The Mechanism of Nightmares

When experiencing nightmares, the body becomes unable to move, and the mouth cannot produce sound, indicating that the body is being controlled. The subtle sense faculties (胜义根) of the brain are controlled; in some cases, the mental faculty (意根) is controlled by spirits.

When the body is controlled, it becomes immobile or moves involuntarily, manipulated by the mental faculty of spirits or deities. However, the conscious awareness remains very clear and lucid, and the mental faculty can also perceive this.

When the mental faculty is controlled, not only is the body unable to move or moves involuntarily, but consciousness, speech, and thoughts also become involuntary, manipulated by the mental faculty of spirits or deities. Physical, verbal, and mental actions are all performed involuntarily, and the conscious mind is usually unaware of them. Once awareness arises, if the mental faculty possesses sufficient strength, it can break free from the bondage and regain autonomy.