Contemplation and Inquiry in the Dream State: The Expedient Path of Dharma Practice

Question: In the early hours of the morning, before fully rising, one is in a drowsy and muddled state, neither fully asleep nor fully awake. The manas (mind root) is deeply contemplating, while the function of consciousness is very faint. This isn't dreaming, is it? It must be in samadhi (meditative concentration)?

Answer: In the state of being neither fully awake nor fully asleep, the manas can engage in deep contemplation. It can investigate and ponder throughout the night. As one approaches wakefulness in the morning, consciousness arises and discovers the manas contemplating. When in this semi-awake state, consciousness is weak, so the manas is certainly in samadhi, undisturbed by the six consciousnesses. When the manas investigates and contemplates in the middle of the night, free from the interference of the six consciousnesses, it can also be said to be in samadhi. It's even possible that upon waking in the morning, consciousness immediately knows the results the manas was concerned with and contemplating. Before falling asleep at night, if one sets a question requiring contemplation, and if the manas is very attentive, it will continuously ponder and investigate that question throughout the night until awakening. Consciousness ceases, yet the manas continues its work without feeling fatigue. This method saves considerable cultivation time, being both direct and efficient. It avoids the need for consciousness to repeatedly influence the manas, eliminating a detour. The Dharma of Consciousness-Only is the most ultimate.