What makes dreams so different from reality?

The difference between dreams and reality is a debatable topic explored in various disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, and spirituality; as dreams and reality’s karmic energy and causality effects our senses the same.  See: My Dream Life Expose Reality and Spirituality Both As Frauds.  Here’s an overview of how dreams and reality differ:

Nature of Existence

Dreams: Dreams are mental experiences that occur during sleep, created entirely by the mind. They are not bound by the physical laws that govern the waking world and can be fantastical, abstract, or surreal. In dreams, anything is possible because they are constructed from thoughts, memories, and emotions without the constraints of the external physical world.

Reality: Reality refers to the state of things as they actually exist, outside of the mind. It is governed by physical laws (e.g., gravity, time, space) and is consistent and measurable. Reality is shared by all conscious beings, while dreams are subjective experiences unique to each individual.

Perception and Awareness

Dreams: Perception in dreams is entirely internal. The dreamer experiences sights, sounds, sensations, and emotions that are generated by the mind, often without being aware that they are dreaming (unless in a lucid dream). In dreams, the dreamer’s awareness is often distorted, with changes in time, space, and identity being common.

Reality: Perception in reality is based on sensory input from the external environment (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell). Awareness in reality is typically more stable and consistent, and we generally have a clear sense of self and continuity. Reality is experienced through direct interaction with the physical world and is usually more predictable and logical than dreams.

Consistency and Logic

Dreams: Dreams often lack logical consistency. They can shift in scene, character, and storyline without reason, and the dreamer might not question these inconsistencies while dreaming. The rules that govern dreams can change instantly, and what happens in a dream is often symbolic or abstract rather than literal.

Reality: Reality follows the rules of logic and causality. Events have causes, and the world behaves according to consistent physical laws. Reality is generally predictable, and experiences within it are subject to rational analysis and empirical validation.

Impact and Consequence

Dreams: The events that occur in dreams do not have direct consequences in the physical world. While dreams can affect a person’s emotions, thoughts, or insights, the actions within dreams do not translate into physical changes in reality (except for possible psychosomatic effects).

Reality: Actions taken in reality have tangible consequences. Decisions and behaviors can lead to changes in the physical world, affecting oneself and others. Reality is where one’s actions and experiences have a lasting impact.

Memory and Continuity

Dreams: Memories of dreams are often fleeting and may fade quickly upon waking. Dream experiences do not have the same continuity as experiences in waking life; they often feel disconnected from one’s past and future.

Reality: Memory in reality is typically more robust and consistent. Experiences in reality contribute to one’s continuous sense of self and life narrative, helping to shape identity and influence future actions.

Philosophical Considerations

Dreams: Philosophers have often used dreams as a metaphor for questioning the nature of reality. For example, René Descartes famously wondered how one could distinguish between waking life and a vivid dream, leading to his exploration of what can be known with certainty.

Reality: Reality, from a philosophical standpoint, is often considered the objective world that exists independently of our perceptions. However, some philosophies, like certain forms of idealism or Eastern thought, question whether what we perceive as reality might itself be a kind of dream or illusion (as in the concept of Maya in Hinduism and Buddhism).

Lucid Dreaming

Dreams: Lucid dreaming is a unique state where the dreamer becomes aware they are dreaming and may even gain some control over the dream. This blurs the line between dream and reality for the dreamer, as they can consciously interact with the dream environment.

Reality: In waking reality, one is fully aware of being awake and conscious, interacting with the physical world in a way that is not influenced by the dream state. Lucid dreaming can provide a sense of control similar to waking life, but it remains a mental construct.

Native American Dream Catcher

What are dreams

Dreams are a series of thoughts, images, sensations, and emotions that occur during sleep, particularly during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage. They can range from vivid and clear to vague and confusing. Here’s an overview:

1. Nature of Dreams

⦁ Imaginary: Dreams often involve a mixture of real experiences, memories, and completely fictional scenarios.

⦁ Symbolic: Elements in dreams can be symbolic, representing deeper thoughts, emotions, or subconscious desires.

⦁ Emotional: Dreams are often emotionally charged, sometimes reflecting unresolved emotions or stress.

2. Stages of Sleep

⦁ Dreams primarily occur during REM sleep, a stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements and heightened brain activity similar to being awake.

⦁ While REM is the most dream-heavy phase, dreams can also occur in non-REM stages, though they are often less vivid.

3. Types of Dreams

⦁ Lucid Dreams: Dreams in which the dreamer is aware they are dreaming and may have some control over the dream’s events.

⦁ Nightmares: Disturbing dreams that often evoke fear, anxiety, or distress, sometimes waking the dreamer.

⦁ Recurring Dreams: Dreams that repeat, often indicating unresolved issues or persistent thoughts.

4. Cultural and Spiritual Perspectives

⦁ Different cultures and belief systems have varying interpretations of dreams, viewing them as prophetic, spiritual messages, or reflections of the psyche.

Psychological theories and approach on dreams 

Dreams remain a complex and not fully understood phenomenon, with ongoing research exploring their functions and meanings. Here are some relevant psychological theories:

Psychoanalytic Theory: Suggests that dreams are a window into the unconscious mind, revealing hidden desires and thoughts. Developed by Sigmund Freud, this theory is a foundational concept in the field of psychology. Freud’s theory suggests that dreams are a manifestation of our unconscious mind, offering insight into our deepest desires, fears, and unresolved conflicts. Freud believed the unconscious mind contains thoughts, memories, and desires that are not readily accessible but significantly influence behavior and experiences.

Activation-Synthesis Theory: This theory posits that dreams are the brain’s attempt to make sense of random neural activity during REM sleep. The content of dreams is not necessarily meaningful or symbolic but rather a byproduct of the brain trying to organize and interpret this activity into a coherent narrative.

Memory Consolidation: Some researchers believe that dreams play a role in processing and consolidating memories and emotions. The Memory Consolidation theory of dreams posits that dreaming is an essential part of the brain’s process for strengthening and organizing memories. During sleep, especially REM sleep, the brain reactivates and processes information from waking life, integrating new memories with existing knowledge. Dreams are thought to be a byproduct of this process, reflecting the brain’s effort to consolidate and rehearse experiences, which is crucial for learning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

Problem-Solving: Suggests that dreams allow us to work through problems and challenges in a low-stakes environment. This theory propose that dreams are a valuable tool for the brain to work through issues, explore creative solutions, and rehearse challenging scenarios. Dreams offer a unique environment where the mind is free from the constraints of reality, allowing for innovative thinking and emotional processing. This theory emphasizes the practical and adaptive functions of dreams, proposing that they help us solve problems and navigate the complexities of waking life.

Notable historical figures’ dream theory

Nostradamus (Michel de Nostredame) (1503–1566):

A French astrologer, physician, and reputed seer who is famous for his book Les Prophéties, which contains cryptic quatrains that are believed by some to predict future events.

He viewed dreams as a potential source of divine or prophetic insight. He believed that dreams could reveal future events or hidden truths, influenced by both spiritual and astrological factors. Nostradamus approach to dreams was intertwined with his broader practice of astrology and prophecy, reflecting the belief that dreams could be a means of accessing higher knowledge or predicting future occurrences.

Edgar Cayce (1877–1945):

Often referred to as the “Sleeping Prophet,” had distinctive beliefs about dreams and their role in understanding and influencing one’s life.

He viewed dreams as a significant source of information about the subconscious mind, physical health, and spiritual guidance. He believed that dreams could offer insights into personal issues, health conditions, and past lives, and that interpreting dream symbols could lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s spiritual journey. Cayce approach combines elements of psychological analysis, health advice, and spiritual insights, reflecting his broader practices as a psychic and healer.

Madame Blavatsky (Helena Petrovna Blavatsky) (1831–1891):

A Russian occultist and founder of The Theosophical Society, known for her claims of having mystical insights and her writings on esoteric philosophy and spiritualism.

Her theory on dreams was rooted in her Theosophical beliefs about the nature of the soul, consciousness, and the spiritual dimensions of existence. She viewed dreams as experiences of the astral body on different planes of reality, filled with symbolic messages that could offer spiritual guidance, insights into past lives, and connections to higher knowledge. For Blavatsky, dreams were not just random mental events but meaningful experiences that could help individuals navigate their spiritual journeys and understand the deeper truths of the universe.

What is Reality

Morpheus Ancient Greek God of Dreams

Notable contemporary figures’ dream theory

Uri Geller (born 1946):

The Israeli-British illusionist and self-proclaimed psychic known for his feats of spoon bending and other psychic demonstrations, recognized for his work in the field of telekinesis and psychic phenomena.

He suggests that dreams are a manifestation of psychic abilities, such as telepathy or precognition. Geller believes that the mind, during sleep, can tap into hidden or subconscious powers, potentially allowing individuals to foresee future events or receive telepathic messages from others.

Sylvia Browne (1936–2004):

An American author and psychic who wrote numerous books on spirituality, psychic phenomena, and her experiences as a clairvoyant.

Her theory on dreams is deeply intertwined with her beliefs in the spiritual world, reincarnation, and the afterlife. She saw dreams as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, allowing for communication with spirits, insights into past lives, and personal healing. Browne emphasized the symbolic nature of dreams and encouraged people to explore their dreams as a means of spiritual growth and understanding, often recommending practices like keeping a dream journal to deepen this connection.

Lisa Williams (born 1973):

A British psychic medium known for her television shows and work as a spiritual advisor, has shared her beliefs about dreams, particularly in the context of connecting with the spirit world

She view dreams as an important medium for communication with the spirit world, offering opportunities for healing, closure, and guidance. She emphasizes the symbolic nature of dreams and encourages individuals to pay attention to their dreams as a way to connect with deceased loved ones and spirit guides. Williams believes that dreams can provide profound insights into one’s spiritual journey and even offer glimpses of future events. Her approach to dreams is deeply connected to her work as a psychic medium, where she helps others understand and interpret the messages they receive during sleep.

John Edward (born 1969):

A well-known psychic medium, is recognized for his work in connecting people with their deceased loved ones.

He view dreams as a vital means of communication with the spiritual realm, particularly for connecting with deceased loved ones. He believes in the importance of visitation dreams, where spirits provide comfort, guidance, and closure. Edward also recognizes the symbolic nature of dreams and the potential for prophetic insights. He encourages people to explore their dreams as a way to deepen their connection with the spiritual world and to gain a better understanding of their life’s journey and the messages they receive from the afterlife.

Buddhism dream teachings and philosophy 

Buddhist views on dreams are diverse and vary across different traditions, but they generally share some common themes rooted in Buddhist philosophy, particularly the understanding of the mind, consciousness, and the nature of reality. Dreams in Buddhism are often seen as significant, both in everyday practice and in the context of spiritual development.

Illusory Nature of Dreams:

⦁ In Buddhism, dreams are often considered to be a reflection of the illusory nature of reality. Just as dreams are recognized as not being real upon waking, Buddhists believe that the waking world is also illusory, or Maya. This concept is emphasized in many Buddhist teachings, where the distinction between dreams and waking life is blurred to illustrate the impermanent and non-substantial nature of all phenomena.

⦁ Recognizing the illusory nature of dreams can serve as a practice to develop insight into the true nature of reality, leading to a deeper understanding of the concept of emptiness (Shunyata).

Dreams as a Reflection of the Mind:

⦁ In Buddhist thought, dreams are seen as a reflection of the mind’s activities, thoughts, and emotions. Dreams can reveal the mental states and karmic patterns that influence a person’s waking life.

⦁ By observing dreams, practitioners can gain insight into their mental conditioning, desires, fears, and attachments. This self-awareness can be a valuable tool for personal and spiritual growth, helping to identify areas where one might need to focus their meditation practice.

Dreams in Meditation and Practice:

⦁ Some Buddhist practices, especially in Tibetan Buddhism, involves the deliberate use of dreams as part of spiritual practice. For example, Dream Yoga is a specific practice within Tibetan Buddhism where practitioners train to become lucid in their dreams—recognizing that they are dreaming while still within the dream state.

⦁ The goal of Dream Yoga is to use the dream state as an opportunity for spiritual practice, cultivating mindfulness, and deepening understanding of the mind. Lucid dreaming is also seen as a way to prepare for the moment of death, as it is believed that the experience of dying is similar to the dream state.

Karmic Influences on Dreams:

⦁ In Buddhism, karma plays a significant role in shaping the content and nature of dreams. The mind’s past actions, thoughts, and emotions influence the types of dreams one has. Negative or fearful dreams might reflect unresolved karma or attachments, while positive and peaceful dreams might indicate a more purified mind.

⦁ Some teachings suggest that paying attention to dreams can help in understanding and addressing karmic patterns, offering a way to purify the mind and resolve past karma.

Prophetic and Symbolic Dreams:

⦁ In various Buddhist texts, there are accounts of prophetic dreams, particularly in the lives of the Buddha and other great masters. These dreams are often symbolic and are interpreted as having significant spiritual meaning.

⦁ Siddhartha Gautama (who would become the Buddha) was born, his mother, Queen Maya, had a prophetic dream of a white elephant entering her side, which was interpreted as a sign of the birth of a great being.

Dreams and Rebirth:

⦁ Dreams are sometimes associated with the process of rebirth. For instance, the Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol) describes the intermediate state between death and rebirth (the Bardo) as being similar to a dream state. Understanding and mastering the dream state is seen as crucial for navigating the Bardo and achieving a favorable rebirth or even liberation.

Mahakala Buddhism protection deity

Conclusion

There is so much more we need to study regarding dreams and reality to come to any conclusion. It remains a subjective experience that an individual must undergo personally. Perhaps with mindful meditation practice we may find out for ourselves what are dreams and reality. For me they are not separate, though, different forms of reality. Such as solid, liquid and gas are different states of matter. In this context it’s only matter, only existence used here as reference.  However, the Buddha taught, it’s perception and consciousness only. There is no dual anything or anywhere.

Rather dreams are conscious or spiritual constructs that pose as guide to awaken us to mundane calamities or the path to enlightenment. I cannot distinguish dreams and reality by sensibility. I just observe what arises and see it for what it is, and with some mind training, I try not to grasp or judge it.

The Middle Way of dreams and reality appears as life to me. My intention in life is to attain nirvana and enlightenment, which ever comes first. Its also appears that life’s intention for us is to attain salvation and transcend this illusion, in all understanding, is the realm of existence. May we all gather together on the other side of the shore.