Tenzin Wangyal

An excellent guide to the philosophies and practices of some sects of Tibetan Buddhism as they relate to dream practice. Tenzing Wangyal Rinpoche draws upon the unbroken lineage of the Bon school of thought, explaining teachings that relate experiencing and guiding dreams as a tool for the general practice of spiritual attainment. The general idea is that by engaging in certain practices during waking life and just prior/during sleep one can not only advance spiritual practice in this life, show more but prepare oneself for the Bardo state between death and rebirth and increase the likelihood of breaking the cycle of reincarnation.

Presented in a clear, logically sequenced and well referenced manner, the book has much to offer for the casual dreamer as well as the more dedicated spiritual practitioner. While some of the technical details may be confusing, possibly to the point of distraction or determent for those totally unfamiliar with dream practice or Buddhist philosophy, it is definitely valuable for anyone interested in either realm. show less

"If we cannot carry our practice into sleep," Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche writes. "If we lose ourselves every night, what chance do we have to be aware when death comes? Look to your experience in dreams to know how you will fare in death. Look to your experience of sleep to discover whether or not you are truly awake."
This book gives detailed instructions for dream yoga, including foundational practices done during the day. In the Tibetan tradition, the ability to dream lucidly is not an end in show more itself, rather it provides and additional context in which one can engage in advanced and effective practices to achieve liberation.

Dream yoga is followed by sleep yoga, also known as the yoga of clear light. It is a more advanced practice, similar to the most secret Tibetan practices. The goal is to remain aware during deep sleep when the gross conceptual mind and the operation of the senses cease. Most Westerners do not even consider this depth of awareness a possibility, yet it is well known in Tibetan Buddhist and Bon spiritual traditions.

The result of these practices is greater happiness and freedom in both our waking and dreaming states. The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep imparts powerful methods for progressing along the path to liberation. show less

I see it as one of the clearly parametered paths to enlightenment. Dream work definitely has its place in human self-awareness and self-and-global cultivation. A great book with step-by step overview and even diagrams to suggest sleeping postures, breathing techniques, and visualizations to incubate, prolong, and integrate with dream worlds, dream characters, our selves, and the ultimately everything else.

One thing that I try to focus on is my spiritual well-being. Whether it is through spending time at my local Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, reading my tarot cards, or meditating, I feel that it is important to tune into my inner self in order to create a better life.

It is through disharmony in our inner self that we create a life full of chaos. Once you can calm your inner self, you will see how much of the chaos around you starts to fall away.

This book was absolutely incredible in show more assisting to get in touch with my inner self. The words of wisdom that Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche shared were truly wonderful and have definitely enriched my life.

The CD that accompanies the book has great meditations that will guide you on your journey into yourself.

It is time to free yourself from the constraints that society places upon us through stress. Take time out and get in touch with your “inner refuge”. show less