Trataka is a simple method of undivided concentration, in which the mind is made to willfully focus on a manifest object and later on a concept or idea. The word trataka means to gaze steadily at an object placed directly in front of the eyes without blinking. The eyeballs must remain steady and the eyelids should not flicker.
Trataka is of two kinds – internal and external. In internal trataka, the eyes are closed and the mind concentrates on a subtle element within, usually the area between the eyebrows. In external trataka, the eyes are open and focus on an object outside. The list below mentions the various external objects that you can focus upon while practicing external trataka.
Simple Trataka Exercises
1. Dot On A Leaf
Take a palm-sized leaf and draw a pea-sized black dot in the middle of the leaf. Stick the leaf on a cardboard or a wall 2 feet away from you at your eye level when you are comfortably seated. Concentrate on the dot continually for 5-10 minutes, morning and evening, without batting your eyelids.
2. Candle Flame
Light a candle in a dark room and concentrate on the flame for 5-10 minutes without blinking. Perform this practice in the morning and evening without even a day’s break. People, especially children, with eye defects must practice this method.
3. Darkness
Sit alone in a dark room and concentrate on the darkness for 5-10 minutes. The eyes must remain open.
4. Blue Sky
Sit in an open place and gaze at the blue sky without blinking. Feel yourself becoming one with the sky.
5. Photograph
On a small photo of God or a deity of your choice, paste a blank paper containing a 2-inch circular hole in such a manner that only the face of the God or deity is seen. Place the photo 2 feet away from you at your eye level height and practice trataka on the photo.
6. Crystal
If you happen to have a crystal, place the crystal 2 feet away from you at eye level height and concentrate on the crystal. Crystals have many healing properties and are regarded as a powerful stones in gemology.
7. Flower
In this method, focus your concentration on a flower about half the size of your palm. A dark colored flower (red or purple) must be placed in a well-lit room, and a light colored flower (yellow or white) in a dark room.
8. Needle
Hang a needle by a thread attached to a nail on the wall and practice trataka by concentrating on the needle. Make sure that no other object is visible around the needle and your peripheral vision is not obstructed by any other object.
Benefits Of Practicing Trataka
Practicing trataka helps in curing many eye disorders. People with poor eyesight and those wearing spectacles must practice trataka for five minutes daily. Trataka has many uses related to the power of healing and clairvoyance. Besides the evident benefits to the eyes, it is therapeutic in depression, insomnia, allergy, anxiety, postural problems, poor concentration and memory.
