In the Vedic tradition, from which Transcendental Meditation originates, the seven states of consciousness represent different levels of human awareness. These states progress from ordinary waking experience to a profound unity with the universe. I’ve simplified this concept to make it easier to understand.

The first three states—Waking, Sleeping, and Dreaming—are part of our daily experience. The fourth state, Transcendental Consciousness, offers our first glimpse into a greater reality, often called the Absolute. This state is marked by restful alertness and is typically experienced during meditation.

Some may have momentary experiences of the final three states: Cosmic Consciousness, Refined Cosmic Consciousness, and Unity Consciousness. However, it’s rare to remain fully established in these states for long periods, as consciousness is always evolving—and that’s perfectly fine. What truly matters is not reaching the final destination but the ongoing journey of expansion and growth.

1. Waking (Jagrat) : 

The familiar, everyday state where we are aware of the external world and functioning within it.

2. Dreaming (Svapna) : 

A state where we experience inner worlds, often symbolic and personal, while asleep.

3. Deep Sleep (Sushupti) : 

A dreamless, restful state where both the body and mind rejuvenate through profound rest.

RELATIVE STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS REPRESENTS 10%-12% OF THE MIND (within any 24 hour period we experience Waking, Dreaming and Deep Sleep States)

4. Transcendental Consciousness (Turiya) : 

Achieved during deep meditation, this is a peaceful and thought-free state of pure awareness where the mind experiences complete stillness.

5. Cosmic Consciousness(Turiya-Tita) : 

A more advanced state where, even during everyday activities, we maintain an underlying sense of inner peace and unchanging awareness.

6. Refined Cosmic Consciousness(Turiya-Tita) : 

A heightened perception where the beauty and divine essence of everything in the world becomes apparent.

7. Unity Consciousness (Brahman Consciousness)  : 

The highest state of consciousness, where all distinctions between self and the world dissolve, leading to the experience of oneness with the universe (WE ARE ONE).

ABSOLUTE STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS REPRESENTS 88%-90% OF THE MIND

For more information or to book upcoming course in Transcendental Meditation or to book a wellbeing talk for your office please contact hello@andreberrymeditation.co.uk

With an increasing amount of meditation apps becoming available. We explore the benefits of them and whether they are superior to that of learning with a teacher. Obviously I will attempt to keep my own biases to a minimum 😉

Pro Meditation Apps
Meditation Apps are easy to access on our Phone or PC allowing us the opportunity to practise anywhere.

They offer a greater variety of Meditations on their platform allowing for more choice and timings to suit the time us and the mood we are in at the time.

By having access to so many different teachers on their platforms we are able to connect to ones that resonate with us most.

They are cost effective and some are even free making it ideal to those on a budget.

Cons Meditation Apps

Apps may not be able to provide personalised guidance or be able to tailor their instructions to our specific needs and challenges.

They are unable to address specific questions or concerns we may have.

Without external accountability, it can be challenging to maintain consistency and overcome obstacles that may arise during our practice.

Pros Meditation Teacher

A meditation teacher offers personalised instruction, tailored to our needs and goals, helping us deepen our understanding of our practice.

They can observe our practice and provide feedback, preventing misinterpretation of experience.

A teacher can create a bespoke practise that considers our aspirations

Working with a teacher provides a sense of accountability and encouragement, which can be beneficial in maintaining consistency and overcoming obstacles.

Teachers can offer us a deeper understanding of the philosophies and principles associated with our practise.

Invariably many teachers have Meditation and Yoga communities that we can be part of allowing us to connect with other likeminded Souls.

Meditation Teacher Cons

Hiring a meditation teacher can appear pricey when compared to using a meditation app.

Finding one that can teach when we are free to learn may be difficult.

Connecting with a teacher who resonates with our own journey isn’t always possible.

We have courses in Transcendental Meditation (TM) throughout Summer in Bath, Bristol, London and Twickenham

There are some that believe Meditation should be free and that it should not be charged and I respect their opinion and if they can maintain a regular daily practise through that.
Awesome!

However when I first started meditating, I didn’t really understand what I was doing and in doing so misinterpreted so much that was going on….

I found myself giving up regularly way too soon and as I hadn’t invested anything, other than a little time. I didn’t really mind, thus creating a negative habit that would come round again and again

Once it got to a stage that I really needed to learn properly I then decided to invest in a teacher and the newly invested interest along with regular guidance and support on offer drove me to practise more consistently.

That was 14 years ago and I have been practising twice a day ever since and of course now teach and this is exactly why I charge.

A meditation teacher offers support through knowledge that has been gained through 1,000’s hours meditating and almost as much time studying.

It’s rarely done for just money and much of it what does come in, goes towards overheads such as travel, venue hire (very expensive) as well as the support thereafter.

Our ongoing support gives you not only access to our twice daily drop in online sessions but also 1 on 1 access to us throughout the day whether that is a few weeks after the course itself or 10 years later.

You can even repeat the course for free, as a kind of refresher at anytime another course is running.

As well as have access to our Meditation and Yoga days and Retreats (additional fees are required here)!

All for a one off investment of just £340 (if household is earning over £60,000 a year) and £240 (if earning less)

That all said if you are ill, struggling financially or you really feel despite all that has been said it should still be free. Yet really want to learn!

As long as you are prepared to be as committed to learning as I would be to teaching and supporting you then contact me and let’s have a chat

Testimonial
Truly enjoyed teaching sessions with Andre. I’ve been trying out TM by myself based on whatever info I was able to get from various sources but only after meeting Andre I have managed to actually stick to the habit of meditating. Perhaps partly thanks to the good old ‘if I paid for it I might as well do it’ but mostly thanks to his insightive approach and ability to give answers before questions are even asked. I highly recommend connecting with Andre if you wish to learn TM method. The lifelong support he offers is a great addition to encourage anybody to continue practicing regardless of what difficulties they might stumble upon.

Michal

For more information or to book upcoming course in Transcendental Meditation or to book a wellbeing talk for your office please contact hello@andreberrymeditation.co.uk

A question I see pop up in the press from time to time is that Meditation can be harmful.

Yes Meditation releases/makes us aware of ourselves and that’s not just happiness and bliss like states but can also be more uncomfortable ones such as anxiety laden and depressive ones too.

To think of this as negative however is a misinterpretation of experience. Much of it is due to life’s stresses being cleared/dealt with/released from the body.

Majority of the time we don’t even realise it. But every now and again we can feel a little worse for it. But when its does surface it usually clears quickly.

Fortunately as we Meditate we more an more often, they have less of a hold on us as we begin to observe them naturally rather than be immersed in with them.

This obviously doesn’t help those who are currently experiencing it and to those of you who are I would encourage you to speak to your teacher who can support you through this process.

If however you found your Meditation online or via a book and it doesn’t cover this area.  Then reduce your Meditation time for a few days, as well as take a rest directly after your Meditation for a few minutes.

Personally, when I have found myself feeling a little down after my practise. I’m thankful for it.

For, by it coming up to the surface I recognise it as leaving me rather than staying within me, where it has the potential to do far more damage.

So I just sit with it, in the present without trying to change it or casting judgement and whatever comes, let it come. To this day, when it happens, which is rare, I find it a totally fascinating and liberating experience.

Testimonial
I have recently finished a 3 day TM course with Andre Berry which was very detailed, interesting and enjoyable. Andre clearly loves teaching and is very good at it. In the 4 sessions he managed to convey a huge amount of clear information on the technique and mechanics of TM along with much kindness and humour. I genuinely feel that I now have the tools to start a lifelong practice. Thank you!

Anita

For more information or to book upcoming course in Transcendental Meditation or to book a wellbeing talk for your office please contact hello@andreberrymeditation.co.uk

18 years ago when I first started looking at Meditation as a way for dealing with stress.  I must admit I was concerned that whilst I accepted it may help me deal with such levels of discomfort.  It may also take away my energy and alround passion for life.

This was largely down to my perception of what meditation is, along with seeing pictures of people meditating and looking so calm.  This was enhanced further after connecting with teachers, some of whom came across very content in life.

Whilst these were all qualities I admired I certainly didn’t want to lose anything as a consequence of it.

Fortunately through becoming a teacher and more importantly experiencing it first hand I now recognise we don’t lose that energy or passion for life rather than become more connected to it

In learning how to deal with stress more efficiently through meditation our body becomes less affected by it.  

Thus energy that would naturally be tied up in coping with such situations would instead be put to better use such as our passions of living life itself.

Many that have learnt, have also understood the power of such practice through experience doesn’t so much as chill us out, rather than invigorate us. 

Allowing us to take on the challenges of life in more of an alert, energised and present state and whilst a sense of calm is also often experienced it doesn’t actually stop us from doing anything rather than supports us in doing it.

Recent Testimonial 

I can recommend Andre’s TM course. It was easy to follow and really enjoyable. The time flew by and the practice has already helped with my stress levels. Looking forward to enjoying the process for years.

For more information or to book upcoming course in Transcendental Meditation or to book a wellbeing talk for your office please contact hello@andreberrymeditation.co.uk