Trataka (Candle Gazing) Cleansing Technique

Trataka() is one of thesix cleansing techniquesmentioned in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the classical text on the practices of Hatha Yoga. The six techniques are: Neti (nasal cleansing), Basti (yogic enema), Dhauti (digestive tract and intestinal cleansing), Kapalabhati (breathing technique involving forced, short bursts of exhalation), Nauli (abdominal churning) and Trataka (eye cleansing and concentration).Trataka definedIn an effort to find the origin or the derivation of the word trataka I tried looking it up in the dictionary. Surprisingly, however, when I checked Aptes dictionary I couldnt find the word there. In Monier-Williams also it just states that it is a yoga technique for cleansing the eyes nothing about its meaning or how the word is derived. In his commentary on the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Swami Muktibodhananda simply states that Trataka means to gaze steadily at an object.In shloka 2.31 of Hatha Yoga Pradipika Trataka is defined as "looking intently with an unwavering gaze at a small point until the eyes begin to tear, is called Trataka by the great teachers".Trataka can be either internal or external; that is the object that is gazed upon can be an internal object (for example the third eye) or an external one (for example the flame of a candle). In general, however, the most commonly practiced form of Trataka involves gazing at a candle flame. That is the technique that I will be describing in this article.Trataka technique Light a candle and place it on a small table around 3 to 4 feet in front of you. Sit in a comfortable posture with the spine upright and the arms and shoulders relaxed. You can assume any meditative posture which you can maintain without any movement for the duration of the Trataka practice. Make sure that the flame is at the level of your eyes. Also, make sure that you are facing the candle directly without having to turn the neck even slightly. It is important that the flame remains steady during the concentration routine. So, make sure that there no breeze around of any kind to disturb the flame. If needed, turn off any fans or air conditioner in the room. Take a few deep breaths to relax. Close the eyes and watch your breath as you inhale and exhale for about five to seven breaths. This will allow the breath to settle down and bring you into the present moment. Now, gaze at the flame intently and keep your gaze on it without getting distracted towards outer disturbances and thoughts. Keep your vision focused and steady on the flame without blinking, for as long as it is comfortable to you. Try to avoid any kind of body movement during the entire practice. Keep your gaze anchored on some part of the flame, rather than the candle or wick. If thoughts come up in the mind, just become aware of them and then ignore them. Try to maintain your awareness and focus on the flame. Continue to gaze at the flame until you cannot keep your eyes open and tears start flowing. Once this happens, close your eyes. When you close the eyes, you may be able to visualize an after-image of the flame with closed eyes. Try to bring this image at the point between the eyebrows at the center of the forehead (the third eye location). The depth and level of your concentration will determine how clear the after-image is. If you cannot visualize the after-image of the flame with closed eyes, or it wavers constantly or looses clarity, then re-apply your concentration to restore the position of the after-image. When the image begins to fade out completely, bring your awareness back to your breathing and begin to watch the flow of breath at the tip of the nose for about 7 to 8 breaths. You can open your eyes at this point and repeat the full gazing routine as given above one more time.In the beginning you may feel that the eyes begin to water after only a few minutes. However, with practice, your eyes will be able to continue the gaze for longer periods and you can practice Trataka for up to twenty minutes or so.Benefits of TratakaShloka 2.32 of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika states "Trataka eradicates all eye diseases, fatigue and sloth and closes the doorway to these problems". Some of the benefits associated with Trataka are: Improves eyesight and vision. Improves concentration, intelligence and memory. Excellent method as preparation for mantra meditation. Enhances self-confidence, patience and willpower. Develops greater work efficiency and productivity. Calms the mind and provides inner peace and silence. Brings greater clarity in mind and improves decision-making ability. Helps to overcome mental, behavioral and emotional ailments. Provides stress relief and deep relaxation. Deepens the sleep and cures sleep related disorders such as headache, insomnia, nightmares, etc. According to Gherand Samhita (shloka 5.54), Trataka promotes clairvoyance or perception of subtle manifestations.Tips for Trataka Concentration Trataka is best practiced on an empty stomach during early-morning hours or late evening hours just before going to bed. If you practice it during the daytime, make sure that the room is dark so that focusing on the flame is easier. Try getting a decent sized flame by adjusting the size of the wick. It will help in achieving a better after-image of the flame and it will be easier to visualize it with improved concentration. Do not strain your eyes while gazing on the flame. The eyes adjust naturally in due course of time and it becomes easier to concentrate and gaze on the flame for longer periods of time. As I mentioned earlier, because Trataka develops deep focus and concentration, it is used as a very effective pre-meditation stage. At the end of the Trataka routine, you may continue with your own mantra meditation.TratakOUR MIND IS ALWAYS OCCUPIED WITH THE INCESSANT FLOW OF THOUGHTS. IT IS ALWAYS IN A STATE OF DISTURBANCE, AND HAS A HABITUAL TENDENCY FOR DISTRACTION. THIS LEAVES US FEELING SO MUCH FRAGMENTED THAT WE FIND OURSELVES SCATTERED IN ALL DIRECTIONS. IT IS NO EXAGGERATION THEN, TO SAY THAT OUR MIND CANNOT STAY STILL FOR LONGER THAN A FEW MOMENTS, WHICH EVENTUALLY RESULTS IN LACK OF CONCENTRATION AND LOSS OF MEMORY. WE ARE UNABLE TO GRASP AND FOCUS IN THE PRESENT MOMENT.Now, how do we enhance our power of concentration and strengthen our memory? A uniquemeditationtechnique calledTratakis an answer to this. It has many benefits. Tratak not only brings an end to the minds distractions but also enhances the ability to concentrate. It increases the power of memory and brings the mind in a state of awareness, attention and focus. Tratak is an ideal meditation technique for people of all age groups, especially for students who need to concentrate on studies. Older people who often tend to forget every now and then can greatly benefit from this technique. As a result of its continuous practice, you will witness an immense rise in your confidence level, stability in your thoughts, and an ability to focus on whatever task you undertake.MethodLight a candle (or diya) in your meditation room or wherever you are comfortable, three to four feet in front of you. Sit in front of it. Remember, the flame should be at the level of your eyes so that you can see straight at it without being uncomfortable.

PostureThis is the most essential part of any meditation technique. Keep your spine erect so that inner energy can flow easily through the subtle channels of the body and render tranquility to the restless mind.Sit with your legs crossed or in Padmasana. Sit gracefully, with poise.

DeterminationYou can derive maximum benefit from this meditation technique only when you are determined to practice it. Keep your gaze fixed at the flame without being distracted with the outer disturbances or thoughts.Never give up! And do not move your body while you meditate.

Stage 1This powerful technique of meditation is based on fixing ones gaze at the flame of a candle or diya. The flame should burn steadily and it will do so only when we calm the air around it.Begin with slow and deep breathing. As you inhale, let the stomach expand, and breathe out with complete contraction. While you breathe in this manner, keep a steady gaze at the flame.Keep your eyes focused. Gaze at the flame, not the wick or the candle or the diya; just the flame. Let your vision be at the flame. If thoughts arise, simply ignore them; do not struggle to remove them. It is important to be wakeful and vigilant.Stage 2Imagine the flame is entering your body through your eyes and illuminating your inner being. At this stage, it is good to let the eyes close with ease. Now, try to imagine the same flame with closed eyes as you were seeing it with open eyes. If you are able to practice tratak without blinking your eye, it will be easy for you to see the flame with closed eyes.If you are not yet able to experience the spreading illumination of the flame, open your eyes again, do tratak (fix your gaze at the burning flame), and then shut them. Gradually you will find that your gaze has grown more peaceful and tranquil.Once you are established within, watch yourself separate from this body, and be distant from your mind. This distance will eliminate the clutter from the mind and mvake it silent, peaceful, and tranquil.Tratak is a guided meditation technique which can help you improve your concentration, memory and intelligence. Studies have shown that Tratak meditation can significantly benefit in the following ways: Increases concentration, memory, and mental power. Develops the confidence, intelligence, and patience. Increases work efficiency. Improves motivational power and foresight. Strengthens the will power and decision making ability. Helps in getting rid of many mental, emotional, and physical ailments and diseases. Reduces stress and tension. Leads to Healthy and Balanced living.It is only when we learn to meditate that we learn to live life meaningfully. Meditation is an experience in itself which enhances the quality of life and helps one discover the exuberant inner bliss.With mounting pressures and endless pursuit to achieve lofty ambitions, we go on running tirelessly. Amidst all this chaos, take a deep breath and explore the benefits of Tratak meditation, an ideal meditation technique for people of all age groups.It is highly recommended for students and working professionals for greater efficiency.When to practice?This technique is best done during the early hours of the morning, or in the night when it is natural dark. The idea is to let the flame of candle/diya eliminate the darkness of ignorance which is rooted deep in the mind. If you are doing it during daytime then practice it in a dark room.Tratak with Sublime MusicIn order to facilitate the seeker, the meditation technique,Tratak -A Divine Gaze is available in the form of Audio CD and Audio Cassette. Designed and developed by Anandmurti Gurumaa, this technique is highly apt for students, professionals, and anyone with short memory.This technique coupled with the music which paves the way to meditate with ease and be in a state of sheer thoughtlessness. Because it is only when the mind is at rest and stilled, it can be more focused and relaxed.

Benefits of TratakaShloka 2.32 of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika states Trataka eradicates all eye diseases, fatigue and sloth and closes the doorway to these problems. Some of the benefits associated with Trataka are:Improves eyesight and vision.Improves concentration, intelligence and memory.Excellent method as preparation for mantra meditation.Enhances self-confidence, patience and willpower.Develops greater work efficiency and productivity.Calms the mind and provides inner peace and silence.Brings greater clarity in mind and improves decision-making ability.Helps to overcome mental, behavioral and emotional ailments.Provides stress relief and deep relaxation.Deepens the sleep and cures sleep related disorders such as headache, insomnia, nightmares, etc.According to Gherand Samhita (shloka 5.54), Trataka promotes clairvoyance or perception of subtle manifestations.Tips for Trataka ConcentrationTrataka is best practiced on an empty stomach during early-morning hours or late evening hours just before going to bed. If you practice it during the daytime, make sure that the room is dark so that focusing on the flame is easier.Try getting a decent sized flame by adjusting the size of the wick. It will help in achieving a better after-image of the flame and it will be easier to visualize it with improved concentration.Do not strain your eyes while gazing on the flame. The eyes adjust naturally in due course of time and it becomes easier to concentrate and gaze on the flame for longer periods of time.As I mentioned earlier, because Trataka develops deep focus and concentration, it is used as a very effective pre-meditation stage. At the end of the Trataka routine, you may continue with your own mantra meditation.sourceThis technique was used by the ancients priestesses in Egypt, gazing into a bowl of still-water. Other cultures gaze at the full moon.Two divisions of Trataka are offered Bahiranga outer gazing and Antranga inward gaze.The technique of outer gazing further develops your spiritual powers.The physical side effects are an improvement or correction for short sightedness.It has the wonderful effect of calming your mind, removing anxiety, by bringing a stilling of the mind so that a wondrous relaxation steals over your whole body.Shanti Gowans in her book Calm the Mind tells us This training in one pointedness of the mind is the first step in learning not to cling. The goal of meditation is to free awareness from its identification with your Trataka And The Amazing Benefits Of Candle Gazing | In5D.comsenses andthoughts.Sofreed your awareness, permeates every thing but clings to nothing. Sooo practice one-pointedness (Trataka gazing)and the exclusion of all other considerations, even when these considerations happen to be enticing.Shanti also says The eyes are doorways to the mind,and intimately related to it. when the eyes are fixed and unmoving, th e mind also becomes the same and the thinking process automatically ceases as concentration increases and deepens.How does it work?Sit with a straight spine, position the candle close to you. ( If you are teaching in a class sit students in a circle around the candle level with their gaze.Students with contact lenses need to close their eyes after about 20 seconds. So a s not to burn the retina through the lens.)As the candle flame stills so will your breath and mind. Gaze for a few minutes at the flame, at the golden glow above thewick.Restyour eyes on the golden white light,now blow out the flame, close your eyes and await the image that will appear on the inside of your eyelids. do not worry if nothing appears, sit with the no image, the blank screen of your mind.We are not all visual people, but practising this technique will improve thatsense.Aftera while the image will fail.To lift this technique to another level.Take your mind back to the time when the candle was newly lit. See it again in your minds eye. The candle, the black wick, the brilliant golden white light surrounded by a subtle halo or aura. Picture this halo as expanding, your soft breathing is feeding the expansion so now your point of focus is the candle flame. Hold this until it fades. Slowly come back into the room. Calm and Blessed. Peace.Tratak - Discover the Ancient Yogic Concentration Meditation for Achieving Sharper Memory, Outstanding Concentration & Blissfulness in Life!Tratak is an excellent meditation technique to improve concentration and strengthen memory. It helps to bring the distracted mind towards a state of one-pointedness.

A continuous flow of thoughts goes on in our mind at all times. Our mind has the tendency to get distracted. This makes us feel scattered in different directions and we lack a feeling of integrity.

This inability of our mind to stay still at one point for even a few moments results in a lack of concentration. This also leads to a lower than optimal memory.

Students can highly benefit through the practice of Tratak as it significantly improves the level of concentration and retention of knowledge. Old people can enjoy a sharper memory.

Its regular practice improves confidence levels, leads to greater stability in thoughts and improves your ability to focus. Memory retention also improves and your ability to be aware, attentive and focused increases.Concentration Meditation Technique of Tratak1) Light a candle or an earthen lamp on a small table. Place it around 3 to 4 feet in front of you and sit in a comfortable posture looking at the direction of the candle. Make sure that the flame is at the level of your eyes.

It is important that the flame burns steadily during the concentration meditation. So, make sure that the air around is calm and there is no breeze around of any kind.

2) You can sit in any meditation posture which is comfortable. You can also sit on a chair to practice this concentration meditation. Make sure to keep your spine erect as that helps in better concentration and focus.

3) Take a few deep breaths to relax yourself and anchor your self in the present moment. Now, gaze at the flame and keep your gaze on it without getting distracted towards outer disturbances and thoughts.

Keep your vision focused and steady on the flame without blinking, for as long as it is comfortable to you. Try to avoid any kind of body movement during the concentration meditation.

4) Keep your gaze anchored on the flame, and not the candle or wick. When thoughts arise, ignore them and maintain your awareness and concentration on the flame. Do not blink while you are gazing at the flame.

5) Continue to gaze at the flame till the point where you cannot keep your eyes open and tears start flowing out of your eyes. Once this happens, you can close your eyes and start visualizing the after-image of the flame with closed eyes - at the point between the eyebrows at the center of the forehead (the third eye).

6) The depth and level of your concentration will determine how clear the after-image is. If you cannot visualize the after image of the flame with closed eyes, or it wavers or looses clarity, then re-apply your concentration to restore the position of the after-image.

When the image begins to fade out completely, you can open your eyes and you can repeat the gazing on the flame again.

7) You can begin with Tratak concentration meditation from 5 to 10 minutes initially up to 20 minutes. Advanced meditators can practice for longer durations.Benefits of Tratak Concentration Meditation Practice-- improves concentration, intelligence and memory.

-- enhances self-confidence, patience and willpower.

-- develops greater work efficiency and productivity.

-- calms the mind and provides inner peace and silence.

-- brings greater clarity in mind and improves decision-making ability.

-- improves the eyesight and vision.

-- helps to overcome mental, behavioral and emotional ailments.

-- provides stress relief and deep relaxation.

-- deepens the sleep and cures sleep related disorders such as insomnia, nightmares, etc.Tips for Tratak Concentration Meditation1) The concentration meditation technique of Tratak is best practised during early-morning hours or night hours. If you practice it during the daytime, then make sure that the room is dark, so that focusing on the flame is easier.

2) Try getting a decent sized flame by adjusting the size of the wick. It shall help in achieving a better after-image of the flame and it will be easier to visualize it with improved concentration.

3) Do not strain your eyes while gazing on the flame. The eyes adjust naturally in due course of time and it becomes easier to concentrate and gaze on the flame for longer periods of time.Benefits of TratakaShloka 2.32 of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika states "Trataka eradicates all eye diseases, fatigue and sloth and closes the doorway to these problems". Some of the benefits associated with Trataka are:Improves eyesight and vision.Improves concentration, intelligence and memory.Excellent method as preparation for mantra meditation.Enhances self-confidence, patience and willpower.Develops greater work efficiency and productivity.Calms the mind and provides inner peace and silence.Brings greater clarity in mind and improves decision-making ability.Helps to overcome mental, behavioral and emotional ailments.Provides stress relief and deep relaxation.Deepens the sleep and cures sleep related disorders such as headache, insomnia, nightmares, etc.According to Gherand Samhita (shloka 5.54), Trataka promotes clairvoyance or perception of subtle manifestations.

The wonders of Tratak

The wonders of TratakWhat does Tratak mean..Tratak is one of the six types of hatha yoga, which works wonder if practiced continuously at constant place and time without a gap of single day. There are six types of Hathayoga namely, Dhauti., Vasti., Neti., Nauli., Tratak & Kapalbhati.Tratak literally means constant Gazing at particular thing without blinking the eyes .We can perform tratak on photograph of Guruji, beloved Deity or on desired object according to our choice and taste.What are benefits of practicing Tratak..It provides us, gigantic will power, self-confidence , and different supernormal powers. Telepathy, mesmerism, foresight, magnetic personality are some of the entities that a seeker develops by practicing Tratak.How does Tratak work..There are on-going thoughts that occur continuously in our brain. A large fraction of our energy is wasted because of these ongoing thoughts. By practicing Tratak, we develop a perfect control over these unwanted thoughts and hence we conserve a greater part of our energy from being wasted. Later, we can use our conserved energy to do any of our desired work successfully. While we practice Tratak, we try to concentrate our mind at a point and the point of concentration is the point/object upon which we gaze or contemplate.There are several mind present in subtle form in each and every cell of our body. Tratak concentrates every subtle mind to a Gross equivalent Mind and helps in focussing our thought to a particular point of interest. It is said that the Pran (divine vital force) lies in Muladhar chakra or Swadhisthann chakra in the worldly people. These people are passionate and are easily excited or we can say they easily fell a prey of passion as the opportunity knocks. The Pran is lifted up from the Muladhar Kendra to Agnya Chakra with regular practice of Tratak. In this article, I shall elaborate the three types of Tratak , how to perform them and the ultimate blessings that we receive by practicing them regularly.What are the Types of Tratak..Now, let me explain well. There are three types of Tratak known as Inner Tratak, Middle Tratak and Outer Tratak.1.)Inner Tratak:-It involves gazing continuously at mental picture or an object or concentrating our mind at any of the seven chakra ( in beginning we concentrate on Agnya chakra, the point slightly above and between two eyebrows). With regular practice we try to visualize an object of our interest and the same picture is then retended in mind for long time as per our strength and capacity. When we are able to retain a particular thought for about an hour then we should try to elongate the time duration of our practice with great care. Remember, visualization has tremendous power. When we advance in the practice of inner Tratak then, we can hold a single thought for a long time and the visualization of mind crystalizes and finally manifests in our real life. We can attract health, wealth, prosperity, respect and much more in our daily life by using visualization technique.Advantages-It helps in building confidence, gaining strong will power and intelligence, improves co centration and the power of visualization. When we advance in the practice, we can establish contact with our spirit guide and seek their help. We develop power to hypnotise anyone.

2.)Middle Tratak:-In middle Tratak we gaze continuously at the picture of a Deity or statue of God or Shivlinga crystal for long time without blinking our eyes. In beginning we may feel burning sensation in eyes and tears flow within few minutes. Dont worry about . Its normal. We should gaze continuously without blinking but when tears start flowing from eyes then we should close the eyes wait for sometimes and again start continuous gazing.Note: object/image on which we fix our eyes should be placed at the level of our eyes kept about 2-3 feet apart from our body.Advantages-We develop mental power to read others mind. We achieve ultimate peace, We also develop supernormal faculties such as foresight, hypnotic power, wonderful memory.

3.)Outer Tratak:-Outer Tratak is done by continuously gazing at sky, moon, star, tree, temple etc. It can be done at any time of the day. Sometimes we should be calm and move to open space. We should be alone and , we should look at vast sky. We must stare at it with open eyes. We have to think about the wonders of God..about the almighty, who created this wonderful world, stars, planets, living creatures and the vast universe. After having divine thoughts in mind we have to be calm and observe silence around us. Let the mind be free from words, images or any further thoughts. This way we should perform outer Tratak every day.Advantages-We gain ultimate peace of mind, we get inspiration to do wonders. Outer Tratak also provides foresight.Note:-Person suffering from eye problem should not practice this. They must practice Jalneti for 3 months before starting outer Tratak.How to practice Tratak:-1.)Sit on an Aasan in comfortable posture either in sukhasan or kamlasan.2.)Sit quiet, your back and neck must be straight.3.)Choose any of the Tratak illustrated above and practice daily with regularity at same place and time.4.)Gradually, increase the time of Sadhana from 5 minutes to about 45 minutes.5.)Dont shake the body, loosen each part of your body. The body must be steady and straight during Sadhana.6.)Brahm muhurh (4a.m to 7 a.m) is the best time for practicing Tratak. It bestows divine results very soon.We must achieve peace of mind before starting Tratak for wonderful and suitable result. Hence, practicing Pranayama before starting Tratak is of great help and contributes a lot to the Sadhna