Namaste,
I was wondering what you all thought were the purpose/importance of dreams in our spiritual work?
I do have symbolic dreams that include spiritual guidance, sometimes involving the image of a spiritual master... also sometimes lucid dreams with direct guidance...
There are times when my dreams are unsettling...and scary...but these do not usually involve a positive theme.
Any ideas on their purpose/importance?
Sister Rosemary, I'm going to leave this to our brothers for deeper insight. Generally speaking, that you are having such dreams AND can recognize the difference from disturbing ones seems a great blessing.
I will caution you not to reveal the exact nature/content of your spiritual dreams in the Courtyard as it is said that revealing such aspects of ones spiritual life publically weakens the effect. You may want to talk with a living spiritual guide to get assistance with interpreting meaniing and significance.
I am leaving tomorrow to spend some days with my family.
"Two things exist in the world — dream and reality. What we call life is a succession of dreams — dream within dream. One dream is called heaven, another earth, another hell, and so on. One dream is called the human body, another the animal body, and so on — all are dreams. The reality is what is called Brahman, that Being who is Existence, Knowledge, Bliss.
He is the Guru — the sage who wants to get rid of all these dreams, to stand aside and know his own nature — who wants to go beyond this self-hypnotism."
-Also- Here is a link for a PICO Search Engine, which deals specifically with
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA. Simply enter the word, 'DREAMS'
into the Search Box and 156 Documents come up.
Dreams regarding spiritual experiences are real. However as Jayanti mentioned it, it is best not to share them with the world.
Obviously you are on the right path, with shraddha and nishtha (faith and single minded devotion)you will progress. However, try not to focus on progress but enjoy the journey. Know whether you get a dream or not, your daily spiritual work and Mother's Blessings will reach you to the shore.
Today is Swamiji's birthday by the English Calender.