Lack of Dream Body?

[roamer]

I've noticed that in many of my dreams I don't have a body and am simply present in observation mode. For example last night I ended up observing a ceremony of what seemed like a Tibetan or some similar looking people. I was aware of the scene in a very vivid and intimate way yet I was not a participant and did not seem to have a body, or at least was not aware of having one.
I'm not certain if this sort of "observational" dreaming is a healthy thing as it seems like there is little active participation on my part and in a way it somehow feels intrusive? On the other hand its certainly not like I am able to control my dreams. Anyone else have this happen, any ideas?

[jhananda]

Hello, Nick, good to hear from you again. Most of my OOBEs these days lack a body. I believe this represents what the Theosophical Society called the 'causal body;' whereas the sense of a body while out-of-body represents the 'astral body.' Losing a sense of body while out-of-body, I believe, represents progress.

Also, on control, I do not believe there is any reason to have control, because getting out-of-body and the attainment of the other samadhi states, is all about letting go. So, just allow yourself to be an observer, when out-of-body.

Best regards, Jhananda

[roamer]

Hi Jhanananda, thanks for the reply and very good to hear from you too.

I too suspect that reaching this point in my dream state is related to the degree which I have let go to the charisms. I am not however very progressed in OBE's, most nights I fall asleep tired and only recall experiences if I get a chance to reflect before going to work. In general though I do have a sleep experience that has me waking up somehow very suprised to be in my body. My sleep has the quality of feeling like I completely lose myself. Hard to explain, sort of beyond a deep slumber, and sometimes a bit tiring.

In any case I wouldn't have thought much of being without a body in my dreams until it was brought up in conversation about dreams with friends. My friends suggested this was probably not a healthy sign, and I admit I don't really know what to make of it. Thought I'd get some other contemplatives experiences and thoughts. Good to know it is a fairly common phenomena among meditators.

[jhananda]

Yes, Nick, I agree, progress, such as you are exhibiting, is always of function of letting go, or surrender, submission, refuge, or whatever term you like best for the necessary level of letting go that works at attaining ecstasy.

Best regards, Jhananda