Not Dreaming of a Deceased Loved One – Is It Good or Bad?
Many people, when they lose a deceased loved one, hope to meet them in a dream.
However, not seeing them in a dream is actually a good sign.
Why?
- It means that the deceased loved one has been reborn, no longer attached to the earthly realm.
- They have let go of attachments to emotions, wealth, fame, or anything from their previous life.
- They have left peacefully, without being stuck in the bardo (intermediate state).
Thus, there is no need to pray or long to see them in a dream, because if they have truly transcended, we will no longer see them.
If You Do Dream of the Deceased Loved One – Observe Their Condition
If, in a dream, you see your deceased loved one, the key is to observe their condition:
- If they are happy and at peace → It could mean they have been reborn into a good realm.
- If they are suffering, sad, or appear to be in difficulty → It could mean they are still trapped by their karma and have not yet transcended.
If you see them still sad or suffering, you can:
- Recite sutras and dedicate merits to them.
- Perform acts of charity, generosity, and offerings to help them accumulate good karma and lighten their burdens.
- Mentally encourage them to let go and depart peacefully.
Not Lingering, Not Attached – Signs of Transcendence
When a deceased loved one passes away and does not return in dreams, it means:
- They are no longer lingering in this world.
- They are no longer attached to the mundane life.
- They have entered another realm, possibly being reborn or having attained liberation.
Therefore, if you do not see your deceased loved one in a dream, do not worry or grieve, but understand that it is a good sign.
Final Thought
- Not dreaming of a deceased loved one is a good sign, as it means they have transcended and are no longer attached to the earthly realm.
- If you do dream of them, observe their state to understand whether they are at peace or suffering.
- If they are still struggling, perform good deeds, recite sutras, and dedicate merits for them.
- Do not seek to meet them in dreams, as the most important thing is that they have departed peacefully, free from past attachments.
Understanding this will ease your worries and sorrow, replacing them with living virtuously, accumulating good deeds, so that when our time comes, we too can depart peacefully, without regret.
This article is compiled based on a sermon by Venerable Thích Pháp Hoà
The Original Dharma Talk
Not dreaming of a deceased loved one is a good sign. Do not seek to meet them in dreams – Venerable Thich Phap Hoa (audio translated)
Below is his original lesson:
Không chiêm bao người mất là điều tốt, Không nên mong cầu gặp lại trong giấc mơ.
