What is Yoga Nidra, and what does it mean to my Yoga Practice

Yoga Nidra, which literally means "sleep of the yogis", is in the beginning used just as a physical and mental relaxation technique, but this is not the true sleep of a Yogi, which penetrates into much deeper levels of consciousness.

It should not be confused with techniques of auto-suggestion, or "autogenous training". Adherents claim that half an hour can replace up to three hours of normal sleep.

Regular use as a sleep substitute is not recommended, however, as the body and mind still require sufficient standard rest. It can, however, be practiced on a daily basis as a relaxation technique, in addition to normal sleep.

The true sleep of a Yogi is a state of consciousness in which the Yogi is connected with that divine energy pervading the whole Cosmos. This energy is beyond space and time and during this state of consciousness the Yogi can see past, present and future. He knows his past lives and what will manifest in the future.

Through Nidra the Yogi can work through Karmas, as this clarity penetrates levels of the unconscious and subconscious. It is used to help purify the subconscious through use of certain vows known as Shankalpas.

Experienced Yogis use Yoga Nidra for Astral travels and in its highest level it leads to Samadhi.