The inner journey

Tratak is a Sanskrit word that means ‘to look' or ‘to gaze'. It involves gazing at an object, without blinking. It leads to higher awareness.

Choice of object

It can be almost anything from a flower, a black dot on a white sheet, or the flame of a burning candle.

Technique

Sit in a comfortable and steady posture.

Light a candle and make the room dark.

Sit one to two feet away from the candle, keeping it horizontal to your eye-level.

Close your eyes and try to relax.

Open your eyes and start gazing at the flame.

Avoid movement of the eyes and also avoid straining your eyes.

Gaze at the light with complete concentration.

When your eyes get tired, close them and relax.

Do not move. Try to be aware of the after-image of the object in front of your closed eye.

As soon as the after-image begins to fade, open your eyes and repeat it.

Blow the candle out after repeating the process three to four times.