Significance of Dream state
The Dream state across various belief systems and disciplines is characterized by a mental and sensory experience during sleep, influenced by prior experiences and subconscious processes. In Buddhism, it is seen as a realm of illusory perceptions disconnected from external reality, while Vaishnavism and Purana reflect spiritual interpretations of dreams, emphasizing their metaphorical nature concerning reality. Science recognizes Dream state as a cognitive condition involving subjective experiences, illustrating the complexities of consciousness and perceptions that differ from waking life.
Synonyms: Sleep state, Subconscious state, Lucid dreaming, Rem sleep, Subconscious mind
In Dutch: Droomstaat; In Finnish: Unelmatila; In Spanish: Estado de sueño; In German: Traumzustand
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Dream state'
In Buddhism, the dream state is viewed as a mental condition marked by illusory perceptions, influenced by subconscious processes, and can serve as a practice tool, reflecting the disconnection from external reality.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A state of consciousness where perceptions and Cognitions occur that are generally recognized as illusory and disconnected from the external world.[1]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) The mental state occurring during sleep characterized by the creation of visions and experiences that can be harnessed for practice.[2]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A mental condition where a person experiences dreams, often misinterpreting real sounds or sensations due to mistaken perceptions.[3] (2) A condition in which a person experiences dreams, during which they may misinterpret sensory input, affecting their perception of reality.[4]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The mental and sensory experience occurring during sleep, where consciousness may be influenced by prior experiences and subconscious processes.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Dream state'
In Hinduism, the Dream state, or Swapna, is a transitional phase of consciousness experienced during sleep, characterized by illusory perceptions and emotional processing, distinct from waking reality, reflecting the transient nature of existence.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The condition of perception that occurs during sleep, where the dreamer experiences objects and scenarios that differ from the waking state.[6] (2) A phase of consciousness where the mind experiences various images and sensations that feel real but are ultimately understood as illusory.[7] (3) A state of consciousness experienced during sleep where the mind is aware of its mental states rather than external objects.[8] (4) The condition of experiencing dreams, where objects lack practical utility and realism.[9] (5) States of Consciousness similar to waking states where forms such as birth are perceived, but they are ultimately illusory.[10]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) A conscious experience where perceived entities are deemed unreal due to the nature of the dreaming experience, as later recognized from memory.[11] (2) A condition of consciousness where perceptions and events are processed differently than in the waking mind.[12] (3) A state of consciousness that occurs during sleep where experiences and perceptions may seem real, but ultimately lack continuity and true existence.[13] (4) A condition in which the mind imagines scenarios that are verily non-existent, often accepted as unreal.[14] (5) A state of consciousness where the nondual mind appears dual, similar to the experience in waking life.[15]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Represents the subconscious experience that occurs during sleep, where the Self may perceive itself differently than in waking.[16] (2) The intermediate state of consciousness where an individual experiences visions and events that are not tethered to external reality, referred to as Taijasa.[17] (3) The state of consciousness during sleep where dreams occur, also allowing for the perception of duality.[18] (4) A condition of human experience distinct from waking, where cognition of certain objects can occur, though not for those perceived in the waking state.[19] (5) A state of the Self that is influenced by external factors, characterized by the presence of specific cognitions of objects.[20]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) A state of consciousness where experiences are not grounded in reality but are manifestations of the Absolute Consciousness.[21] (2) A condition of consciousness where the jiva experiences illusions and desires, often seen as a form of waking within a dream.[22] (3) A state of consciousness similar to the waking state, where desires may still influence the jiva's experience of existence.[23] (4) The experience in consciousness of living within one's own creation of events and phenomena, where the jiva feels pleasure and pain.[24]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A condition of consciousness where one experiences dreams, usually during sleep.[25] (2) A state of awareness where the Jiva experiences thoughts and images during sleep, part of the knowledge sheath.[26] (3) A metaphor for the illusionary nature of reality, suggesting that just as dreams are not real, our perceptions can also be deceiving.[27] (4) A condition of consciousness during sleep where person experiences dreams.[28]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A condition of the soul characterized by an altered state of awareness where experiences and visions occur, differing from waking and deep sleep.[29] (2) The state of consciousness during dreaming, which is analyzed to reveal the self-luminosity of the soul.[30] (3) The condition of the soul when it is not fully aware or conscious, as represented in the context of the text.[31]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A transitional phase where the self experiences a different kind of existence, detached from the physical body's limitations.[32] (2) A state of consciousness where the self undergoes experiences that parallel the process of detachment occurring at death.[33]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The intermediate state of consciousness from which the Vishva separates before entering the waking state.[34] (2) The state of consciousness called svapna or dream, characterized by the revival of internal impressions when external objects are shut off.[35]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A phase where the Jiva interacts with dream content while being detached from sensory experiences.[36]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The state in which an individual experiences ideas and visions that are not based on direct perception of external objects but rather on internal thoughts and memories.[37]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A state of consciousness where one sees within the body, akin to being awake, but detached from waking reality.[38]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) A state of consciousness characterized by dreaming, where the distinction between reality and illusion becomes blurred.[39]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The dream state refers to the condition in which a person may perceive themselves as different from their waking self and engage in various activities.[40] (2) A condition of existence characterized by a lack of true awareness, in which the living soul experiences illusions that do not reflect reality.[41] (3) A metaphor for the illusory experience of life that distracts individuals from recognizing spiritual truths.[42] (4) A metaphor for the illusory nature of the physical world, suggesting that reality may be an unreal dream.[43] (5) An analogy describing how wise people do not relish worldly pleasures, similar to how one does not enjoy dreams.[44]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A transitional phase described by Shri Rukmini-devi, reflecting the activities and emotions of the Lord during sleep.[45] (2) The condition at night when the Lord speaks of mysterious things about Vraja and engages in loving activities.[46]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A transitional phase during sleep where Baladeva expresses himself, revealing thoughts and feelings.[47]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The comparison made by Jagannatha Mishra and Shacidevi regarding how they perceived the sound vibration of the chanting.[48]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A condition or experience occurring during sleep that does not have the same effects as real-life experiences.[49] (2) The state of dreaming where the word itself becomes the object of all actions.[50]
The concept of Dream state in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Dream state" signifies a dual awareness, coexisting with the awakened state and suggesting a continuous spiritual presence that invites religious exploration.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is the initial suggestion of religious inquiry, and is a state that is always present with the awakened state, hinting at spiritual existence.[51]