Trataka

“Trataka removes eye diseases. It is a closed-door to lethargy and so on. Strive to keep it secret — as if it were a gold box”

– Hatha Yoga Pradipika, ch. 2, v.32

As seen from the original writings in Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita, Trataka is said to help in curing –

• Eye Diseases 
• Lethargy 
• Fatigue and Laziness

Trataka meditation, or gazing meditation, is a profound practice that centers on a visual focal point. This focal point acts as a meditative touchstone to bring your attention back to when your mind starts to wander. The word ‘trataka’ means ‘to look’ or ‘to gaze’ in Sanskrit. It’s most frequently practiced with a lit candle, but you can use anything as your focal point.

Our eyes are one of our most important sensory organs. Because we rely so heavily on our eyes, learning to control them in a conscious way can unlock some major health benefits. In fact, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is emerging as an effective method of helping people heal from trauma. It’s even being combined with mindfulness meditation to create an even more holistic treatment.

Since visual stimulation plays such a huge role in the way we perceive the world around us, Trataka meditation allows us to step back from the overwhelming stimuli we’re constantly taking and learn to focus our attention wholly on one object.