Difference between revisions of "Trāṭaka"
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| − | Trāṭaka (Sanskrit n. त्राटक trāṭaka; tratak, trataka: to look, or to gaze) is the practice of staring at some external object. This fixed gazing is a method of meditation which involves concentrating on a single point such as a small object, black dot or candle flame. It is used in yoga as a way of developing concentration, strengthening the eyes, and stimulating the ājňā chakra. | + | |
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| + | [[Trāṭaka]] ([[Sanskrit]] n. त्राटक [[trāṭaka]]; [[tratak]], [[trataka]]: to look, or to gaze) is the practice of staring at some [[external object]]. This fixed gazing is a method of [[meditation]] which involves {{Wiki|concentrating}} on a single point such as a small [[object]], black dot or candle flame. It is used in [[yoga]] as a way of developing [[concentration]], strengthening the [[eyes]], and stimulating the [[ājňā]] [[chakra]]. | ||
[[File:EK1.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:EK1.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | 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. | + | 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]]. |
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| + | 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 [[sādhakas]] use to develop [[psychic powers]]. [[Tratak]] on the {{Wiki|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. | |
| − | + | As we are able to cease the [[restlessness]] of [[eyes]] seeking something or the other, by fixing its gaze, the [[restlessness of mind]] too comes to a halt. [[Trāṭaka]] is said to enhance the ability to [[concentrate]]. It may increase the power of [[memory]] and bring the [[mind]] in a [[state of awareness]], [[attention]] and focus. This exercise acts on the centers olfactive and optical, it stimulates the {{Wiki|nervous system}}. It is said to control of ciliary’s reflex and stimulate the [[pineal gland]]. | |
| − | + | == Example guided [[meditation]] (careful) == | |
| − | + | '''Stage 1''' Light a candle, three to four feet apart. Sit in front of it. The flame should be at the level of the [[eyes]] so that it can be seen straight without being uncomfortable. Begin with slow and [[deep breathing]]. While [[breathing]] in this manner, keep a steady gaze at the flame. Keep the spine erect. Keep your gaze fixed at the flame without being distracted with the outer {{Wiki|disturbances}} or [[thoughts]]. If [[thoughts]] arise, simply ignore them; do not struggle to remove them. It is important to be wakeful and vigilant. | |
| − | ''' | + | '''Stage 2''' [[Imagine]] the flame is entering your [[body]] through your [[eyes]] and [[illuminating]] your inner being. At this stage, it is good to let the [[eyes]] close with ease. Now, try to [[imagine]] the same flame with closed [[eyes]] as you were [[seeing]] it with [[open eyes]]. If you are able to practice [[tratak]] without blinking your [[eye]], it will be easy for you to see the flame with closed [[eyes]]. |
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| − | Stage 2''' Imagine the flame is entering your body through your eyes and illuminating your inner being. At this stage, it is good to let the eyes close with ease. Now, try to imagine the same flame with closed eyes as you were seeing it with open eyes. If you are able to practice tratak without blinking your eye, it will be easy for you to see the flame with closed eyes. | ||
| − | The Bihar School of Yoga, Munger has published several books on meditation that give detailed instructions for | + | The [[Bihar]] School of [[Yoga]], Munger has published several [[books]] on [[meditation]] that give detailed instructions for practicing [[Trataka]]. The [[Dharana]] [[Darshana]] by [[Swami]] Niranjananda [[Saraswati]] has an entire [[chapter]] devoted to the practice. |
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
[[Category:Meditation]] | [[Category:Meditation]] | ||
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:51, 15 December 2015
Trāṭaka (Sanskrit n. त्राटक trāṭaka; tratak, trataka: to look, or to gaze) is the practice of staring at some external object. This fixed gazing is a method of meditation which involves concentrating on a single point such as a small object, black dot or candle flame. It is used in yoga as a way of developing concentration, strengthening the eyes, and stimulating the ājňā 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 sādhakas use to develop psychic powers. Tratak 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.
As we are able to cease the restlessness of eyes seeking something or the other, by fixing its gaze, the restlessness of mind too comes to a halt. Trāṭaka is said to enhance the ability to concentrate. It may increase the power of memory and bring the mind in a state of awareness, attention and focus. This exercise acts on the centers olfactive and optical, it stimulates the nervous system. It is said to control of ciliary’s reflex and stimulate the pineal gland.
Example guided meditation (careful)
Stage 1 Light a candle, three to four feet apart. Sit in front of it. The flame should be at the level of the eyes so that it can be seen straight without being uncomfortable. Begin with slow and deep breathing. While breathing in this manner, keep a steady gaze at the flame. Keep the spine erect. Keep your gaze fixed at the flame without being distracted with the outer disturbances or thoughts. If thoughts arise, simply ignore them; do not struggle to remove them. It is important to be wakeful and vigilant.
Stage 2 Imagine the flame is entering your body through your eyes and illuminating your inner being. At this stage, it is good to let the eyes close with ease. Now, try to imagine the same flame with closed eyes as you were seeing it with open eyes. If you are able to practice tratak without blinking your eye, it will be easy for you to see the flame with closed eyes.
The Bihar School of Yoga, Munger has published several books on meditation that give detailed instructions for practicing Trataka. The Dharana Darshana by Swami Niranjananda Saraswati has an entire chapter devoted to the practice.
