Trataka (in Sanskrit to look, or to gaze) is the practice of staring at some external object. It is used in yoga as a way of developing concentration, strengthening the eyes, and stimulating the Ajna chakra.
In its first stage, the practitioner fixes his attention on a symbol or yantra, such as the Om symbol, a black dot, or the image of some deity, and stares at it, paying attention to each thought and feeling as it arises, and letting them go, so that the mind is completely absorbed in the symbol. The practice continues until the eyes begin to water, at which point they are closed, and relaxed.
The second stage is staring at a candle flame. The practice is the same up until the eyes begin to water, after which the eyes are closed, and the yogi tries to concentrate on the after image, and hold it for as long as possible. At first, it will be a real after-image, but later, it will exist only in the mind's eye, and the exercise in concentration comes from trying to maintain it there for a long period of time.
Trataka is supposedly the technique which sadhakas use to develop psychic powers. Trataka on the Sun or one's own mirror image is considered to be extremely powerful, but without a guru's assistance it can be dangerous to try these.
Trataka
This practice is also called Eye Gazing and is used to develop concentration. When one sits and gazes continuously at some object, the process is called Trataka.
Method
Sit on a rug or your yoga mat in the squatting position. In yoga, this is called Sukhasana. Keep the waist, back, neck and the entire spinal column erect. Be relaxed and sit in a calm manner, breathing normally. Make a sign on a piece of paper like a cross or a circle. Hang it on a wall in front of you at the level of your eyes at a distance of about 2 meters from you. Now, fix your sight upon the sign or image without closing your eyes. Concentrate only on the sign or image. Continue to gaze, non-stop till your eyes start watering or feel the strain. Once this happens, close your eyes, and imagine that symbol to be in the eyebrow center and concentrate upon that sign through the mind's eye.
You can also do Trataka by concentrating on the flame of a candle or lamp. Light a candle or lamp and place it upon a table or stool at the level of the height of your eyes. Please make sure there is no turbulence in the air around because the flame of the candle should not flutter. Keep the candle at a distance of 2 feet from you. Now fix your gaze on the flame. Continue to gaze without blinking till you feel the strain on the eyes and they start watering. Then close your eyes and visualize the flame at the eyebrow center through the mind's eye. Gradually increase the time with practice.
Benefits of this practice:
Trataka cures several eye diseases. Eyesight improves and it reduces lethargy. It increases the power of concentration.
