"The Blissful realm of consciousness: Exploring Yog Nidra"

 

How well did you sleep last night? I will take the answer as ’ well’ The data on sleep irregularities and deprivations and their hazardous side effect- according to a study done in 2023, Overall, 88% of men and 94.5% of women had Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores of ≥5 and a mean PSQI score of 9.2 ± 3. Students with severe or extreme depression scores, with severe or extreme stress scores made me think that sleep is an important factor in survival. You might have encountered those dangerous and provoking experiments on human brains when sleep-deprived. according to the fifth volume of the Rasajalanidhi (chapter 23). Accordingly, “In sleep (nidra), the fatigue of the mind is followed by the fatigue of the sense-organs and their consequent withdrawal from the objective world”. That answers how important the quality of sleep is. 

The concept of Yog Nidra

refers to the practice of achieving a state between sleep and wakefulness, also known as light sleep. This concept has 

been referenced in Vedic literature and Ayurvedic texts as well as in tantric practices in various cultures.  Nidra is even considered equivalent to a goddess in ancient scriptures!; ‘ब्रह्मज्ञानाभ्यसन- विधिना योगनिद्रां गतस्य’’ by the practice of Brahma abhyas one can attain this state.(brahmajñānābhyasana- vidhinā yoganidrāṃ gatasya) Bhartṛhari 3.41. In ayurved, Charak Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya both signify nidra as one of the pillars of life. The practice of yoga nidra, also known as yoganidrā, has been praised n

ot only in Indian history but also in tantric practices of Tibet, Buddhism, Jainism, and Tibetan Buddhism. In the Amanaska, yoganidrā is referred to as the no-mind state and is associated with the term nidrā, which means "sleep" in Sanskrit. This practice is well attested in epic, Tantric, and Pauranic literature that predates the Amanaska. According to Ratnākaraśānti's commentary on the Mahāmāyātantra, yoganidrā resembles sleep as it is free from distractions and is described as both yoga and sleep. During the practice of yoganidrā, periodic bursts of alpha waves are interspersed between alternating periods of beta and theta predominance, leading to a state where consciousness is poised between wakefulness and sleep. By remaining aware and alert in the alpha-predominant state, a profound experience of total relaxation is achieved. 

The outcome of yoganidrā is total harmony and integration between all levels of consciousness, ultimately leading to transcending the initial three states of awareness and entering a unitive state beyond individual consciousness—a merging with the universal consciousness.

 During the practice of Yog Nidra, there are periodic bursts of alpha waves, which induce relaxation, and the consciousness fluctuates between wakefulness and sleep. This practice helps in achieving a profound experience of total relaxation and has been praised for its benefits in physical, mental, and spiritual health. It is a doorway to higher states of consciousness.

This will strengthen the decision-making capacity you will probably wake up with a superpower!

"

The practice of yoganidrā results in complete harmony and total integration across all levels of consciousness. Those who master the yoganidrā technique surpass the three initial states of awareness and enter a fourth unitive state that transcends individual consciousness, merging with the universal consciousness."

Science of sleep- According to physiology the things that happen when one sleeps-

• Resistant blood vessels dilate.

• Cardiac output is reduced.

• Regulation of neurohormones

• Analysis of recorded memories, grasped knowledge-inferring near future and analyses of brain function.

• Significant activity in alpha waves- also in growth-related hormones

• Repair of damaged cells. 

• Ayurved also describes similarly- describing sleep as effect of night and influenced by Kapha dosha and tamas bhava. Which also in nature, has the calming effect of slowing down on the body.

How can we practice yoga-nidra? –

 •  Preparation:

• Lie down in Shavasana (corpse pose) with the aligned body, feet slightly apart, and arms at the sides, palms facing upward.

• Close your eyes and relax.

•  Resolve (Sankalpa):

• Begin with resolve or ‘Sankalpa’, a short, positive affirmation or intention, stated mentally three times with full conviction and feeling.

•  Body Scan:

• Mentally scan the body part by part, bringing awareness to each part sequentially.

•  Breath Awareness:

• Observe the breath as it flows in and out of the nostrils.

•  Sense Perception:

• Become aware of sensory perceptions such as sounds, smells, and the sensations of touch, but remain a detached observer. Witness whatever state your mind delves into.

•  Visualization:

• Visualize a series of images or scenes, as guided, to induce deeper relaxation and subconscious exploration.

•  Repeat Sankalpa:

• Repeat the resolve or Sankalpa once again, integrating it deeply into the subconscious mind. Surrender yourself to the feeling of ultimate relaxation, peace, satisfaction and most importantly, detached.

•  Return to Wakefulness:

• Gradually bring awareness back to the physical body.

• Move fingers and toes, stretch the body, and slowly open the eyes.

These steps are scientifically listed for you, after reading an article on the science of yoga nidra by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. If we look into these steps from a scientific aspect, this practice shall gradually divert your irregular conscious state into a deep, subconscious and pure state of peace. 

Why do we need to know something like yoga Nidra?-

• In today’s world- where time is insufficient for both relaxation as well as for being productive. Time seems less for everything. 

• To deal with evolving, world our brains need to evolve the mechanism of dealing with things- scientifically, to build new or modify the existing synapses or neural associations.

•Yog nidra shall help us be mentally relaxed with an intense sense of peace which shall reflect within us in all aspects.

There is no doubt furthermore details of yog nidra are more in the spiritual dimension, but for now, let's see how can we apply such an advanced and ultra-scientific process in our lives to grow.

Yog nidra is the harbringer of :

1. Development of an indestructible state of mind and focus.- (do I even need to explain to you why we need this?)

2. Manage and relieve the fatigue caused by haphazard lifestyles.

3. Grow thoughtfully and spiritually.

4. Enhancement of neural connection-patterns.

5. Increased productivity and better time management.

6. Enhanced sensory perceptions.

And many more beyond the scope of words and explanations. 

It's simple- sleep is an important factor for survival. we are not getting the quality of sleep that the evolved and multitasking mind deserves. Instead of getting arrested with a habit of sleeping pills, we should go for a holistic approach to spiritual science Nidra-way of enhancing the quality of sleep never minding about quantity-practising yog nidra-being a beneficiary of the neuroscience and finding stability and peace in every minute action and effect of life.

Would like to end on a note- 

निद्रायत्तं सुखं दुःखं पुष्टिः कार्श्यं बलाबलम्|

वृषता क्लीबता ज्ञानमज्ञानं जीवितं न च||३६||

- A shloka in Charaka Samhita says that sleep is one of the factors responsible for sustaining a living body. It plays a decisive role in bringing about happiness, nourishment, strength, weakness, sexual urges,impotency, learning and life! And if any compromises on sleep is done it shall curse with the opposite qualities of these.

Sleep well, I hope you all will take care of how well you sleep and continue to do awesome in your lives!

                                        -Shrutika V. Patankar ©