What is Trataka?
Trataka is one of the most uncelebrated yogic art. Trataka involves gazing with eyes. This may seem simple but when practised it makes us sharp sighted and bestows us with great power of concentration at its best. The meaning of Trataka means to gaze continuously. This practice is found in the yogic scripture Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
What is written is, Looking intently with an unwavering gaze at a small point until tears are shed, is known as trataka by the acharyas.
3. How to practice trataka?
Select a room with out any insects. Place a candle or earthen lamp at your hands distance and at eye level. Care should be taken that the flame should not flicker. Sit in a comfortable position, better sit in lotus posture or padmasana or in Siddhasana. Relax your body and prepare yourself for meditation. Gaze at the flame as long as you can without blinking and strain until tears emerge. Just observe the thoughts and do not be deviated by them.
After this close your eyes and try to create an image of the flame or the dot you were gazing it. Try to keep it this way as long as possible.
