Day 11 - Meditation Challenge - Candle Gazing (Trataka त्राटक)

This tip or option for your meditation challenge is called Candle Gazing or Trataka (त्राटक). 

It is designed to allow our human eye to focus on this powerful element of fire, uniting with this brilliant flame, and inevitably stilling the mind.  This technique is one of the six cleansing techniques illuminated in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.  We are required to gaze steadily at an object/candle, and this is also helpful to bring healing to the eyes.

Trataka (त्राटक) technique:

1. Sit comfortably with a small table three to four inches in front of you, if no table option to hold the candle, making sure it is in a stable holder to avoid wax drips etc.
2. Keep the lit flame at eye level, however you can also rest in on the floor in front of you, just maintain the gaze on the flame.
3. Keep your gaze steady on the same part of the flame, take some deep soft breaths.
4. Stare until you cannot stare anymore, and then softly close your eyes.
5. Visualize the burning flame at the 3rd eye, keep the image clear and when it fades return your focus to your breath.