Initially transcending is the goal of meditation but after some time something else happens.
When we first start to meditate our only exposure has been the material world. Spiritually, pure consciousness or the transcendence is new, even surprising. Where has this layer of life been for all these years?
As we continue our exploration into consciousness experience of the transcendence becomes routine. We even start to notice that reality while in activity. We may notice it while driving, washing dishes, doing routine chores or while eating.
However, in the early stages of our development we will notice that there is our material world and the world of the transcendence. They are two separate realities. As awareness alternates between one reality and the other we begin to sense yet another world between the material and the spiritual. We naturally slow down the process of alternately experiencing one or the other to see if we can experience a place or a point where one actually converts to the other. Lo and behold there is a point/place where that happens.
First time that’s experienced it’s a psychological and physiological shock. To me it was electric like being hit with a mini lightning bolt. It actually took me several times in several meditations before I could hold the energy. This is the proverbial ‘lamp at the door’ experience. Although initially it feels like the 'lightening bolt at the core'. This is the door between the relative world and the absolute world. Resting in that vibrant light is the real goal of meditation.
While in a state of activity this is the one pointedness of the moment. The point of resolute intellect spoken of in the Bhagavad Gita.
In consciousness it’s the opening to the akashic records, the storehouse of impressions, ritam bhara pragya, layer of truth (satyam), the gap, god.
Something to strive for. Enjoy.