Dreams (Swapna)
Ever wondered what your dreams are trying to tell you?
In ancient Indian wisdom, dreams aren’t just random thoughts floating in your sleep; they are windows into your mind, life, and sometimes, your future. Texts like the Yoga Vasistha and the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad have fascinating classifications of dreams (swapna), giving us a deeper insight into what these night-time stories might mean.
So, what are these different types of dreams? Let’s walk through the seven categories, one by one.
- Drishta (Seen Dreams)
These are the dreams you get when your mind is processing the stuff you’ve seen during the day. It’s like replaying a movie that you watched or an event you experienced. Ever had a dream that feels oddly familiar? That’s your brain just sorting out things you’ve already witnessed. Nothing too mysterious here, but it’s always interesting to see how your mind arranges those bits and pieces of your daily life. - Shruta (Heard Dreams)
Now, this is where things get a little more intriguing. In these dreams, you hear conversations, songs, or maybe just random voices. It could be something you overheard during the day or even long ago. It’s like your mind has recorded sounds, and now, it’s playing them back while you’re asleep. If you’ve ever woken up wondering, “Where did I hear that?”, it’s probably a Shruta dream at work. - Anubhuta (Experienced Dreams)
Here’s where it gets deeper. These dreams come from your past experiences – not just from this life, but possibly from previous ones. Imagine dreaming about a place you’ve never been to or a time you’ve never lived in, yet it feels incredibly real. According to ancient wisdom, these dreams are like echoes from your subconscious, memories that you didn’t even know you had. - Prarthita (Desired Dreams)
Ah, the dreams of desire! Ever dreamed of something you desperately want in life? Whether it’s success, love, or even a simple wish, Prarthita dreams are born from those unfulfilled desires. These dreams are like your mind creating a space where all your longings can play out, even if just for a while. - Kalpita (Imagined Dreams)
These are the wild and fantastical dreams where nothing makes sense, yet it’s so vivid. Think about those dreams where you’re flying, or maybe you’re suddenly a superhero! These Kalpita dreams stem purely from your imagination, blending your creativity and fantasies. It’s like your brain saying, “Let’s have some fun!” - Bhavika (Future Dreams)
Ever dreamt of something, only to have it happen later? Ancient texts suggest that some dreams can be prophetic. Bhavika dreams give you a glimpse into the future. Whether it’s a hint about something good or a subtle warning, these dreams have an almost mystical quality to them. - Dosha-ja (Illness-induced Dreams)
When your body is out of balance—maybe due to illness or stress—your dreams can take on a darker, restless tone. These Dosha-ja dreams reflect your physical and mental state. If you’re unwell or feeling overwhelmed, your dreams may mirror that, often leaving you with a sense of discomfort.
Dreams are much more than fleeting images or random stories. Each type, as outlined in ancient texts, gives us a different lens to understand our inner world