1226. Sleep....!

Gudaka is sloth in Sanskrit and the one who has conquered it is Gudakesa. Sri Krishna many times in Bhagavad Gita refers to Arjuna as Gudakesa. In many commentaries Gudakesa is referred to as “conquering sleep also, but being sleepy and being slothful is different. When one remains in the bed even after coming out of sleep he is sluggish. Arjuna was the conqueror of inattentiveness, in other words he was vigilant.

Under the tutelage of Guru Drona both Kauravas and Pandavas were learning warfare. Arjuna was an extraordinary student and Guru Drona observed it. Guru Drona took extra efforts to teach Arjuna a little more than what he normally taught others. Guru Drona was the one who name Arjuna as Gudakesa. Arjuna used to practice archery at night. 

Once while having his dinner under a lit lamp, gusty wind blew off the lamp. Arjuna observed that he is able to eat in the dark without being able to see where the plate was or where his mouth is because his mind perceived the location of the plate and his mouth without actually needing the inputs from his eyes. This inspires him to practice archery in the dark, that he should be able to hit the target without having to see it with his physical eye. It was here Arjuna learnt to get over slothfulness so that he can practice at night. 

Was Arjuna deprived of sleep then??? No, Arjuna just managed his sleep time and thus had conquered lethargy.

Sleep is essential for every living being, it is the time to take a break from physical activities and recharge the whole system. Sleep enhances concentration thus improving ability to learning and refreshes memory.

There is a proverb in Kannada “Chinte illadavanige santeyallu nidde” (One without worries can doze off in a marketplace too). Truly it is worry and anxiety that steals sleep but then one who has nothing to worry about and be anxious of, can be sluggish the whole day. So, if one sleeps more or if one sleeps less it is a problem. Memory is one which holds the key to sleep.

Chitta (Memory) plays in five arena namely Kshipta (Frenzied), Vikshipta (Distracted), Mudha (Dull), Ekagra (Absorbed) and Niruddha (Suppressed). The first three cause destruction for sleep in a negative way while the last two will not let sleep in a positive way.

If the memory is shifting too often from one thought to another, it has no control over itself. Mere fascination of the topic is the guiding factor at this stage. It is here memory influences the Manas (Mind) to act frenzy. This is Kshipta stage and this will rob the sleep.

If memory fails to concentrate on the thought that is required, but is anchored at another topic, it will have the mind distracted. This is Vikshipta stage and this won’t let you sleep.

Memory is preoccupied with an old thought and will not let the mind grasp knowledge of new a topic. This state is called Mudha and sleep is disturbed.

Mind fixes itself in a particular point or idea with no change too frequently. This state is Ekagra, absorbed in a single thought without any distraction. This will not let you sleep.

When mind ceases to crave for the satisfaction of desires there is this thoughtless state. Giving up of desires is a technique to make the memory calm. This state is Niruddha and it keeps sleep away.  

Throughout my life I am an unrepentant sleep snob (with snoring). As soon as my head hit the pillow I become one with sleep. Somehow I can flow fluidly in and precisely drift out of sleep by Sri Hari grace.