Meditation, therapy for peaceful sleep

When Bhagava resided at Kimbila in Veluvana, he taught the Bhiksu:

Dear Bhiksu,

There are five pernicious effects to wandering-mind people who do not have sampajanna (clarity awareness) when sleeping. What are they? Sleeping in anguish; waking up in agony; having nightmares; not being protected by Devas; turning impurity.

Dear Bhiksu,

These are five effects towards wandering-mind people being unaware of sleeping.

However, Bhiksu, there are also five benefits for people having clear awareness when sleeping. What are they?

Sleeping soundly; waking up energetically; not having nightmares; being protected by Devas; not turning impurity.

Bhiksu, these are five benefits to mindful people having clear awareness in sleeping.

 (DTKVN, Anguttara II, Chapter 5, the Kimbila, Distraction part, published by VNCPHVN, 1996, pp.713)

 COMMENT: 

Daily working life seems to be strenuous for most people. Thus, a deep, sound, and peaceful sleep at night is a golden opportunity to rest and restore vitality in order to begin a new working day. However, having a peaceful and sound sleep seems to be easy and simple, but it is really a desire of many people.

Overwhelming stress owing to work pressure along with complicated hardships of modern life has shattered peaceful mind. People mostly live in nervousness, anxiety, upset, competitiveness, hatred, and fear, etc.

 It is anxiety that sabotages our sound sleep, sheerly enervate our energy and spirit. Sleeping pills may temporarily relieve stress, lull us to dreamless sleep but we may wake up in haggard and tiredness.

 According to Bhagava’s wisdom, in order to sleep peacefully, the soul should be peaceful, gentle and relaxed in daily life or at least before sleeping. In other words, it is advised to practice mindful meditation every day and practice relaxation before bedtime.

 Shaking off all anxiety and jitter; letting our mind count on practice (citing Buddha’s Great Fame, mindfully breathing, etc.); walking in meditation for a few minutes; relaxing the body; absolutely deleting stimulants such as tea, coffee, etc., is the best therapy for a good sleep.

 Those who have clear awareness and consciously sleep are easier to snatch a deep and peaceful sleep. Deep but short sleeps still bring peace and power for body and mind than sleep with nightmares and disturbance. Sleep in peace is the foundation of peaceful waking-up and vice versa.

 Sleeping peacefully is an effective practice to nurture and protect peaceful mind. Therefore, Buddhists in daily life often wish both peaceful day and peaceful night.

 Quang Tanh. 

Translated Into English by Nguyen Hoang Thoai.