Why Do Nondualists Claim There Is Consciousness In Deep Sleep?
This claim is like an urban legend – it is believed because it is repeated often, even by reputable sages, such as Ramana Maharshi. It is a good lesson in why all such claims that are contrary to experience should be verified or subjected to careful analysis, rather than accepted on mere authority. Here’s the way the argument typically goes: A Hindu sage claims that consciousness is present even in deep sleep (meaning dreamless sleep). A questioner, usually a Westerner, observes skeptically that it is contrary to experience. The sage then pulls out the stock answer that, when you wake up, you say that you slept well or badly. Then he asks triumphantly, how could you know that unless there is consciousness in deep sleep? Well, there is a more logical answer, based on common observation. You say that you slept well, because you feel physically well-rested and mentally alert upon awakening, and because you were not awakened during your sleep period or disturbed by troubling dreams, all of
