Meditation And Dreams: A Surreal State Of Mind

Meditation is a practice that has been studied for over 25,000 years. During meditation, it is possible to enter a dream-like state, which is often referred to as a hypnagogic state. This state is characterised by visions and scenarios playing out in one's head, with the individual acting as a passive observer. This phenomenon is common and can be beneficial for artists, scientists, and visionaries. However, it is important to maintain correct motivation and form during meditation to avoid deepening dullness, fantasy, and attachment to mental phenomena.

It is a common occurrence

Entering a dream-like state during meditation can be a result of your mind wandering and drifting into thoughts about the past or future. It can also be a sign that you are close to falling asleep, especially if you are meditating while lying down. However, it is important to maintain correct motivation and form during your meditation practice to avoid deepening dullness, fantasy, and attachment to mental phenomena.

If you find yourself in a dream-like state during meditation, you can choose to gently bring your attention back to your breathing or allow the scenario to play out while maintaining a mindful awareness. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you. Remember that meditation is a personal practice, and it is essential to find a method that resonates with you.

Additionally, ensure that you are in a comfortable position, sitting up with good posture, and that your eyes are closed to minimise external distractions. By adopting the right mindset and technique, you can learn to enter this state at will and explore the depths of your subconscious with curiosity and presence.

It is referred to as hypnagogia or hypnagogic meditation

Hypnagogia is the transitional state from wakefulness to sleep. It is also defined as the waning state of consciousness during the onset of sleep. The term was introduced by Alfred Maury in 1848, derived from the Greek words "hypnos" (sleep) and "agogos" (conductor or leader). During this threshold consciousness phase, an individual may experience hypnagogic hallucinations, lucid dreaming, and sleep paralysis. These hallucinations are typically visual, but can also manifest as sounds, snippets of speech, or other sensory experiences.

Hypnagogia is sometimes referred to as "hypnagogic meditation" or "hypnagogic state". It is a natural and healthy state of consciousness that individuals regularly enter during the transition from wakefulness to sleep. This state is characterised by simple shifts in cognitive functioning, resulting in fleeting perceptual experiences or hypnagogic hallucinations. These hallucinations are spontaneous, involuntary, and can vary in intensity. While hypnagogia can be unintentionally induced through practices like meditation, it can also be intentionally induced through techniques such as hypnosis.

During meditation, individuals may enter a dream-like state where they passively observe scenarios created by their minds. This state is often referred to as a hypnagogic state, as it shares similarities with the transitional phase between wakefulness and sleep. In this state, individuals may experience vivid imagery, sounds, and other sensory phenomena. It is important to note that while meditation can lead to a hypnagogic state, it is not the goal of meditation and can be a distraction from achieving a calm and focused mind.

Hypnagogic meditation, as described by Amar Singh Kaleka, is a Vedic meditation technique that aims to control the lucid dream state, extend lifespan, and heal unconscious life trauma. In his practice, individuals are guided to a relaxed and oxygen-rich state, where they can explore their imagination and enter a self-induced hypnagogic state. By learning to control their consciousness during this state, practitioners can gain insight, enhance creativity, and improve problem-solving abilities.

It can be induced by focusing on sleep

Hypnagogia, or hypnagogic meditation, is a state between consciousness and unconsciousness, often experienced when falling asleep. It can also be induced by focusing on sleep while meditating. This technique is sometimes called "astral travel", and involves relaxing the body and refraining from any movement until all bodily sensations disappear, while keeping the mind awake.

During hypnagogic meditation, you may experience visions and scenarios playing out in your mind, as if you are a passive observer. These can be related to things on your mind, or completely unrelated. This phenomenon is sometimes called "active imagination" by Carl Jung. It is a state of deep theta brain waves, similar to dreaming while asleep.

Hypnagogic meditation can be a pathway to lucid dreaming, where you gain some control over your dreams. It can also be used to extend your lifespan, heal trauma, and increase your memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

To induce hypnagogic meditation, start by sitting cross-legged with good posture and tensing and relaxing your muscles. Breathe deeply and focus on your breath, letting thoughts come and go without judgement. Close your eyes and continue to focus on the void space in front of you. When you are deep in meditation, start to consciously think about sleeping and slowly walk your body towards sleep, without actually falling asleep. This will induce a hypnagogic state, where you will experience vivid images, sounds, thoughts, lights, and colours.

It can be a result of the body falling asleep while the mind stays awake

It is possible to enter a dream-like state during meditation, and this can be a result of the body falling asleep while the mind stays awake. This is known as hypnagogia or hypnagogic meditation.

During hypnagogia, you may experience visions and scenarios playing out in your mind, almost like you are watching a movie. You may be aware that you are in this state and can choose to continue to let the scenario play out or bring your attention back to your breathing.

Hypnagogic meditation can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, healing trauma, and extending your lifespan. It can also be used to enter a lucid dreaming state, where you have more control over your dreams and can even influence the outcome.

To induce a hypnagogic state, you can try the following:

• Sit comfortably with good posture, eyes open.
• Tense and then relax your muscles.
• Focus on your breath, breathing deeply and slowly.
• Close your eyes and continue to focus on your breath, letting go of any thoughts that arise.
• As you relax deeper, you may start to see images or experience sensations in your body. Continue to focus on your breath and observe these sensations without attaching to them.
• When you are ready to end the meditation, slowly open your eyes and gently stretch or move your body.

It is important to note that some people may find it challenging to maintain awareness during this practice without falling asleep. It may take time and practice to find the balance between a relaxed body and an awake mind.

It is distinct from lucid dreaming

Dreaming during meditation is a common phenomenon. It is often described as a hypnagogic state, where one is between consciousness and unconsciousness, or an awake dream state. During this state, one may experience visions and scenarios playing out in their head, almost like a passive observer. This is distinct from lucid dreaming in several ways.

Firstly, lucid dreaming typically occurs during sleep or when one is in a sleep-like state, whereas dream-like states during meditation can occur while one is awake and conscious. In lucid dreaming, the dreamer is often aware that they are dreaming and may even be able to control their actions and the dream narrative. In contrast, during meditation, one may be aware that they are having visions or daydreams but does not have the same level of agency or control as in lucid dreaming.

Secondly, the purpose and intention behind meditation and lucid dreaming are often different. Meditation is usually practised with the intention of achieving a calm and focused mind, improving mental clarity, and cultivating a sense of presence and awareness. Lucid dreaming, on the other hand, may be pursued for exploration, problem-solving, creative insight, or simply for the thrill of experiencing an alternate reality.

Thirdly, the level of consciousness and control differs between the two states. In meditation, one usually retains a degree of awareness that they are meditating and can choose to bring their attention back to their breath or another object of focus. In lucid dreaming, the dreamer may be fully immersed in the dream and lose touch with their waking reality, often only regaining awareness when they wake up.

Finally, the techniques used to induce each state vary. Meditation often involves specific postures, breath control, and focusing the mind on an object, mantra, or the breath. Lucid dreaming, on the other hand, may involve certain sleep induction techniques, such as relaxing the body and visualizing, but the dreamer usually surrenders to the dream state rather than attempting to maintain focus or awareness as in meditation.

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