Vigyan Bhairava Tantra

Sutra – 75 & 86

Friends, many of the difficulties, troubles, and ailments in our lives—though not all—are deeply connected to our sleep and thought patterns, most of which we unknowingly invite ourselves. Yet, instead of focusing on these root causes, we tend to shift our attention to others, to time, or to destiny.

According to psychology, if we are deprived of REM sleep, we may become incapable of effectively performing many of the critical tasks of daily life. Psychologists broadly suggest that dreaming enhances our cognitive abilities, strengthening our thought processes and mental faculties, which ultimately help us navigate our everyday lives more efficiently.

Numerous cultures have long regarded dreaming as meaningful, and countless books have been written about dreams. A renowned psychologist theorized that dreams allow us to fulfill suppressed desires that are unattainable in our waking lives. By doing so, we free ourselves from unfulfilled longings, thereby reducing the mental burden in our daily lives. This psychologist also suggested that the real meaning of dreams is often repressed by the unconscious mind to protect the individual from facing uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. Through dream analysis, we can uncover the true meanings of our dreams, enabling us to better understand self-created problems and resolve issues that cause difficulties in life.

We have previously discussed how to correct our thought patterns in several articles. In this piece, we will explore methods to improve sleep or use sleep as a tool to refine both our thinking and our sleep itself. Psychology agrees that quality sleep can not only protect us from many physical and mental illnesses but also cure existing ailments. Furthermore, good sleep and a healthy mindset can pave the way for extraordinary success in everyday life.

The Interplay of Psychology and Spirituality in Sleep

Psychologists have made remarkable progress in analyzing the human mind, but their understanding is limited to the physical body, thoughts, and cognitive capacities. In our view, psychology has not and cannot fully succeed in the Indian context until it incorporates the wisdom of Indian spirituality, thought, and lifestyle. Without this integration, achieving comprehensive success in India seems improbable.

Similar to psychology, spirituality also describes four stages or phases of sleep. While the N1-N3 phases have slight differences in interpretation, the fourth phase in spirituality is entirely unique. The REM phase, which psychology considers the fourth stage, aligns with the fifth stage described in spirituality but is regarded not as a distinct phase but as a bodily phenomenon.

Both psychology and spirituality agree that in the REM phase, we linger between sleep and wakefulness, which is why dreams are remembered upon waking. Meanwhile, dreams occurring during the N2 and N3 stages are seldom recalled.

The Indian Context of Sleep and Its Challenges

Compared to India, insomnia and sleep disturbances are more prevalent abroad. However, in recent years, these issues have been on the rise in India due to shifts in work hours, thought patterns, and lifestyles that increasingly mirror foreign practices. Interestingly, many from other countries are turning to Indian traditions, as they recognize the detrimental effects of their own systems. They now regard Indian society, values, and practices as superior, while we find ourselves drawn to theirs—a twist of fate, nothing more.

In the United States, a Sleep Foundation provides recommendations to improve sleep quality and combat insomnia. Their suggestions include:

• Using the bed and bedroom exclusively for sleep and intimacy.
• Avoiding spending time on the bed during the day.
• Establishing consistent bedtime and wake-up routines.
• Not worrying excessively about sleep.
• Avoiding heavy meals or drinks before bed.
• Creating a sleep-conducive environment—dark, cool, and comfortable.
• Reducing caffeine intake, especially in the evening.
• Avoiding alcohol and nicotine near bedtime.
• Exercising, but not within three hours of sleeping.
• Minimizing naps, especially in the late afternoon or evening.

However, can such foreign practices or solutions work for us? In India, the sleep cycles or stages described by psychology—NREM and REM—function differently due to our unique lifestyles, sleeping habits, and societal conditions. Unlike the typical 90-minute cycle of stage changes, external factors like familial or societal pressures create significant variations.

The Evolving Sleep Patterns in India

Reflecting on sleep patterns from 15–20 years ago compared to now, the pace of change is evident. In my opinion, this transformation will become severe within the next 10–15 years, potentially surpassing the sleep-related struggles faced abroad. Numerous factors contribute to this situation, many of which are well-known to all of us. Instead of delving into the causes, let us focus on solutions to achieve restful sleep.

The Importance of Yogic Sleep in Spirituality

Yoga offers simple pre-sleep practices with profound benefits. According to spirituality, even limited sleep has no adverse effects on the body, provided it is yogic sleep. Spirituality encourages deep, restful sleep, allowing the body to complete its repair work so that upon waking, we feel physically and mentally rejuvenated.

Today, social media spreads vast amounts of information, often causing more harm than good. I have encountered individuals who, during REM sleep, experience visions of spirits, divine beings, or celestial entities. Initially, these experiences brought them joy, but over time, they became a source of distress. Most of these individuals are those who practice meditation or attempt meditative sleep, often with the desire to attain divine or supernatural powers quickly.

Those who face similar issues without practicing meditation often attribute them to external causes such as spirits, the evil eye, or curses, or they suffer from mental stress or excessive, unnecessary thinking.

The Role of Yoga, Spirituality, and Meditation

Regardless of one’s current methods or beliefs, yoga and spirituality offer remedies for all problems—provided they are practiced without expectations or desires. Through yogic sleep, everything begins to resolve naturally. There is no need to change one’s thought processes or lifestyle; transformation occurs organically. One must simply move toward achieving restful sleep.

The Significance of Yogic Sleep in Spirituality

Spirituality teaches that meditating before sleep or falling asleep in a meditative state can lead to the experience of yogic sleep over time. In the next part, we will delve deeper into the techniques outlined in this sutra to understand and apply them effectively.