Ascetic Siddhartha had 5 prophetic dreams on the night preceding his enlightenment day. They were his last dreams because a fully enlightened being is awakened and no longer dreams.

Dreams have always fascinated humanity. People believe that dream serves as gateways to realms beyond our waking reality. Across cultures and civilizations, interpretations of dreams have varied, from divine messages to subconscious reflections. In the rich tapestry of human understanding, Buddhist commentaries offer some insights into the nature and significance of dreams.

According to Buddhist teachings, dreams arise from four distinct causes:

1. Disturbance of Metabolism: In the intricate workings of the body, imbalances in bodily functions can give rise to frightful dreams. These recurring dreams may involve scenarios of peril, such as falling from heights or being pursued by wild beasts. Similarly, dreams involving drowning or suffocation may indicate a risk of sleep apnea. A sensible reaction to such dreams and health concerns, is to get a full body checkup.
2. Past Experiences: Memories form the building blocks of our dreams. Buddhist philosophy suggests that dreams can be manifestations of past experiences, where one relives moments previously seen, heard, or encountered. These dreams serve as echoes of the past, weaving fragments of memory into the fabric of our nightly visions. One should note that even reading a piece of news, watching a TV program, or glancing at a billboard poster also form part of our past experiences. In short, our daily experiences often shape the landscape of our dreams.
3. Deception by Devas: In Buddhist cosmology, Devas or powerful supernatural entities can hold sway over certain aspects of human existence. Dreams crafted by Devas can manifest as illusory visions, either benevolent or malevolent in nature. These dreams transcend the ordinary and may carry deeper meanings or warnings, orchestrated by supernatural forces beyond human comprehension.
4. Omens of Future Events: Some dreams transcend the confines of time, offering glimpses into the future. These prophetic dreams, rooted in past actions and karma, serve as harbingers of forthcoming events. Whether they bring auspicious tidings or forebode misfortune, they unfold as portents of the future.

Moreover, the timing of dreams also adds another layer of understanding. Dreams occurring close to daybreak are deemed more accurate in conveying messages.

Having acquired such knowledge, it is important to consider how we can benefit from them?

Personally, I think the 1st and 2nd types of dreams are more practical. This is because they offer some clue to the state of our physical and mental well-being. Through rational and mindful self-reflection, they can help us approach health management with new insights,

As for the 3rd and 4th types of dreams, I think it is best not to be entranced by them. After all, most of us do not have sufficient wisdom to recognize and decipher them like Bodhisattva Siddhartha. Furthermore, I think it is really a bad idea to believe that all our dreams are the result of supernatural occurrences. Especially if the dreams encourage us to engage in irrational behaviors or criminal acts.

In short, we need to remember that dreams are associated with delusions. That is why a fully enlightened being no longer dreams. While certain dreams may offer us useful insights, more often than not, dreams are simply projections of our ignorance. Therefore, we mustn’t lose ourselves in the dream world.

May all be well and happy.