Meditation and sleep
Question
QUESTION: Can someone meditate at night while lying down without falling asleep? Some yogis practice what is called Yoga Nidra or Dream Yoga. The body go to sleep but the mindstream remain alert to achieve trance.
ANSWER: 1. When consciousness is merged in the self (Samadhi), the position of the body does not matter as the body no longer exists as regards that consciousness.
2. 'Yoga Nidra' is not meditating in sleep. It is only another form of sleep which is more relaxing and intense than normal sleep.
ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)
[an error occurred while processing this directive]---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: But the important thing about diferent postures is the kundalini energy which when awake brings samadhi. WHy some master say the kundalini energy in the spine needs a straight vertical position to wake up and go up to the crown chakra? Not an horizontal one.
Answer
1. All these things apply only until one goes into Samadhi and not later.
2. Yes, an erect and vertical spine, in line with the head and neck is preferable for proper awakening.
ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)