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Trataka

In Sanskrit, Trataka means "to look" or "to gaze." This practice is also called candle gazing, for the purpose of purifying the eyes and Ajna Chakra or Third Eye Chakra.

For this practice, a Trataka stand is used, a stand is made of metal with a metal or wooden stand, the stand is adjustable to accommodate the practitioner so that the candle flame is always at the level of the Ajna Chakra and is placed at arms length away. We recommend placing an old towel down, then place the stand on the towel to catch any drippings from the candle.

This practice can be preformed without a stand, but remember to keep the flame at the level of the Brow Chakra or Third Eye Chakra. The type of candle does not matter, if you wish you can use a ghee lamp that is not intended for the practice of lighting a Ghee lamp to the Creator. In this practice the flame is the focal point.

This practice also cleanses the eyes and the cerebral cortex, balances the nervous system, relieves anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The Gheranda Samhita, says that "the practice cultivates clairvoyance and inner vision."

Practice

Sit in a Meditative Asana or a comfortable seated position.

Set a candle arms length in front of you, with the flame positioned at eye level.

Make sure the room is dark and draft free.

Begin with the eyes closed, surveying the body and watching the breath until it becomes calm, regular, and even.

Open the eyes and rest the gaze on the middle part of the flame, right above the tip of the wick.

Maintain the gaze without blinking or blurring the vision for as long as possible.

Observe any thoughts that arise, watching them come and go without becoming engaged.

Close the eyes only when they begin to strain and water, and you can no longer sustain the gaze.

To end the practice, find the afterimage of the flame in the mind's eye, resting your awareness at Ajna Chakra.

Rub the hands together until the palms warm.

Cup the palms and place them gently over the eyes until the afterimage is gone.

Gently drag the fingers down the face and sweep the hands to the shoulders then to the knees.

Note

Please use extreme caution when practicing, making sure that the flame will not come into contact with anything and that the stand or candle it steady and well placed on the ground or table.

Please safety first.

Benefits of Trataka

Improves concentration.

Calms the mind.

Promotes emotional stability.

Boosts willpower.

Develops intuition and clairvoyance.

Strengthens the eye muscles.

Purifies the eyes.

Treats eye disorders.

Relieves insomnia.

Aids in treating depression.

Activates Ajna Chakra.

Related Hatha Yoga Practices

Shatkarma

The six cleansing actions are intended to be the start of a Yoga practice in order to clean, strengthen, remove toxins and improve the flow of Prana through out the practitioner.

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Asana

Yoga poses help to elongate and strengthen the muscles of the body as well as to calm the mind for the deeper spiritual practices of Yoga.

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Pranayama

Breathing exercises are a great practice to remove carbon dioxide, increase lung capacity as well as being a good preparatory practice for the deepest spiritual practice of Yoga, Meditation.

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Bandha

The four body locks that makes up this practice give the practitioner the ability to hold or lock Prana in certain locations of the body. These practices also allow the practitioner to release blockages that may be holding the practitioner back.

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Mudra

The gestures in this practice include the whole body and are intended to awaken Prana, Chakras as well as Kundalini energy within the practitioner.

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Meditation

Meditation is the highest spiritual practice of Yoga which is why this practice is the most difficult practice to preform, but with correct knowledge and dedication, can be the most profound practice of Yoga.

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