Trataka  (“to  gaze  steadily”)  is  one  of  the  Yogic  Kriyas  or  Cleansing  Rituals.  This  technique  is  traditionally  practiced  using  a  candle  or  oil  lamp  flame.  Variations  of  this  practice  include  gazing  at  sacred  objects  (statues,  salt  lamps),  symbols  (OM),  photographs,  images  (angels/  deities),  and  elements  of  nature  (leaves).      The  practice  involves  a  gentle  gazing  –  NOT  STARING  –  at  the  object  until  all  surrounding  elements  fade  and  the  you  feel  at  one  with  the  object.    There  is  INTERNAL  trataka  (concentration  inside  the  body)  and  EXTERNAL  trataka  (object  outside  the  body),  both  are  useful  for  different  reasons.    

…  Candle  Gazing    THE  BASICS:  What  is  TRATAKA  or  Candle  Gazing?  

Explore…  

www.heatherthomas.ca  

1.  Focus  on  the  object  of  choice.  2.  Gaze  steadily  and  easily  without  blinking,  without  moving  the  eyes  or  fluttering  the  eyelids.    3.  Do  not  allow  the  mind  to  wander.  4.  Gaze  until  the  eyes  begin  to  water  and  then  allow  the  lids  to  close.    5.  Connect  with  the  image  of  the  object  behind  closed  eyes  and  when  ready,  open  and  re-­‐focus  the  gaze.  

TIP  #3:  The  Techniques…  

Precautions  of  Trataka  include:  • Careful  not  to  strain  the  eyes.  The  

practice  is  to  be  done  while  in  a  relaxed  state.  Use  your  breath.  

• The  mind  must  be  quiet  as  a  distracted  mind  will  pull  attention  from  the  practice.  

• Practice  this  technique  for  5  minutes  and  work  up  from  there.  

TIP  #2:  Trataka  Precautions  

Benefits  of  Trataka  include:  • Strengthens  eyes,  improves  

vision,  heals  ailments/  disease.  • It  helps  focus  the  mind  for  

concentration,  control  the  senses.  • Develops  spiritual  powers  of  

insight  and  clairvoyance.  • Helps  connect  with  the  Divine  

light  inside,  “shining”  the  path.  

TIP  #1:  Trataka  Benefits  

As  with  all  meditation  techniques,  practice  with  ease  and  comfort.  Let  go  of  the  practice  when  you  need  to  and  be  compassionate  and  gentle  with  yourself  always.    

Resources  

• 23  minute  Candle  Meditation  YOUTUBE  video  from  Guided  Mind  -­‐  http://youtu.be/97do2s8fGgg  

• More  information  on  the  practice  of  tratak:  http://www.yogamag.net/archives/2005/cmar05/tratak.shtml    

TIP  #4:  Heather’s  Suggestions  

Tips,  Trick

s  

&  Tools  …  

“In  faith  there  is  enough  light  for  those  who  want  to  believe  and  enough  shadows  to  blind  those  who  don't.”    

~  Blaise  Pascal