Tratak, Yantra, and OM
Meditation is a very important tool in achieving mental clarity and health. Different techniques are used to help clear the mind and relax the body. One of these techniques is Tratak or steady gazing.
Tratak is a good form of concentration exercise. In this technique, you will gaze at an object or point without blinking, then you will close your eyes and try to visualize the object or point. This helps you to still your mind and focus your attention on the practice.
The Practice of Tratak
- Place the object at eye level, three feet (90 cm) away from you.
- Regulate your breathing, then gaze at the object without blinking.
- Look steadily without straining.
- After about a minute, close your eyes, keep your inner gaze steady, and visualize the object.
- When the after-image vanishes, open your eyes and repeat the process.
Yantras
Yantras are geometrical images which serve to focus the mind. Like a mantra, each Yantra has a specific mystical meaning.
OM - A Powerful Symbol
The OM symbol is usually used to focus on while practicing Tratak. To the Yoga community, there is no symbol that is more powerful than OM, as witnessed by these words from the Mandukya Upanishad: "OM: this eternal word is all; what was, what is and what shall be." In Sanskrit, the longer lower curve indicates the dream state, while the upper curve represents the waking state and the curve issuing from the center symbolized deep, dreamless sleep. The crescent shape represents the “maya”, the veil of illusion, and the dot stands for the transcendental state. When the individual spirit in man passes through the veil and rests in the transcendental state, he is liberated from the three states and their qualities.
Candle Gazing
A candle is commonly used when practicing Tratak since its image is easy to visualize when you close your eyes. When using a candle in this technique, place it in a darkened, draught-free room so you can clearly see its flame throughout the practice.
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Basics & Backgrounds
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