Transcendental meditation teaches God consciousnesses, which is the highest level of enlightenment one can achieve. I think of consciousness as peeling off layers and layers of skin to finally see what lies beneath. And once you see what's beneath, accept it the way it is and admit it to THE ONE we are always in search for, knowingly or unknowingly.
Another thought provoking post @ krnel. I enjoy reading them .. makes me stop and think of the bigger picture.
Transcendental consciousness is defined in another way by me. It's our capacity to be right and true by living on the path of truth, right and good. Self-control, self-master, self-governance, enlightenment are all about moral living at the highest level. We transcend the bio-nature subconscious unconscious way of living for our drives and motivations, and put truth and moral truth as our drive and motivation to create maximum freedom, peace and prosperity. No need for beliefs or dissolution of the self into nothingness, or no thinking emptiness.
Wow... never thought about TM this way. Thank you for sharing your thoughts krnel.