Buddhism And Ld-ing

[cygnus]

I am a Buddhist and I have found that a lot of concepts and practices involved in Buddhism are compatible with lucid dreaming. Meditation and yoga have been very effective in increasing my level of awareness and helping me to obtain lucidity. Having a connection between mind and body and between consciousness and unconsciousness seem to be the major principles behind LDs. I wanted to see if anybody else has thoughts on this, or has more experience with combining these two disciplines. Thanks!

[The Blue Meanie]

Hi Cygnus! I've sent you a welcome PM, but I thought I'd reply here as well. Buddhism and LDing are VERY compatable. Actually, you might want to look into something called "Tibetan Dream Yoga" - I'm not exactly very well-read on it, but it's supposedly a practice of some buddhist monks involving yogic activities in dreams, where it is possible because of the nature of dreams, to do things impossible in waking life. Lucid dreaming would be required, I think, for this activity. So, yes. Buddhism and LDing are very compatable, and there are links between the two. Some buddhist practices would involve lucid dreaming, if Dream Yoga is a good example...

[folded]

I read up on Tibetan Dream Yoga many years ago. Given that it is a known Tibetan Buddhist practice, I'd agree with Blue Meanie that LDing and Buddhism are very well matched for each other. My best insights have come during lucid dreams. And, while I have not ever reached samhadi during meditation, it seems that one of its effects are very similar to a waking dream (visions, insights, etc.) If you can get a book on it (here: http://www.amazon.com/Tibetan-Yogas-Dream-...2352&sr=8-2), it will be interesting reading. The "why" and "what" of the practice are fairly understandable. But, unless you are an avid practicioner of Tibetan Yoga in general, it may not be easily done by the methods shown. ie: imagine these sanskrit letters, and the sounds of .... Personally, I find LaBerge's methods of gaining lucidity are easier. While I am not a Buddhist, I found the remainder of the book very enlightening.

[Universal Mind]

There is a book by Malcolm Godwin titled The Lucid Dreamer. It is extremely interesting and informative, and it talks a whole lot about expanded consciousness and enlightenment through lucid dreaming. It mentions Tibetan dream philosophies and other ones a whole lot.

[cygnus]

Hey thanks you guys! You might want to give this a read if you're interested - it explains how some religions interpret dreams and gives both eastern and western perspectives. http://www.natural-connection.com/resource...dream_yoga.html