They also insist that it has to be practiced under guidance. They have also indicated that the awareness in the waking state is the level of awareness we would have in the sleeping state as well once we master that plane and the need to therefore be more conscious in the waking state.
It is not a separate yoga of sleep that one has to practice but the integral yoga which, in the course of its progression enters and extends itself into the sleep state, thereby transforming its nature. The quality of the sleep depends upon the quality of our day. In other words if we live our day in a beautiful way, according to the Divine Guidance, in everyday activities of life then the waking consciousness automatically extends into our sleep state. We begin to become conscious of our dreams. Then, to further facilitate the process, we need to make our consciousness clear by relaxing and widening ourselves as we enter into sleep thinking of the Divine Mother. When we wake up we have to remain in the bed without stirring and focus on the dreams that came up. One can also keep a dream record and try to go deeper into the dream after one has woken up. If you can do this with success, – it takes time to develop this ability to become conscious in the sleep state, then the yoga of sleep has begun. Rest is a matter of time and perseverance.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
