The Nature of Consciousness in Deep Sleep

In deep sleep, is there still consciousness present, or does consciousness temporarily cease to exist during that state? Rupert says: ‘Deep sleep is not the absence of consciousness but rather consciousness divested of all objective content. When we say we were not aware in deep sleep, we’re speaking from the perspective of the waking-state mind, which has no memory of objects from deep sleep. However, consciousness itself remains present, knowing its own being directly. If consciousness were truly absent in deep sleep, you couldn’t report upon it when you wake. The experience “I slept peacefully” is consciousness’s report of its own presence throughout deep sleep. What’s absent is not consciousness itself but rather the content of experience – thoughts, sensations, perceptions. Consciousness remains, shining as pure being.’

From event 21 - 28 November, 2025 Seven-Day Retreat at The Vedanta, 21–28 November 2025

Subscribe or purchase View full event recordings