Sleep or Meditation?
Question
Since some days I’m falling asleep after some time of meditating. But the sleep I’m getting when meditating is totally different then normal sleep. It’s actually kind of half-waking state and half-sleeping in that I’m in deep sleep and feel lots of bliss and peace, but also I’m aware about what’s happening around me while sleeping. What should i do? Please provide guidance.
—Buddha, India
Answer
Buddha, friend:
The experience you describe is not at all rare. Continue to be aware of it and enjoy it. Paramhansa Yogananda describes superconsciousness as a state in between the subconscious state and the conscious state. He also describes how in the act of either waking from sleep or going to sleep one can slip into a kind of semi-superconscious state whether intentionally or by the fact of just having meditated before laying down to sleep.
It is NOT a substitute for meditation but it is certainly pleasant and surely nothing to be concerned about. ok?
Blessings and joy to you!
Nayaswami Hriman
