The Hidden Dangers of Drowsiness

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Chang Ren, who shares profound insights on the spiritual mechanics of drowsiness and the unseen realms that manifest during practice. This session was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre on October 16, 2022.

Venerable Chang Ren speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. In our daily lives, we often dismiss the state of drowsiness as a mere sign of physical fatigue. People tend to think, 'I am simply tired; I need a nap, or perhaps a cup of coffee to perk up, and then I will be fine.' However, in the context of spiritual practice, the situation is far more complex and dangerous than that.

When drowsiness strikes during your practice, it is almost always inextricably linked to your karma. It is not merely a biological response to a long day; it is a persistent, active barrier that arises specifically to disrupt your focus and hinder your progress. When you feel that heavy, sinking sensation taking hold of your body, you must realise that you are not alone in that moment.

Drowsiness as a Spiritual Obstacle

At the very instant you become drowsy, there are countless sentient beings present. Each of these beings carries their own 'space' or realm. When your head feels heavy and you start to drift off, you are actually being pulled into these various spaces. Your consciousness is being drawn out of your body and into their domains, and your head is effectively entering into these external spaces.

What kind of spaces are these? I have observed many different types. The most common is the 'realm of hobbies.' Because you have specific attachments or interests, when your mind wanders, your karmic creditors quickly pull you into a space dedicated to those desires.

The Many Realms of the Mind

Another is the 'realm of contemplation.' Your head keeps churning with thoughts, and you enter a space built entirely of your own mental projections. The sentient beings allow your head to continue thinking, to keep processing within that space, but to an outside observer, your eyes are just closed. In reality, you are trapped in a loop of thinking, wandering through a mental landscape that feels incredibly real to you.

Then there is the 'realm of memory.' The human mind holds a vast ocean of memories. These memories can surface at any time. Sentient beings use these memories to hook your consciousness. Once a memory flashes in your mind, your consciousness follows it, and before you know it, you are lost in that space. Finally, there is the 'realm of attachment.' Because of your stubborn personality, every attachment you hold creates a space. With the slightest interference from these beings, you are easily sucked into the very spaces you have built through your own attachments.

The Source of Interference

Any kind of space can manifest. But in all these cases, the interference stems from the sentient beings within your own head. And why can they interfere? Because your heart has not yet let go. As long as your heart is still clinging—still thinking, still desiring, still harbouring old habits—you are vulnerable. You are easily controlled by these beings, falling into drowsiness and being dragged into their spaces.

If you wish to break free from this cycle of drowsiness, there is only one way: 'Let go.' Focus entirely on chanting Namo Amituofo. Dedicate your heart to serving all beings. When you are fully committed to the welfare of others, your thoughts are pure, and it becomes difficult for karmic creditors to interfere. Naturally, you will no longer fall into these illusory spaces.

Namo Amituofo."