Sleep is the best elixir and tonic of life. It is nature's tonic to refresh the tired man. It is a state in which the mind rests peacefully in the Karana Sharira or Mula Ajnana.
The vrittis and vasanas become dormant, or latent. It ceases all its functions. The wandering mind gets rest. It is nature's way of charging the mind with fresh energy and peace by allowing it to rest in its source when it gets tired by roaming in the avenues of objects through the currents of likes and dislikes.
There is manolaya, temporary absorption of the mind, in its cause during sleep.
Just as a kite that flies in the sky at dawn and roams about here and there in the high regions in search of food throughout the day, takes complete rest in its own nest on the tree at night, so also the jiva, individual soul, after having wandered in the dense forest of sense-objects all day long, gets into its abode called the Karana Sharira and enjoys the bliss of Sushupti, deep sleep.
In sleep, there is deep tamas. Tamas overpowers sattva and rajas. Udana vayu draws the jiva from the waking state and makes it rest in the Anandamaya Kosha, causal body.... But sleep is not tamasic state of a stone or a log of wood. The mind and body undergo change during sleep. The body, mind and the nerves are vitalised and rendered fit for new activities. Therefore, sleep is essential to keep the body and mind healthy.
March 18 is World Sleep Day
The vrittis and vasanas become dormant, or latent. It ceases all its functions. The wandering mind gets rest. It is nature's way of charging the mind with fresh energy and peace by allowing it to rest in its source when it gets tired by roaming in the avenues of objects through the currents of likes and dislikes.
There is manolaya, temporary absorption of the mind, in its cause during sleep.
Just as a kite that flies in the sky at dawn and roams about here and there in the high regions in search of food throughout the day, takes complete rest in its own nest on the tree at night, so also the jiva, individual soul, after having wandered in the dense forest of sense-objects all day long, gets into its abode called the Karana Sharira and enjoys the bliss of Sushupti, deep sleep.
In sleep, there is deep tamas. Tamas overpowers sattva and rajas. Udana vayu draws the jiva from the waking state and makes it rest in the Anandamaya Kosha, causal body.... But sleep is not tamasic state of a stone or a log of wood. The mind and body undergo change during sleep. The body, mind and the nerves are vitalised and rendered fit for new activities. Therefore, sleep is essential to keep the body and mind healthy.
March 18 is World Sleep Day
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