Organised by NAMAH, the Journal of Integral Health, this online programme was held with an aspiration to facilitate the journey of integral transformation through the yoga of sleep and dreams, based on Mother and Sri Aurobindo's work. About 30 people registered for the event.

On the first day, the speaker introduced us to the stages of sleep and circadian rhythm. She took us through an exploration into how to truly prepare for sleep and the attitudinal change required. She explained in detail how this helps us towards moving into a conscious sleep. The true purpose of sleep became quite revelatory, when she explained how conscious sleep helps us to evolve in consciousness. After introducing us to the powers of consciousness, we were taken through a journey of our inner worlds. She gave us an introduction to an insightful sadhana of how to surrender the inner worlds to the light of the Divine Self.

On the second day, she took us through an insightful exploration into what dreams are and their sources which filled us with wonder. The subconscious dreams were described deeply, in context to the content of the past impressions they hold. She reiterated the importance of working with them as they are a potential peek into the parts that need transformation. To help with that process, a detailed guidance in dream journaling was explained, so that we remember them as we wake up and can work with them. The vital and mental dreams were differentiated and a meditative immersion of stepping back and witnessing was given.

On the third day, the speaker described in detail, the subtle body (the subliminal self, consisting of the inner mind, inner vital and subtle physical body). The nature of each of the inner planes were brought out with suitable examples. She held the space on the foundation of Integral Yoga and introduced us to the world of subliminal dreams and to the powers of the subliminal. The different kinds of dream with the need for deep sleep in ayurveda was explored in detail.

On the fourth day, the session was a deep dive to memory in context to neuroscience and yoga psychology. The role of sleep, yogasana, pranayama and trataka in strengthening memory was reiterated. The application of memory at different layers of being and how to work with a consciousness-based memory was put forth. Concentration at each centre and how it transforms various regions of consciousness, was deeply explored. The purification of chitta through sadhana was given as simplified daily practice.

On the fifth day, the session focused on learning from the dreams, through dream analysis. The language of symbols in the subconscious and how to interpret them intuitively was explained. Questioning the dream in a personal context as to what is the message of this dream right now, in accordance with the current situation of my life, was highlighted as the most important. The interpretation of symbols with reference to Savitri was given as a completion to the learning.

On the sixth day, as a summary of the workshop, Mandukya Upanishad was highlighted to bring into focus the four states of Self (the Waking, the Dream, The Deep Sleep and the Transcendent Self). This was further correlated with SriAurobindo's explanation of the Om symbol (AUM). The session concluded with the words of Mother and SriAurobindo on the essence of yoga and dreams, stating the importance of Silence (Sushupti) which is far more powerful than hours of sleep. The session was curated well with the experience of the speaker on the foundations of Integral Yoga. It was an eye opener to the yoga of sleep and dreams.

Feedback:

“Loved everything about this workshop. Loved the structure, the examples, the experiences, the references to reading material and other historical references to practices and other useful information.”

“This week has been so insightful and I am really grateful for this opportunity to listen to Jayashree. For me dreaming has always been very powerful and insightful. I have had many dreams which told me the answers to questions I've had, prophetic dreams and also experiences of my inner being, This week has been so insightful and I am really grateful for this opportunity to listen to Jayashree.”

“For me dreaming has always been very powerful and insightful. I have had many dreams which told me the answers to questions I've had, prophetic dreams and also experiences of my inner being, which showed me the past, the present and future."

"I have also seen a lot of creatures and beings since childhood which I could never understand or imagine existed. For a long time, these creatures scared me and the line was very blurry between sleeping, dreaming and being awake, until I discovered the Mother and ever since I have never been afraid. In fact, more curious and calm. Each being or dream experience brings a message or meaning which is needed for our progress.”

“I deeply appreciated the wealth and depth of information and the clarity and deep knowledge and I deeply appreciated the wealth and depth of information and the clarity and deep knowledge and sincerity that Jayashree demonstrated in her lectures. Very insightful indeed.”

“It really invoked an aspiration for a conscious sleep and I already started implementing some of the teachings and noticing the shift that is starting to take place in the quality of my sleep and attention to dreams.”

“This is the best training experience that I have ever had.”

“Yes, I had no idea that consciousness could be achieved while we sleep. Such an exciting possibility.”