"Dreams are a reservoir of knowledge and experience," writes Tarthang Tulku, "yet they are often overlooked as a vehicle for exploring reality." Lucid dreaming (dreaming while knowing that you are dreaming) is the magic carpet of such vehicles, and for more than a thousand years, the Tibetan Buddhists have used lucid dreams as a means of experiencing the illusory nature of personal identity  and
awakening to reality.

Lucid dreaming is not only an extraordinary experience; it is also a learnable and highly useful skill. Recent scientific research has proven the reality of lucid dreams, and has led to the development of new methods of inducing them. This introductory lecture will provide a brief overview of lucid dreaming, touching on techniques and
technology for achieving lucid dreaming; a model of dreaming and waking consciousness; scientific research on mind-body relationships during REM sleep; and several applications of lucid dreaming-exploring consciousness, enhancing creativity, personal development and self-integration, dream yoga, and transcendent experience. Find out why Thoreau said "our truest life is when we are in dreams awake."

Stephen LaBerge, Ph.D. is a world renowned authority on lucid dreaming. His pioneering studies at Stanford University have brought scientific attention to this potentially illuminating state of consciousness, and his best-selling books "Lucid Dreaming" and "Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming", have introduced many to the
experience.

Dr. LaBerge's recent research shows how the phenomenon of lucid dreaming sheds light on the nature of consciousness, viewing consciousness as the dream of what happens, with perception and dreaming essentially differing only by the presence or absence of sensory constraints. He is a dynamic and inspiring speaker, known for his humor and ability to stimulate thought and to make scientific concepts relevant to the individual. Through the years his research team has developed highly effective techniques, including technological aids, for building lucid dreaming skills.

In addition, Stephen has had extensive personal experience with lucid dreaming, having learned to have lucid dreams at will, and among his thousands of lucid dreams are many which have been delightful, inspiring, enlightening, and life-changing. Thus he is an unabashed advocate of lucid dreaming, believing that the world would be a better place if more people developed the art. His interest in the subject embraces science as well as spirituality, and he feels a special kinship with the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of dream yoga.