In the quiet embrace of the night with an increase in Tamo Guna, when the mind let go and the body surrenders, we enter ‘Nidra- The Timeless Art of Rest’. Not just the absence of wakefulness, but a profound journey inward, where the scattered threads of thoughts are gently woven in harmony, the storms of restlessness and all-day long rush is gently calmed down. The body heal itself, and the heart rediscovers its natural rhythm. Upanishads, tell us about Sushupti Awastha, a state where the self is free from desires, where soul sheds all worldly identities and merge to Brahman. Nidra, here is described as returning to self, becoming one to self.
It is in that sacred stillness described by Acharya Charaka as ‘Ratriswabhavaja’, acting as ‘Bhutdhatri’ that we touch ‘Sukha’- the state of ease, contentment and joy that flows naturally from within. Commentator Arundutta explain Sukha as which blossoms our mind and body within. Kavyamimansa mentioned Samyak Nidra as the reason of ‘Paramarogya’ which in today’s world is not less than any kind of happiness. Every deep breath during restful Nidra seems to be a reminder that- rest is not a pause, in-fact a gateway to living it fully or attaining Sukha.
