Dhyāna (Zen) like its counterpart gnosis moves in the direction of transcendence, that is, transcendence of all phenomena. It seeks to go beyond even the human range of perceptions and this includes perceiving and perceiver. It is like a cup of water poured into a vast ocean. Nothing fundamentally changes, but there is a decisive shift that takes place from the amount (quantum) of water to a boundless ocean.
Accomplished transcendence in Buddhism is our first connection with unconditioned spirit which is beyond all the six senses and our dualizing consciousness (S., vijñāna).
Spirit has found itself and looking back it understands that it really never left its home. While others have to take this on faith the one who has experienced spirit by spirit, directly, knows it absolutely; yes it even transcends faith.
The result of this gnosis is to throw light on the amazingly unreal status of human beings and maybe to help them escape from the seemingly endless cycles of suffering. Mankind in its present state of ignorance still does not understand how the passing of one life connects with the cells of the next life, only to become another life subject to suffering.
The great wisdom gained from gnosis has been repeatedly under attack throughout history. Incredibly, it is knowledge that is even considered dangerous for the religious and for the political authorities. This type of knowledge cannot be allowed to spread. But it does, especially in Buddhism.