Trāṭaka
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Trāṭaka (Sanskrit: त्राटक "look, gaze") is a yogic purification (a shatkarma) and a tantric method of meditation that involves staring at a single point such as a small object, black dot or candle flame.[1][2][3]
Description
[edit]The practitioner may fix attention on a symbol or yantra, such as the Om symbol, a black dot, the image of some deity or guru, a flame, a mirror or any point, and stare at it. A candle should be three to four feet (1 metre plus) away, the flame level with the eyes. The practitioner relaxes but keeps the spine erect and remains wakeful and vigilant.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ SIVANANDA, SRI SWAMI (1991). KUNDALINI YOGA By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA. A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION. p. 41. ISBN 978-81-7052-052-8.
- ^ a b Dev, Acharya Bhagwan (2002-06-01). Meditation Yoga. Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd. p. 54. ISBN 978-81-7182-537-0.
- ^ Gore, Dr. Makarand Madhukar (2008-01-01). Anatomy and Physiology of Yogic Practices. New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. p. 160-162. ISBN 978-81-7822-305-6.
Further reading
[edit]- The Bihar School of Yoga, in India has published several books on meditation that discuss trataka. Dharana Darshan by Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati has an entire chapter devoted to the practice.
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