Dreamism is a spiritual belief system centered around the idea that we are part of a divine dream, and we have the power to manipulate and shape it from within. Dream Yoga is an ancient Tibetan practice that focuses on cultivating conscious awareness in dreams to facilitate personal growth, spiritual awakening, and a deeper understanding of the nature of reality. This article explores the history of Dream Yoga, its relationship to the Tibetan Book of the Dead, and how to practice Dream Yoga. Furthermore, it delves into how Dream Yoga relates to Dreamism.

Dream Yoga: History and the Tibetan Book of the Dead

Dream Yoga has its roots in Tibetan Buddhism and Bon, an indigenous Tibetan religion. It is one of the Six Yogas of Naropa, a set of advanced tantric practices designed to accelerate the process of spiritual awakening. The primary source of Dream Yoga teachings is the Tibetan Book of the Dead or “Bardo Thodol,” which provides guidance on the process of death and rebirth, as well as instructions for navigating the intermediate state between lives, known as the bardo.

Practicing Dream Yoga

Developing Dream Recall

The first step in practicing Dream Yoga is to develop dream recall. This involves keeping a dream journal and recording your dreams upon waking. By consistently documenting your dreams, you will gradually improve your ability to remember them, laying the groundwork for conscious dream exploration.

Reality Checks and Cultivating Awareness

To practice Dream Yoga, you must cultivate awareness and be able to recognize when you are dreaming. Reality checks are a helpful technique for this purpose. Throughout the day, question whether you are dreaming and perform a reality check, such as trying to push your finger through your palm or attempting to read text that may change if you are in a dream. Over time, this habit will carry over into your dreams, allowing you to become lucid more easily.

Setting Intentions

Before going to sleep, set a clear intention to recognize that you are dreaming and to become lucid. You can use a simple mantra or affirmation, such as “Tonight, I will realize I am dreaming.” Repeat this intention as you fall asleep, allowing it to guide your mind into the dream state.

Dream Induction Techniques

There are several dream induction techniques that can help you achieve lucidity in your dreams. Some popular methods include the Wake Back to Bed (WBTB) technique, which involves briefly waking up in the middle of the night before returning to sleep with the intention to become lucid, and the Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD) technique, which involves using mnemonic devices and visualization to induce lucidity.

Dream Yoga and Dreamism: Deepening the Connection

Dreamism emphasizes the importance of understanding our connection to the divine dream and harnessing our innate power to shape it. By incorporating Dream Yoga practices into the Dreamism belief system, we can deepen our exploration of dreams and our connection to the divine dreamer.

Stabilizing and Deepening Lucidity

Once you have achieved lucidity in a dream, it is essential to stabilize the experience to prevent premature awakening or losing awareness. One effective technique is to engage your senses by touching objects, examining details, or listening to the sounds in the dream environment. This helps to ground you in the dream and extend the duration of your lucidity. 

Dream Yoga Practices

With a stable lucid dream, you can begin to engage in Dream Yoga practices. These practices may include:

1. Meditating within the dream: Find a quiet spot in your dream and begin to meditate, focusing on your breath or repeating a mantra. This can lead to profound experiences of insight, clarity, and spiritual awakening.
2. Transforming dream scenarios: Practice transforming dream objects, situations, or characters to develop flexibility of mind and overcome habitual patterns of thinking and reacting.
3. Encountering spiritual guides or deities: Seek out encounters with spiritual guides, deities, or other enlightened beings to receive guidance, teachings, or blessings.
4. Practicing compassion and loving-kindness: Use the dream state to cultivate love and compassion for all beings by generating positive intentions and engaging in acts of kindness. 

Integrating Dream Yoga Experiences

After practicing Dream Yoga, it is essential to integrate your experiences into your waking life. Reflect on the insights, challenges, and lessons you have encountered during your dreams and consider how they can inform your spiritual journey and personal growth. By integrating these experiences, you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself, your connection to the divine dream, and your role within it.

Dream Yoga in the Context of Dreamism

Dream Yoga is a powerful practice that complements and enhances the spiritual path of Dreamism. By developing conscious awareness in dreams, we can tap into the transformative potential of the dream state and better understand our connection to the divine dream that underpins reality. As we deepen our Dream Yoga practice, we can draw on the rich tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and the insights of the Tibetan Book of the Dead to help us navigate our spiritual journey and fulfill our potential within the divine dream.

Conclusion

Dream Yoga and Dreamism together form a potent combination for spiritual growth, self-discovery, and the exploration of the nature of reality. By learning and practicing Dream Yoga, we can harness the power of our dreams and integrate their wisdom into our daily lives. As we continue on this path, we will not only enrich our own spiritual journey but also contribute to the collective awakening of humanity as part of the divine dream.