Dreams of Clarity
Sunday 6 August 2023 10am – 4:30pm
The common view of dreams is that they happen to us and we just passively receive them, swept along by a strange unfolding of jumbled events. What role then could karma play in our dreams? Is it possible to act with awareness in our dreams and make conscious choices? From the common way of understanding dreams it would seem not but this is not how dreams are seen in Buddhism…
“Now when the bardo of dreams is dawning upon me,
I will abandon the corpse-like sleep of careless ignorance…
I will not sleep like any animal
But unify completely sleep and practice.”
- Tibetan Book of The Dead
In this dream workshop we shall explore ways to become more conscious dreamers and develop deepening awareness and the capacity to creatively respond within the dream state.
In order to experience our dreams in this way it is necessary first to become more receptive to dream experience, initially developing the ability to recollect dreams clearly and then deepen this so that we are deeply sensitive to them and then we will be able to bring qualities such as loving kindness, curiosity and mindfulness into them. With these qualities our dreams become clear, bright and a source of wisdom, inspiration and
energy for our practice of the Dharma.
During the workshop we shall explore…
● How to reconnect with and rekindle your dreams
● Karma and Dreams
● Dreams and as a context for exploring the nature of Consciousness
● A practical method to review your dreams and cultivate creative dreaming
● How to approach nightmares and unpleasant dreams
● How to find pleasure, inspiration and energy in our dreams
The day will explore themes not previously covered in my workshops. It will be accessible whether or not you have attended a previous workshop.
About Arthabandhu
Arthabandhu is an ordained Buddhist and has long had a special interest in dreams and has explored them in relation to Buddhist practice ever since hearing his Buddhist teacher say: “If you want to really know yourself, pay attention to your dreams.”
He has explored Lucid Dreaming and Buddhist Dream Yoga, as well as studying other approaches to dreams including their application in Gestalt Psychotherapy. As part of his dream practice he has kept detailed dream diaries for the past 20 years, these have included many illustrations, which he has now made into a zine using these images and extracts from his diaries.
https://stuffofdreams.portfoliobox.net/
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Buddhist?
No, everyone is welcome regardless of religious beliefs
Do I need to book?
Yes you need to book and pay upfront for this event
Is there parking available?
As we are in the town centre we do not have onsite parking, the nearest car parks are Britannia and Napier Road.
We are also directly opposite the town train station and serviced by good bus links.
Bikes can be locked to the railings at the back of the building.
What should I bring for lunch?
Salad, bread, crisps, houmous, fruits are all good things to bring
What should I wear?
Whatever you are comfortable and feel relaxed in. You will be asked to remove your shoes to enter the shrine room, so you may want to factor that into your footwear choice!