The Dual Nature of Dreaming
Dreaming is a natural function of the mind inherent in every human. Our mind constantly creates images and ideas, helping us navigate the world and find inspiration. However, danger lurks in those moments when dreams become filled with deceptive and malicious intentions, diverting us from the true spiritual path.
At the heart of the issue is the fact that dreams imbued with temptation and falsehood become obstacles to fulfilling the higher commandments. Such distorted images can cloud our thoughts, directing them not toward the luminous pursuit of the divine but toward satisfying base desires, which ultimately leads to sin. This is why the spiritual journey demands continuous self-control, awareness, and, when necessary, inner purification.
In conclusion, dreaming in itself is not a sinful act—it is a tool that can serve either good or harm. The ability to distinguish genuine inspiration from the seduction of false images becomes key to maintaining a pure heart and fidelity to the highest spiritual principles. It should be remembered that only through conscious self-knowledge and spiritual repentance can the mind be steered back onto the correct path and inner harmony preserved.
Is dreaming a sin, and which dreams require spiritual confession?
From the analysis of the provided excerpts, it is clear that dreaming per se is not portrayed as an inevitable sin—the mind is naturally inclined to create images and thoughts. However, the danger arises when certain forms of dreaming, when filled with false or demonic intentions, lead to sin and deviate a person from the true spiritual path. For example, the second source explicitly states:
"The path of unrighteousness is a conversation with thoughts and dreaming. One who has rejected this conversation and dreaming can inherit all of God's commandments and can accomplish God's will in the midst of his heart (Ps.39:9)..." (source: link txt)
This indicates that engaging in dreaming, if accompanied by sinful intentions, becomes an impediment to fulfilling God's commandments.
Furthermore, another text emphasizes that a particular type of dreaming—demonic, i.e. filled with temptation and opposed to righteousness—is given to a person as a form of test, for which spiritual repentance may follow. It states:
"That which has been permitted to you by God's grace is the strife of wicked thoughts, and especially of demonic dreams; do not be too surprised by this..." (source: link txt)
Here, the reference is to dreams provoked by the influence of evil forces, which yield harmful results and require an acknowledgment of one's sinfulness along with spiritual purification.
It is also important to note dreams that, being deceitful and seductive, continuously lead to sin, as emphasized in the following excerpt:
"Deceitful dreaming naturally leads us to sin by the devil..." (source: link txt)
Thus, it can be concluded that while dreaming itself is a natural function of the mind, dreams founded on falsehood, greed, deception, or those influenced by evil intentions (demonic dreams) carry the risk of sin and demand recognition, spiritual confession, and repentance. Such dreams, deviating from the true search for God, require special spiritual work to realign the mind and heart in the proper direction and maintain the purity of the soul.
Confirming quotes:
"The path of unrighteousness is a conversation with thoughts and dreaming. One who has rejected this conversation and dreaming can inherit all of God's commandments and can accomplish God's will in the midst of his heart (Ps.39:9)..." (source: link txt)
"That which has been permitted to you by God's grace is the strife of wicked thoughts, and especially of demonic dreams; do not be too surprised by this..." (source: link txt)
"Deceitful dreaming naturally leads us to sin by the devil..." (source: link txt)
Thus, although the ability to dream is inherent in the human mind, it is the dreams filled with falsehood, greed, or the influence of wicked forces that require spiritual confession and repentance.