Sleeping seems such a routine act that we don’t realise its importance till we lose sleep, so to speak.
Like modern physicians, our rishis also realised the connection between sleeping and wellness. Sleeping well is extremely important for our psychological and spiritual well-being, both of them agree.
Our ancestors used to insist that one should not sleep with one’s head pointing North. There is science behind this advice. We all know that the earth has a magnetic force that extends from the South Pole to the North Pole. Our ancestors insisted that the human body also had a magnetic zone. And they believed that when one lays down with the head pointing North, the magnetic zones clashed. In course of time, this can lead to ill-health and hysteria.
Likewise, the ancient Indian texts advise people to recollect one’s activities of the day before going to bed. Modern psychologists too approve of this. Such recollection works as a corrective force.
To err is human. But once we get a chance to realise it, we can take a vow not to repeat it. In the silence of the night, we can apologise to God for the faults we committed during the day and decide to avoid such behaviour in the future.
“Aparadha sahasrani kriyanthe aharnisam maya
Daso ahamithimam matwa kshamswa parameswaree”
This is one prayer we can chant before sleeping.
“Karacharana kritham va kayajam karmajam va
Sravana nayanajam va manasam vaparadham
Viditamaviditam va sarvametat kshamaswe
Jayajaya karunabdhe mokshaseto smarare”
This is another prayer that befits the hour.
After meditating on the day’s activities, analysing them and having taken a decision not to repeat the misdeeds, we can submit all our actions and their results at the feet of the Lord with prayers. This will make our mind peaceful.
After chanting hymns about the deity, especially about Achyuthan, Ananthan, Vasuki, Chithragupta etc., one should go to sleep with the head turned towards East or South.
It is believed that sleeping with the head turned towards East ensures longevity, and sleeping with the head pointed southwards ensures prosperity. If the head is turned towards the West, the person will have many dreams.
While sleeping, wear loose garments, lie straight and face up. Don’t let your feet rest on bare ground while sleeping.
In Manusmriti it has been pointed out that one should not sleep in an uninhabited house. The ancient book also imposes a taboo on sleeping naked.
According to the text, the perfect formula for sleeping is this — after supper, recite divine texts for a while. Then wash your legs, dry them and go to bed. Your mind will be calm and sleep will come on its own.
— Dr Venganoor Balakrishnan is the author of Thaliyola, a book on Hindu beliefs and rituals. He has also written books on the Vedas
and Upanishads. The author can be reached at drvenganoor@yahoo.co.in [1]
Links:
[1] mailto:drvenganoor@yahoo.co.in