In the world of meditation, sleepiness can be a common roadblock, especially for beginners. Ajahn Brahm, a renowned bhikkhu, meditation teacher, and author, approaches this with a combination of humour and practical wisdom.
Known for his witty and lighthearted style, Ajahn Brahm reassures meditators that their struggles with drowsiness are normal but can be overcome with a bit of mindfulness and a good laugh.
Ajahn Brahm doesn’t shy away from pointing out that even experienced meditators can nod off during a session. “If you start snoring, just don’t wake up the person next to you!” he jokes as he starts a session, setting the tone for what’s to come. This lightness creates a welcoming atmosphere, where practitioners feel comfortable exploring meditation, even if sleepiness creeps in. His humor puts everyone at ease, making meditation accessible rather than daunting.
Sleepiness: Practical solutions
Ajahn Brahm has seen it all in his decades of teaching. He recalls, with a twinkle in his eye, the time a meditator slumped over into a deep sleep during a session. “Sometimes,” he laughs, “the best meditation happens when you’re snoring.” But behind the humor lies real wisdom. He suggests simple, practical solutions for staying awake during meditation: sit up straighter, open your eyes a little, and let in some light. Small adjustments like these can make a significant difference in keeping your mind engaged.
“If something is truly important to you, you won’t fall asleep during it,” Ajahn Brahm explains, comparing meditation to watching an intense film or participating in a critical meeting. He emphasises that mindfulness is the key to staying present and alert.
He shares a story from his early years, when his mentor would ask, “What is the most important thing in the world?” The answer was always, “This moment.” Ajahn Brahm reminds us that recognising the significance of the present helps naturally sharpen our focus.
The snake in the bushes
Drawing from his experience as a young bhikkhu in the forests of Thailand, Ajahn Brahm recounts a time when fear kept him wide awake during meditation. “You’re sitting there, and suddenly you hear a rustle in the bushes—was it a snake?” he chuckles.
While most of us don’t meditate in such high-stakes environments, the story serves as a metaphor. The urgency of the situation brought full awareness to his practice.
While we may not have snakes in our meditation rooms, recognising the importance of mindfulness for our mental and physical well-being can provide a similar urgency.
Ajahn Brahm introduces the Buddhist tale of The Emperor’s Three Questions to emphasise the value of the present moment. He said that meditation should be seen as an irreplaceable opportunity. “The most important time is now,” he says, “the most important person is the one you are with, and the most important thing is to make this moment peaceful.” By adopting this mindset, meditators can generate a deeper sense of presence, leading to more meaningful and alert practice.
Ajahn Brahm teaches that focusing on the present moment is not just calming but also energising. He recounts how, even after long teaching sessions, he still feels energised by concentrating on the now. “When you’re fully present,” he says, “there’s no room for tiredness. The now is a powerful source of energy.” By emphasising this idea, Ajahn Brahm shows that meditation can be a way to recharge rather than drain energy, helping meditators remain awake and alert.
Stay on your feet
For those who can’t seem to shake off sleepiness, Ajahn Brahm suggests making small adjustments. He humorously tells the story of a monk who was so determined to stay awake that he meditated standing up, leaning against a wall—only to slowly slide down the wall as his drowsiness took over. “Sometimes, you just need to do something different to refresh your mind,” he says with a smile. “Just don’t slide too far down the wall!”
Ajahn Brahm wraps up his teachings by reminding meditators that staying awake isn’t about fighting drowsiness but about embracing the present moment fully. He said, “Whether it’s sleepiness, distractions, or discomfort, these are all part of the practice. Bring your mind back to the now—again and again—and you’ll find the peace and energy you need.” View the video here: https://youtu.be/b2BLCH5WJik
Join Ajahn Brahm in Sri Lanka – May 2025
Ajahn Brahm will visit Sri Lanka in May 2025, bringing his wisdom and humour to a wider audience. He will deliver a public sermon at the BMICH on May 18. This is a rare opportunity to experience his teachings first hand and deepen your meditation practice under his guidance. You can now register for the event by signing up at abssl.lk.
