Exploring the Mystery of Dreams: Distinguishing Between Reality and Illusion
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In China, dreams are included in the "Five Arts" (mountain, medicine, fate, physiognomy, and divination), specifically under the category of divination. A common approach relies on the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching, while another focuses on dream interpretation. The practice of interpreting dreams dates back to the Duke of Zhou. Generally, dreams are classified into two types: true dreams and false dreams. Dreams associated with predictions of good or bad fortune, as detailed in "The Duke of Zhou's Dream Interpretation," are considered "true dreams," whereas the rest are considered "false dreams."
False dreams can be divided into various categories: First, there are those linked to health issues. For example, individuals who suffer from neuroses tend to dream frequently, but these dreams are usually light and fleeting, making them hard to remember. This type of dream is associated with poor sleep quality and is categorized as a false dream.
The second category includes dreams that stem from daily thoughts and concerns. If someone is preoccupied with a certain person or event, their subconscious may cause them to dream about it, classifying these as false dreams as well.
The third type of false dreams comes from long-term psychological repression, fear, or stress. During sleep, when people relax, their subconscious might release these suppressed thoughts. For instance, adults might often dream of being reprimanded by their elementary school teachers, reflecting deep-seated emotional trauma and repression from that time, which still doesn’t qualify as a true dream.
The fourth type, from a Western standpoint, interprets dreams through a sexual lens, forming a unique school of thought. For example, a boy experiencing nocturnal emissions during puberty might have dreams with sexual content, and these are also labeled as false dreams.
On the other hand, true dreams must meet specific criteria beyond the points mentioned above. They are dreams that occur without obvious reasons and serve as omens of good or bad fortune. Firstly, they must be vivid, with the dreamer recalling details clearly upon waking. Secondly, they should not be recurring dreams; the dreamer doesn’t experience the same or similar dreams repeatedly over time. They should also not unfold like a continuous drama series in one's sleep.
Currently, science has not yet pinpointed the origins of dreams. Everyone dreams, which contrasts with supernatural beliefs suggesting only certain individuals can perceive them. Some theorists propose that dreams exist in another realm that remains invisible to the human eye.