Patanjali Yogasutra 1.38
स्वप्ननिद्राज्ञानालम्बनं वा ॥ १.३८॥
"Meditate on the Knowledge that comes in sleep."
Patanjali's Yogasutra 1.38 suggests that one can achieve steadiness of mind by meditating on the knowledge gained from dreams and deep sleep. This sutra highlights an alternative method for achieving mental stability and concentration. In the context of yoga, dreams and deep sleep are considered states where the mind is less influenced by external sensory inputs and more connected to the subconscious. By focusing on the insights and experiences from these states, a practitioner can cultivate a deeper understanding of their inner self and achieve a more tranquil mind.
The significance of this sutra lies in its recognition of the subconscious mind's role in spiritual practice. Dreams often reflect unresolved thoughts and emotions, while deep sleep represents a state of Pure Consciousness devoid of mental activity. Meditating on these states allows practitioners to access deeper layers of their psyche, leading to greater self-awareness and inner peace. This practice can help in overcoming mental distractions and achieving a state of samadhi, or meditative absorption.
Furthermore, this sutra emphasizes the importance of non-ordinary states of Consciousness in the yogic path. It acknowledges that valuable insights can be gained not only through waking experiences but also through the subtle realms of dreams and sleep. This holistic approach to meditation encourages practitioners to explore all aspects of their consciousness, thereby fostering a more comprehensive and integrated spiritual practice.
Comparative Verses from Vedic Texts
Rigveda 10.129.4
सूर्यो न उद्यते यामि तस्मिन्ध्यान्ति सर्वाणि भूतानि।
"In the beginning, there was neither existence nor non-existence; all this world was unmanifest energy. The One breathed, without breath, by its own power; nothing else was there."
This verse from the Rigveda speaks to the primordial state of the universe, akin to the state of deep sleep where there is no duality or differentiation. It highlights the concept of a unified Consciousness that exists beyond the waking state.
Mandukya Upanishad 7
नान्तःप्रज्ञं न बहिष्प्रज्ञं नोभयतःप्रज्ञं न प्रज्ञानघनं न प्रज्ञं नाप्रज्ञम्।
"It is not that which is conscious of the internal world, nor that which is conscious of the external world, nor that which is conscious of both, nor that which is a mass of consciousness. It is neither Consciousness nor unconsciousness."
This verse describes the state of Turiya, the fourth state of Consciousness, which transcends waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. It aligns with the idea in Yogasutra 1.38 of accessing deeper states of Consciousness for spiritual growth.
Yoga Vashishta 3.9.32
स्वप्ननिद्रासमाधिषु यथा दृश्यं तथैव च।
"Just as in dreams and deep sleep, so also in samadhi, the mind perceives various objects."
This verse from the Yoga Vashishta draws a parallel between the states of dreams, deep sleep, and samadhi, suggesting that all these states offer valuable insights for the practitioner. It reinforces the idea that meditation on these states can lead to spiritual enlightenment.
These verses from the Vedic texts provide a broader context for understanding Patanjali's Yogasutra 1.38. They highlight the significance of non-ordinary states of Consciousness in the spiritual journey and underscore the importance of integrating insights from dreams and deep sleep into one's meditative practice.
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