A Conceptual and Phenomenological Analysis of Pure Consciousness During Sleep

Abstract

While most accounts of “awareness” during sleep have focused on the phenomenon of “dream lucidity”, in this presentation I will discuss a qualitatively distinct state of consciousness beyond ordinary lucidity that can be experienced along with dreaming and deep sleep. This state is referred to in the ancient Vedic tradition as “samadhi” or pure consciousness”. When this state is maintained during dreaming or sleep, it is said to serve as a silent “witness” or observer to these changing relative states.