Lezione 1
Introduction
Before we enter the first sleep session, let's take a few minutes to orient ourselves to the course. When the ego rests, the soul awakens. The ancient wisdom of Zen can help the restless ego remember there is nowhere to go. There is just this. Throughout this course, Charles and Saqib will alternate guiding you through classic Zen stories to take you out of the stories of the ego and into deep restful sleep.
Lezione 2
The Moon Of Truth
In this first sleep session, Charles first guides you through a complete relaxation of the body, releasing tension and preparing for deep sleep. You will then be guided through a peaceful visualization of a foundational Zen concept: the Moon of Truth. As your thoughts settle and your mind rests, you clearly reflect the moon of truth.
Lezione 3
Being The Moon
In this second session, Saqib guides you (and the ego) into a state of deep surrender, preparing for restful sleep. You will then experience the Zen concept of the finger pointing at the moon, which emphasizes experiencing truth directly, beyond all concepts and symbols. As you settle into a peaceful state, let go of intellectually grasping anything and immerse yourself in the pure, direct experience of stillness, presence, and relaxation.
Lezione 4
The Enlightened Fish
In this third session, Charles guides you through a relaxation of all tension in the body, signaling to the ego mind that it's time to rest. Then you will experience a Zen metaphor of the awakened mind as a fish swimming in water. The fish is unaware of the water that supports its entire existence. Let's become the water.
Lezione 5
A Single Dewdrop
In this fourth session, Saqib guides you into a state of deep relaxation by making you experience the energy of the seven moons. Then you will experience the Zen concept of the entire universe being reflected in a single dewdrop, a metaphor for the enlightened mind. As you settle into slumber, feel the profound interconnectedness of all things, the vastness of the universe contained within the stillness of your own mind.
Lezione 6
Moon Water
In this fifth session, Charles guides you through a relaxation process to prepare your body, and the ego mind, for deep sleep. Then you will experience the Zen concept of the awakened mind being like both water and the moon. The moon reflects in the water without getting wet, and the water remains undisturbed by the presence of the moon's reflection. As you drift into restful sleep, feel the serene harmony of the undifferentiated mind (the soul mind) and its innumerable reflections.
Lezione 7
A Frog & The Ocean
In this sixth session, Saqib prepares you for deep sleep through guided relaxation. Then you will experience a profound Zen story in which a frog yearns to understand the vastness of the ocean, symbolizing the search for enlightenment. As you ease into sleep, feel the frog's journey as an expression of your own quest for spiritual awakening.
Lezione 8
The Empty Boat
In the seventh session, Charles guides you into a state of deep bodily relaxation in preparation for restful sleep. Then you will experience a foundational Zen story about a a monk and a boat. We are all empty boats. Understand this, and you understand Zen. Understand Zen, and you understand yourself. Understand yourself, and be awakened by all seemingly separate things.
Lezione 9
Cloud Water
In this session, Saqib guides you through a soothing visualization practice, allowing you to experience the various states of water, awakening your inherent fluidity and adaptability and your potential for peace and stillness amidst the movement of the mind.
Lezione 10
Re-entering The Cycle Of Zen Sleep
In this final lesson, we explore the profound nature of Zen sleep, where rest transcends into a meditative state. The cycle of Zen sleep is a continuous journey, each night taking you deeper into the essence of stillness and unity. As you embrace the repetition of this practice, you cultivate inner peace and wisdom, allowing mindfulness to flourish within your subconscious. Through repetition, we delve into the sacred spiral of awakening through sleep, nurturing harmony and enlightenment with each restful night.