Buddhism and dreaming

I would like to start a discussion on buddhist based teachings and practices which complement lucid dreaming practice. I will discuss some things I have learned in my time and if anyone has something to add please do so!

I have found that many 'buddhist' or spiritual practices can help us be a better lucid dreamer and to gain more benefit from our dreaming practice.

To start at maybe the most obvious topic, there is lots to be said about meditation. The mental faculties we cultivate through meditation(such as mindfulness, equanimity, concentration, etc.) are extremely useful for gaining skill in LDing ability. It improves recall, vividness, lucidity, dream 'control', and more. I have personally found(and many other peoples experience parallels mine) that a daily meditation practice is extremely useful for my own dream practices.

The dream state can also be used to realize certain insights about the nature of our reality, such as the insights of illusory form, emptiness and impermanence. Attaining these insights may drastically change how we view and relate to the contents of our reality(Usually in a very positive and liberating manner).

I have come across some great books which unite the two topics of dreaming and buddhist practice in a helpful and practical manner. Particularly the one I have drawn the most from is "Dreams of awakening: lucid dreaming and mindfulness of dream & sleep". It contains a lot of practical information on how to use the practice of mindfulness of dreams and sleep(Yes! You can be aware of non-dreaming sleep :shadewink:) to enhance your progress down the spiritual path towards kindness, compassion and understanding. He talks about using dreams to mindfully integrate 'shadow' aspects of your psychology if you are familiar with that Jungian terminology. He talks about using dreams as a sort of experimental grounds for realizing insights about form and emptiness. He also talks about using the dream time to perform hyper-efficient spiritual practice because of how our entire reality is constructed from our minds in that state(I'm paraphrasing here). This is an amazing book which I could recommend to anyone interested in buddhism OR dreaming. You just need to have an interest in one of those topics to enjoy and gain from this book.

I have also come across much of Andrew Holecek's work. I haven't consumed much of it yet but I just ordered 2 of his books. He similarly talks about lucid dreaming and awareness of non-dreaming sleep. I believe he also talks about how we can use these practices to prepare ourselves for death. If any of you have digested his work and have something valuable to add to the discussion please do so :)

One thing to note that I have heard from many sources, even outside of buddhist-related discussions, is that we should not be careless with how we utilize our dream time. This links to the buddhist idea of karma. The more we use our dream time for hedonistic indulgence or malevolent action(because hey, its just a dream right?) the more we cultivate this side of ourselves in all states, dreaming or awake. This is idea is similarly explained through the concept of neuroplasticity. This is why we must be responsible with what we decide to do in lucid dreams. To most responsibly use our dream time, I believe we should be acting from a place of compassionate curiosity, kind courageousness and conscientiousness. We should use our dream time to expand our wisdom of reality, to cultivate kind and understanding intentions and ultimately use our dreams as a tool to create a more integrated and wholesome psychology for ourselves.

What do you all have to say about this subject? I'd love to learn and discuss more.

Hey, great post. So many things to talk about!

I just started a meditation practice, up to 40 minutes now a day. I'm splitting mine, though, 20 minutes of sensory-free breath work to aid with WILDs, and 20 minutes of focused attention on auditory sensations, to help with DILDs, and also to build present moment awareness. What kind of meditation practice do you do / recommend?

Hm, those books sound interesting. I love anything Jungian. I've been dying to read this book I found once in a library 6 years ago - if I can figure out what it is, but it sounds similar to what you're describing. At the time, I was going through my spiritual awakening, and too scared to check it out. It was a book by a Buddhist monk, and in it he describes how the most important thing one can do in this existence is prepare for lucidity during death. This allows one to either choose to no longer reincarnate, or to help pick more lucid choices about the next life. I figure, death is probably very similar to a WILD. Any ideas on what this book might be?

My next dreaming book is going to be "Dreaming the Soul Back Home" by Robert Moss. I'm not sure how I feel about Moss, although I've read 2 of his books so far, but I still want to read it. It's on shamanic dreaming.

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Originally Posted by MoonageDaydream

I just started a meditation practice, up to 40 minutes now a day. I'm splitting mine, though, 20 minutes of sensory-free breath work to aid with WILDs, and 20 minutes of focused attention on auditory sensations, to help with DILDs, and also to build present moment awareness. What kind of meditation practice do you do / recommend?

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I'm interested in knowing what you mean by sensory-free breath work. I think I have some sort of an idea as to what you mean. I usually use the term breathwork to mean breathing exercises like pranayama. Im assuming your use of breath work is like breath awareness right? What does sensory-free mean?

The vast majority of my practice is breath awareness meditation. Simply concentrating attention the breath sensations in my nostrils. My practice time has fluctuated much over time. I also dabble with other techniques but only really practice breath awareness. For recommendations, I would really suggest whatever technique you find interesting or enjoyable! I dont think any technique has profound advantages over any others for the purpose of complementing dreaming practices.

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Originally Posted by MoonageDaydream

It was a book by a Buddhist monk, and in it he describes how the most important thing one can do in this existence is prepare for lucidity during death. This allows one to either choose to no longer reincarnate, or to help pick more lucid choices about the next life. I figure, death is probably very similar to a WILD. Any ideas on what this book might be?

My next dreaming book is going to be "Dreaming the Soul Back Home" by Robert Moss. I'm not sure how I feel about Moss, although I've read 2 of his books so far, but I still want to read it. It's on shamanic dreaming.

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I don't have much insight to offer for what that book may about. I have heard Andrew Holocek describe the practice of awareness of dreaming, sleeping and waking as kind of analogous to death and rebirth. Apparently the practice of awareness from the waking state, through non-dreaming sleep and through dreams helps prepare us to stay aware through death and into rebirth. I'm still not sure what I think about reincarnation though...

That book by Robert Moss sounds very interesting! I have only just begun to dive into the wealth of wisdom from shamanic traditions, I'll keep that book in mind! Thanks :)

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Originally Posted by MoonageDaydream

Hey, great post. So many things to talk about!

I just started a meditation practice, up to 40 minutes now a day. I'm splitting mine, though, 20 minutes of sensory-free breath work to aid with WILDs, and 20 minutes of focused attention on auditory sensations, to help with DILDs, and also to build present moment awareness. What kind of meditation practice do you do / recommend?

Hm, those books sound interesting. I love anything Jungian. I've been dying to read this book I found once in a library 6 years ago - if I can figure out what it is, but it sounds similar to what you're describing. At the time, I was going through my spiritual awakening, and too scared to check it out. It was a book by a Buddhist monk, and in it he describes how the most important thing one can do in this existence is prepare for lucidity during death. This allows one to either choose to no longer reincarnate, or to help pick more lucid choices about the next life. I figure, death is probably very similar to a WILD. Any ideas on what this book might be?

My next dreaming book is going to be "Dreaming the Soul Back Home" by Robert Moss. I'm not sure how I feel about Moss, although I've read 2 of his books so far, but I still want to read it. It's on shamanic dreaming.

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yes! "prepare for lucidity during death!" It's a key transition to the afterlife, whether we believe it or not. great reminder..!

This is a book to practice and re-read as well..As anything else requires practice and discipline..

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Originally Posted by Mikey5555

I'm interested in knowing what you mean by sensory-free breath work. I think I have some sort of an idea as to what you mean. I usually use the term breathwork to mean breathing exercises like pranayama. Im assuming your use of breath work is like breath awareness right? What does sensory-free mean?

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So what I mean is that for that meditation, the room has blackout curtains to be very dark, and I try to have it very quiet as well. So my attention can be solely on my breath, just like when doing a WILD. I'm new to this, so thank you for your insight, I value any tips.

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Originally Posted by monsa199a

This is a book to practice and re-read as well..As anything else requires practice and discipline..

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I just got this book on audible! Can't wait to read. It's good?

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Originally Posted by monsa199a

This is a book to practice and re-read as well..As anything else requires practice and discipline..

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You just inspired me to pick this book up.... Oh boy I'm going to have lots of reading to do now :chuckle:. I'm sure it will help my intentions for dreaming practice!
Thank you

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Originally Posted by MoonageDaydream

So what I mean is that for that meditation, the room has blackout curtains to be very dark, and I try to have it very quiet as well. So my attention can be solely on my breath, just like when doing a WILD. I'm new to this, so thank you for your insight, I value any tips.

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This sounds like a very good practice. The only advice I would give is to be patient, diligent, curious and compassionate to yourself. When the mind wanders, there is no need for agitation or frustration, just joyfully return it to the breath as soon as you notice it has wandered and engage with the breath sensations as fully as possible. It seems like you already embody these qualities though based on what I have read from you on this forum. I'm sure you will benefit greatly from your practice :)

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Originally Posted by Mikey5555

You just inspired me to pick this book up.... Oh boy I'm going to have lots of reading to do now :chuckle:. I'm sure it will help my intentions for dreaming practice!
Thank you

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What... okay. Lucid dreaming book club, here we go! ;)

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Originally Posted by Mikey5555

This sounds like a very good practice. The only advice I would give is to be patient, diligent, curious and compassionate to yourself. When the mind wanders, there is no need for agitation or frustration, just joyfully return it to the breath as soon as you notice it has wandered and engage with the breath sensations as fully as possible. It seems like you already embody these qualities though based on what I have read from you on this forum. I'm sure you will benefit greatly from your practice :)

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Thank you, just finished 30 minutes. Boy my mind wandered. But I am going to be patient and kind to myself as you say.

From this rock I tell you get ready to flight tonight, and may you all awaken within the dream...!Attachment 10351

Interesting thread! Mostly replying to subscribe and get updates, but: I had been reading/listening to a lot about Buddhism this past year which eventually led me back into lucid dreaming-- so I guess there's a connection there after all!

I'm not much of a Buddhist, but a while ago while reading about Buddhism I sensed a great knowledge there about the practical knowledge required to live a pleasant life (an important goal for me, far more important than my career). And most importantly, empirical knowledge, the kind that I feel most comfortable accepting and considering.

For awhile I was trying to practice 'mindfulness' in the everyday, and I could certainly see how such a practice would be of immense help to lucid-dreaming. I definitely felt I had a lot of questions about my self, and how to look at or understand certain things, and maybe if I get back into it this would be a good place to ask. I really only have time for one super detailed hobby at a time due to school, and right now it's lucid dreaming again, haha.

Also if you guys are really gonna do a Dreamview book club, I might have to put down my Shakespeare (again... I have side-goal of reading all his writings before I die, but I always put him down and forget) and pick up this Tibetan Yoga book...

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Originally Posted by lifeinsteps

Interesting thread! Mostly replying to subscribe and get updates, but: I had been reading/listening to a lot about Buddhism this past year which eventually led me back into lucid dreaming-- so I guess there's a connection there after all!

I'm not much of a Buddhist, but a while ago while reading about Buddhism I sensed a great knowledge there about the practical knowledge required to live a pleasant life (an important goal for me, far more important than my career). And most importantly, empirical knowledge, the kind that I feel most comfortable accepting and considering.

For awhile I was trying to practice 'mindfulness' in the everyday, and I could certainly see how such a practice would be of immense help to lucid-dreaming. I definitely felt I had a lot of questions about my self, and how to look at or understand certain things, and maybe if I get back into it this would be a good place to ask. I really only have time for one super detailed hobby at a time due to school, and right now it's lucid dreaming again, haha.

Also if you guys are really gonna do a Dreamview book club, I might have to put down my Shakespeare (again... I have side-goal of reading all his writings before I die, but I always put him down and forget) and pick up this Tibetan Yoga book...

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wonderful!!! ...I never read Shakespeare!, I heard a lot about it...

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Originally Posted by lifeinsteps

I'm not much of a Buddhist, but a while ago while reading about Buddhism I sensed a great knowledge there about the practical knowledge required to live a pleasant life (an important goal for me, far more important than my career). And most importantly, empirical knowledge, the kind that I feel most comfortable accepting and considering.

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That is one of my favourite things about buddhism too! Many aspects of it are incredibly practical, empirical, and reproducible! So many useful and insightful lists! Like the noble eightfold path, the four noble truths, the three characteristics of existence, five hindrances, the four foundations of mindfulness, etc... It's easy to study and learn from! Very applicable to anyones life too :)

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Originally Posted by monsa199a

wonderful!!! ...I never read Shakespeare!, I heard a lot about it...

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I don't want to derail the thread, but: most people study him in school because they are forced to and come to hate him (as I did) and never try again, but if you simply read it for fun you start to realize he's actually very vulgar, funny, and his stories are really compelling. If English isn't your first language I would recommend a translation though, because his writing is famously difficult to understand even for native English speakers (including myself, but once you read it for a few pages you get into his rhythm and it does become easier). Then again it may be a fun challenge!

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Originally Posted by Mikey5555

That is one of my favourite things about buddhism too! Many aspects of it are incredibly practical, empirical, and reproducible! So many useful and insightful lists! Like the noble eightfold path, the four noble truths, the three characteristics of existence, five hindrances, the four foundations of mindfulness, etc... It's easy to study and learn from! Very applicable to anyones life too :)

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Yes, I definitely find that the reproducible nature of what's written is immensely convincing and helpful, also the attitude of generally being like, "this is written to share it with you, so try it and see if it's good for you, but if you don't like it, you don't have to do it." The freedom to pick based on my own circumstances and beliefs about the pieces of Buddhism makes it feel more like a doctrine written for your own good that you can decide on, rather than a coercion tactic you have to follow or you'll get in trouble.

Most of my information has come from second, third, fourth, fifth sources (books written in the modern day about/by monks based on their experiences with the teachings of their teachers, passed down), so I would really like to read some of the original writings (though I fear translation sometimes makes the meaning of things challenging). That has been one of my aspects of confusion, trying to figure out what the writings are, how they're classified and how to know which ones I should be interested in as a beginner/outsider trying to simply understand.

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Originally Posted by lifeinsteps

Most of my information has come from second, third, fourth, fifth sources (books written in the modern day about/by monks based on their experiences with the teachings of their teachers, passed down), so I would really like to read some of the original writings (though I fear translation sometimes makes the meaning of things challenging). That has been one of my aspects of confusion, trying to figure out what the writings are, how they're classified and how to know which ones I should be interested in as a beginner/outsider trying to simply understand.

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I have the same experience of having digested texts which are not primary sources. I find exploring those types of sources to actually be more helpful than reading primary sources because they are more understandable and relatable. I see reading primary sources like the pali canon(Which is available in english translation here) as something more suitable for hardcore students or people studying in monasteries. For people living a more 'normal western' life I think reading whichever secondary or beyond sources interest you and you think you will gain benefit from as the best option for learning about buddhism in regards to how to live a better life. I'll list a few of my favourite 'buddhist' books which I have come across.

1. Mastering the core teachings of the buddha (Available for free online here https://www.mctb.org/. This one is a LARGE book and also gives references to MANY other books to explore on many of the subjects it discusses. I've used it to find other books to read on topics I wanted to learn more about from this book. It's actually where I found the 3rd book here, A Path with Heart. I believe it was given as a reference in relation to the training of morality.)
2. The Mind Illuminated (This one is more geared towards mastering meditation)
3. A Path with Heart

A great mantra to chant at sunrise, and in the evenings! Wishing you well:D
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_N...w?usp=drivesdk
...and a little note for ya'll..Attachment 10353

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Originally Posted by Mikey5555

1. Mastering the core teachings of the buddha (Available for free online here https://www.mctb.org/. This one is a LARGE book and also gives references to MANY other books to explore on many of the subjects it discusses. I've used it to find other books to read on topics I wanted to learn more about from this book. It's actually where I found the 3rd book here, A Path with Heart. I believe it was given as a reference in relation to the training of morality.)
2. The Mind Illuminated (This one is more geared towards mastering meditation)
3. A Path with Heart

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Just want to mention for those interested. Hoopla (digital library website) has The Mind Illuminated, unabridged, on audiobook for free. Excited.

Also, I will throw in that Tara Brach (Radical Acceptance) and Pema Chodron are amazing authors on the subject of Buddhism. Tara has lots of you tube videos as well.

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Originally Posted by MoonageDaydream

Just want to mention for those interested. Hoopla (digital library website) has The Mind Illuminated, unabridged, on audiobook for free. Excited.

Also, I will throw in that Tara Brach (Radical Acceptance) and Pema Chodron are amazing authors on the subject of Buddhism. Tara has lots of you tube videos as well.

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awesome!:wink:

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Originally Posted by monsa199a

awesome!:wink:

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So, I'm going to visit you next time I get lucid, and then talk to you in Spanish (which I don't speak in real life, only google translate :rolllaugh:), and then I will have completed my basic goal. :chuckle:

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Originally Posted by MoonageDaydream

So, I'm going to visit you next time I get lucid, and then talk to you in Spanish (which I don't speak in real life, only google translate :rolllaugh:), and then I will have completed my basic goal. :chuckle:

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...and we shall be awakened!:meditate::meditate:

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Originally Posted by monsa199a

...and we shall be awakened!:meditate::meditate:

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See you soon. :nodyes:

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Originally Posted by MoonageDaydream

See you soon. :nodyes:

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hey moonage, I went to some college in my dream, after exiting the Music lab I visited some kind of theater and I did meet a young lady, laying on a second floor, in some kind of indoor balcony without a railing. she said something like "I'm glad your here", then she rolls and drops down to the first floor. I go down with her, tangled in some kind of silk or strong fabric... I tell her to wait there for some kind of sign..
Lights go on the dance floor! and we start do dance some latin salsa!:nytacodance:
...and I know..:offtopic:

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Originally Posted by monsa199a

hey moonage, I went to some college in my dream, after exiting the Music lab I visited some kind of theater and I did meet a young lady, laying on a second floor, in some kind of indoor balcony without a railing. she said something like "I'm glad your here", then she rolls and drops down to the first floor. I go down with her, tangled in some kind of silk or strong fabric... I tell her to wait there for some kind of sign..
Lights go on the dance floor! and we start do dance some latin salsa!:nytacodance:
...and I know..:offtopic:

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:awesomed:

Sorry, I'm late to the party as usual.

Tibetan book of the dead.
Tibetan book of the living and dying.
The Tibetan yogas of dream and sleep.

Reading is only half the battle, you have to also practice what you preach. Many of these books mention the bardo, a place we go after death where our fears haunt us, and the importance of waking up after death and overcoming these fears to transition and transcend into higher realms of existence.

Using mindfulness technique to increase lucidty/awareness, and meditating in a lucid dream is the number 1 best thing you can do in a lucid dream hands down. Adapting meditation as a way of life, rather than as a practice, so that you can get to a stage where you are always in a constant meditative state in everything you do, is the way to go - or rather the way to be. When we find that state of inner peace deep within, and become familiar with it, it becomes much easier to live from that state as a new way of being.

Focusing on the breath during meditation helps in becoming consciously aware of the breath, and consciously breathing helps in becoming more consciously aware.