My Pilgrimage to the Spirit

February 29, 1932

Sleep cannot be replaced but can be changed, you can become conscious in sleep. If you are conscious, then the night can be utilized for higher working—provided the body gets its due rest, which is the object of sleep. It is a mistake to deny to the body food and sleep, as some ascetics want to do—that only wears out the physical support and although the Yogic or the vital energy can long keep at work a declining physical, a time comes when it is no longer possible. Moderate but sufficient food (without greed or desire), sufficient sleep but not heavy tamasic sleep—this should be the rule.

Sri Aurobindo