This is one of my favorite techniques.

    “Looking intently with an unwavering gaze at a small point until tears are shed is known as trataka”.

Trataka is a very simple method of concentration. The simple act of holding the image in the mind for an extended period of time helps to place the dissipated energies of the senses, intellect and emotions at one point. This acute or undivided concentration in which we are able to focus the mind willfully, first of all on a manifest object and later on some concept or idea, is the purpose of trataka. It provides a non- fluctuating and unwavering state of mind.

Trataka means 'to gaze steadily at a fixed point' and there are two forms external trataka and internal trataka. External is simply has to gaze at an object or symbol. However Internal trataka involves clear and stable inner visualizations of an object. In the practice of trataka an object is gazed at until its subtle form manifests in front of the closed eyes. The point of concentration is usually a symbol or object, which activates the inner potential, and can absorb the mind. The symbol most commonly used is a candle flame, because even after the eyes are closed, the impression remains naturally for some time, and then internal trataka can easily be performed. The purpose of focusing the eyes on an external object is to arouse the internal vision and make it absolutely steady by stopping the eye movements.

This meditation presents with numerous distractions. Association and identification through the eyes and sight are major contributing factors to this, the eyes move constantly, either in large movements, or tremors. Even when the eyes are focused on an external object the perception is always fluctuating due to these spontaneous movements. This is the case,, not only with trataka, but with any practices of concentration. When the awareness is restricted to one unchanging sense stimulus, like touch or sound, the mind is 'turned off'. Complete absorption in a single perception induces withdrawal of contact with the external world. In trataka the result is a 'blanking out' of visual perception, and in the wake of this suspension, the central nervous system begins to function in isolation. When the brain is isolated from the sense modalities and from the associated mental processes, ideas, memories, etc., triggered by these thought impressions, spiritual consciousness emerges. The higher brain, liberated from time and space, is experienced-There are many other equally effective symbols for trataka apart from the candle flame, yantra, mandala, the full moon, a star, the rising or setting sun (when it is orange, not yellow), a chakra, the symbol om or your own shadow. These are the most effective, but trataka can also be done on a rose, a tree, a mountain, the sea, the sky, a rock, a black dot or any object of your choice. However, one should be careful when selecting the trataka symbol. A steady flame of light is the most practical and safest, unless you are strong enough to venture out.

Technique:

Practice in a dark room - place a candle at arms length in front of you with the flame at eye level - it is important that the flame does not flicker in the least. Sit in a comfortable meditative pose, and place the hands on the knees - relax your whole body, close your eyes take a deep breath and make yourself quiet. Keep your body perfectly still throughout the entire practice - gaze at the middle portion of the flame (ideally one should focus on the red tip of the wick as it does not move due to draft). Gaze for as long as possible without blinking and without strain until the eyes begin to water or get tired. You will be able to increase the time gradually with practice to ten minutes. Remain silent throughout, observing all thoughts and feeling which may arise, when you close your eyes keep them fixed an the impression - if the afterimage moves, bring it back to the center and continue gazing until the impression disappears -once you can stabilize the afterimage, study it and look intently at its color.

Benefits: It is therapeutic in depression, allergy, anxiety, postural problems, poor concentration and memory. Trataka unlocks the inherent energy of the mind and channelizes it to the dormant areas of the unconscious it’s also helps develop clairvoyance and capacities such as telepathy, telekinesis, psychic healing and etc. Physiologically, trataka relieves eye ailments such as eyestrain and headache, myopia, astigmatism and even early stages of cataract. The eyes become clear bright, able to see the reality beyond appearances.