My dear friends,

In Point 2(b) of his Mind Training in Seven Points, Geshe Chekawa advises us, after receiving the teaching of emptiness and dependent origination, to proceed as follows.

In order to follow this advice without falling into the trap of nihilism ("nothing exists") or solipsism ("nothing exists except in my mind"), it is essential to understand that during dreaming sleep, also known as REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, the body's mechanisms undergo specific changes that affect both afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) signals.

1. Afferent (Sensory) Signals:
   • Sensory input is significantly reduced during REM sleep. The brain is less responsive to external stimuli, allowing the sleeper to remain in a dream state without being easily awakened by external noises or other sensory inputs. This reduction in sensory input helps maintain the continuity and vividness of dreams.
2. Efferent (Motor) Signals:
   • Efferent motor signals are actively inhibited during REM sleep. This phenomenon, known as REM atonia, involves the suppression of motor neuron activity to prevent the physical acting out of dreams. The brainstem plays a crucial role in this process, sending inhibitory signals to the spinal cord to reduce muscle tone and induce temporary paralysis of most voluntary muscles. This prevents movements and ensures that the dreamer does not physically enact their dreams, which could potentially be harmful.

However, not all sensory and motor activities are completely blocked. For example, certain sensory systems (like auditory processing) can still be partially active, allowing important sounds (like a baby crying) to be noticed and potentially wake the sleeper. Similarly, some minor muscle twitches and movements can occur, but these are usually limited and do not involve major muscle groups.

The diagram at right, taken from our previous discussion of The Karmic Cycle, illustrates the complex interplay of various components of consciousness and their relation to karma. To address Geshe Chekawa's recommendation to "Regard all phenomena as if they were dreams," it is beneficial to understand both the similarities and differences between waking and dreaming consciousness and how they relate to our karmic actions.

Similarities Between Waking and Dreaming Consciousness

1. Mental Formations: Both waking and dreaming consciousness involve mental formations, which are influenced by our past experiences, habits, and karma. These formations shape our perceptions and intentions in both states.
2. Consciousness: The flow of consciousness is continuous in both states. In dreams, the mind creates scenarios and experiences from stored memories and latent impressions, while in waking life, it processes sensory input along with mental phenomena.
3. Intention and Action: Intentional actions in both waking and dreaming states generate karma. For instance, strong emotions and intentions experienced in dreams can have a significant impact on our mental state and future actions, just as they do in waking life.

Differences Between Waking and Dreaming Consciousness

1. Sensory Input: Waking consciousness is heavily influenced by sensory data from the external environment, whereas dreaming consciousness relies primarily on internal mental phenomena and memory.
2. Perceived Reality: Waking phenomena are often perceived as more concrete and real, while upon waking, dreams are recognized as empty of inherent existence and dependently arising. This recognition can be leveraged to understand the illusory nature of all phenomena.
3. Environmental Effects: In waking life, actions have direct consequences on the physical and social environment. In dreams, the effects are confined to the mental realm, although they can still influence waking consciousness and karma.

Karmic Effects in Waking and Dreaming

• Waking Actions: Actions taken in the waking state usually have immediate and tangible consequences, contributing to our karma in a more observable way. These actions influence our environment, relationships, and future experiences.
• Dream Actions: While actions in dreams may not have direct physical consequences, they affect our mental state and can reinforce or weaken karmic tendencies. For example, experiencing compassion or anger in a dream can strengthen those tendencies in waking life.

Application on the Bodhisattva Path

1. Understanding Emptiness: By considering the similarities and differences between dreams and waking experience, we cultivate an understanding of emptiness and the dependent arising of all things. This reduces attachment and aversion, which are rooted in the mistaken belief in the inherent existence of phenomena.
2. Mindfulness and Awareness: Practicing mindfulness in both waking and dreaming states enhances our awareness of the nature of consciousness and the creation of karma. Lucid dreaming, where one is aware of dreaming while in a dream, can be a powerful tool for understanding the mind.
3. Compassion and Bodhicitta: Recognizing the dream-like nature of phenomena helps us to develop compassion and bodhicitta (the mind of awakening). We see the suffering of beings as due to clinging to impermanent phenomena, which motivates us to alleviate their suffering with greater urgency and wisdom.
4. Reducing Fear and Anxiety: Understanding that both waking and dreaming experiences are impermanent and dependently arising can reduce fear and anxiety. This helps us face challenges with equanimity and resilience, furthering our progress on the Bodhisattva path.

Conclusion

Considering the similarities and differences between waking and dreaming consciousness, and their karmic effects, can deepen our understanding of emptiness and dependent arising. This perspective aids in reducing attachment, increasing mindfulness, and cultivating compassion, all of which are essential on the Bodhisattva path.