiritual practice. By doing so, you honour Shiva in the truest sense—by experiencing the pure, unbounded awareness that he represents.
