Waking and Dream States are Made of Consciousness

Summary

The discussion explores the fluid boundaries between the dream state and the waking state, questioning the reality of each. It delves into how, through contemplation, the waking state can feel more dreamlike as the sense of 'objectness' diminishes, while dreams become more vivid. The conversation references spiritual teachings, like the Bhagavad Gita, to highlight that reality is shaped by consciousness, not matter, and both dream and waking states are equally real. The key difference lies in that the waking state is shared, while dreams are private experiences of consciousness.

Takeaways

• 🧘 The waking state can feel dreamlike as one's perception of material objects diminishes, suggesting a shift in consciousness.
• 🌙 Dreams can sometimes feel more vivid and real than before, blurring the lines between the dream state and waking reality.
• 📖 The Bhagavad Gita suggests a reversal in perception between the ignorant and the sage, implying different levels of understanding reality.
• 🌿 The conventional view equates reality with physical objects, considering them more 'real' than thoughts, feelings, or consciousness.
• 🔮 Consciousness is the most substantial element of experience, as it is the only element that never disappears and cannot be destroyed.
• 🧠 The waking state, from a conscious perspective, is a form of ignorance, as it misperceives the world as a multiplicity of inert matter.
• 🌌 Experience itself, made of consciousness, is the true reality, challenging the conventional belief in the primacy of physical objects.
• 🔁 There's a shift in perception where matter becomes less real, and consciousness becomes recognized as the sole reality of experience.
• 🤔 The distinction between dream state and waking state is not as clear-cut as one might think, as both are equally real experiences.
• 👥 The dream state is a private experience limited to one mind, unlike the waking state, which is a shared experience among many minds.

Q & A

What is the relationship between the waking state and the dream state, according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that the waking state can become more dreamlike as the sense of objectness diminishes, while the dream state may become more vivid. Both states are ultimately experienced in Consciousness, and their reality is not defined by the material world but by Consciousness itself.

Why does the speaker reference the Bhagavad Gita regarding waking and dreaming states?

The speaker references the Bhagavad Gita to highlight the inversion of perception between the ignorant and the sage. What is real (the waking state) for the ignorant is seen as illusion or ignorance for the sage, and vice versa. This is used to illustrate how reality and Consciousness are perceived differently based on one's understanding.

What does the phrase 'get real' imply from a conventional standpoint?

From a conventional standpoint, 'get real' means to focus on tangible, material things, implying that objects made of matter are more real than thoughts, feelings, or Consciousness.

How does the speaker describe the conventional view of reality?

The conventional view sees objects made of matter as the most real elements of experience, followed by thoughts and feelings, with Consciousness considered the least substantial. However, the speaker challenges this view, stating that Consciousness is actually the most substantial element of experience.

What is the speaker’s perspective on the nature of Consciousness in experience?

The speaker asserts that Consciousness is the most important and substantial element of experience. It is the only element that cannot be destroyed or disappear, making it the true reality of both waking and dream states.

Why does the speaker use the word 'real' in relation to 'thing' and how does this shape our understanding of reality?

The word 'real' is derived from the Latin word 'res', meaning 'thing', reflecting our belief that the reality of something is based on its 'thingness' or material existence. This shapes our understanding by prioritizing material objects over non-material experiences like thoughts or Consciousness.

How does the speaker differentiate between waking and dream states in terms of shared experience?

The speaker explains that while both waking and dream states are equally real in Consciousness, the waking state is a shared experience among many minds, whereas dreams are private and experienced by one mind.

What does the speaker mean by saying 'knowledge of the world is a kind of ignorance'?

The speaker means that the conventional understanding of the world, where we focus on material objects as reality, is a form of ignorance. This perspective overlooks the fundamental role of Consciousness in creating experience and gives undue importance to matter.

What is the speaker’s view on the reality of hallucinations compared to normal experiences?

The speaker claims that even the wildest hallucinations are as real as ordinary experiences, because both are made of Consciousness. What gives all experiences their reality is not the content but the fact that they are experienced within Consciousness.

How does the speaker suggest rephrasing common expressions that reference matter?

The speaker humorously suggests that expressions like 'What's the matter?' should be rephrased to 'What's the Consciousness?', implying that Consciousness, not matter, is the true essence of reality.