Watching out for karmic traces

[JoannaB]

I have been reading a book by Rinpoche "The Tibetan Yogas of Dreams and Sleep." in this book he talks about karmic traces, how certain actions reinforce memories, and are more likely to lead to certain dreams and feelings. I noticed that my dream last night was due to a conversation earlier that day with my mother, and if I had paid more attention I could have predicted that that conversation is likely to have an impact on my dreams. Today for lunch our cafeteria had gumbo. I did not have it because I once had gumbo and I later that evening could not breathe. So I am thinking that there is a strong karmic trace here associating gumbo with trouble breathing, a powerful memory influencing my actions (not getting gumbo again). I think I will try to watch out for trouble breathing or gumbo, and do a reality check if I encounter them soon because I would not be surprised if my dream was influenced by this. As a technique for attaining lucidity, I think I will start watching out for karmic traces in my waking life, ones that have strong memories attached and are likely to influence my feelings and dreams.

[RavenOfShadow]

Great idea! I had my first lucid dream and it was during a dream that was definitely brought about by what you say are "karmic traces". Boston, Massachusetts is my home, so when the bombings happened during the marathon in shook me deeply. Last night I had a dream that directly came from my memories of the event and the news coverage, and it helped me identify that I was in a dream. There is definitely something to this! Good luck! ~Raven

[KingYoshi]

I haven't looked into the information about these karmic traces, but I know for a fact that waking life events can effect dream content. On what level they effect your dreams, really depends on the dreamers mind. If, for some reason, your conscious/subconscious relates gumbo to trouble breathing, then that is very possible. Actually, if that is the case, its not only possible, its likely. In my opinion anyway. I don't get into the whole BD and spiritual aspects of dreaming, but waking life events influencing dream content is a definite.