Trataka
Trataka (Concentrated Gazing)
- Light a candle and place it in on a table so that the flame is exactly at eye level in sitting position.
- Sit in a comfortable position with erect spine and head. Relax the whole body and close the eyes.
- Keep the body in a steady and still position. Try to avoid any kind of body movement during the entire practice.
- Take a few deep breaths to relax. Watch your breath as you inhale and exhale for about five breaths with 'OMKARA'. This will help to settle down and bring you into the present moment.
- Slowly open the eyes gazing down towards the laps. Gradually increase the view forward towards the table.
- Step by step move your sight from the bottom of the table to the top and then the bottom of the candle to the top of its flame. And finally fix your sight at the tip of the wick of the candle.
- Once you have reached the tip of the wick of the candle, try not to blink or move the eyes from the tip any way.
- If the mind begins to wander, gently bring it back to the practice. Your awareness and focus should be completely centred to the tip of the wick.
- After few minutes when the eyes become tired or waters, slowly close the eyes.
- After you close your eyes, try to observe the after image of the object seen with the closed eyes in the centre of the eyebrows. If the image moves, try to stabilize it.
- When the after image stops retaining, open the eyes and gaze at the tip of the wick once again.
- Continue the external and internal gazing procedure for three to four times.
- Return back to your laps step by step from the tip of the wick of the candle and finally close your eyes.
- Complete the session with palming and then open then open the eyes.
Benefits of doing regular Trataka:
- Eyes become more clear and bright.
- Eyes become more clear and bright.
- Balances the nervous system. Helpful in anxiety, depression and insomnia.
- All the attention and power of mind is channelled into one continuous stream which helps to focus the mind and curb the oscillating tendencies.
- A restless mind comes to a pause of peace, state of awareness, attention and focus.
- The flow of thoughts in our brain is an on-going process. Due to Which 80% of our energy is wasted and our nervous system loses its balance. After practicing trataka we experience peace of mind and get rid of unwanted thoughts and a time comes when we are able to control our thoughts and gain more energy. It will remove negative thoughts and desires from your mind and will give you peace of mind.
- Students can use this before studies to improve their concentration and memory.
- Calms the mind, provides inner peace and silence.
- Brings greater clarity in mind and improves decision making ability.
- Helps to overcome mental, behavioural and emotional ailments.
- Build confidence, intelligence and patience.
- You get foresight and spiritual power. It increases your working efficiency and the ability to read others mind.