Trataka: Shatkarma for Eye Cleaning

Tratak meditation is a type of Shatkarma practice in Yoga; it is one of the most effective methods for cleansing the eyes. Shatkarma is a part of Ashtanga yoga- the eight limbs of yoga. The very first step in Hatha yoga is cleansing of the whole body. There are different methods of cleansing, like Saucha, Dhauti, Nauli, etc., which come in Shatkaramas, and Tratak is the last part of the Shatkaramas.

It is not only cleansing of the eye with continuous focus on a single point, but it is a method of increasing focus, which makes a meditative state of the body. It is very necessary to consider which type of Trataka is good for you.

The continuous eye focusing on a single point is known as Trataka, and it is good for increasing concentration and eye cleansing. According to Swami Vivekananda, you can have all the qualities of the particular thing at which you gaze continuously.

How to Do Tratak Meditation in the Perfect Way?

There are two types of gazing in Trataka, and you have to prepare for this. Eyes can't continue looking at a point without getting tired. So we have to give them a signal for the particular period after which they adapt to changes. Also, it is very necessary to keep the candle or flame at eye level, otherwise it may increase the focal length of vision.

Here is a step-wise guide to the Trataka Meditation Kriya: 

• Choose a dimly lit room with no disturbance, a quiet place with a candle flame as the only light.
• Then choose to sit at the level of the candle and start external gazing.
• You have to look at the tip of the flame without blinking your eyes.
• In this state, you will feel tears that work like remedies for cleansing.
• In the beginning, tears may come in 30 seconds, or it may take 2 to 3 minutes to tear.
• After this step, move to internal gazing and close your eyes.
• Now focus on the third eye chakra between the eyebrows.
• Visualise that same flame between the eyebrows and keep it for as long as possible.
• After some time, it will start fading itself, and you can choose to repeat the same cycle 3 to 4 times.
• In the end, you can rub your palm and place it on your face, and then sit in a silent space.

What are the Benefits of Trataka Meditation? 

During your practice, you can also choose the sign of Om or a single black dot. Most of the benefits are seen while it is performed in a continuous manner, not in a discrete one. Ou may gradually increase your practice. Here are some benefits of the Trataka:

1. Increase concentration or focus in every field of life.
2. Increase awareness and mental clarity.
3. Helps in achieving a meditative state.
4. Helps in clearing intuition, works on the third eye chakra.
5. Give strength to the eye muscles and help in their movement.

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Contraindications of Tratak- Dangers of Tratak

It is better not to perform this meditation without a guide, as it may increase headaches. A person with cataract, myopia or hypermetropia may experience pain when performing in a wrong way. Here are some contraindications or dangers of Tratak:

• Tratak is one of the best solutions for people with eye diseases, but it has contraindications.
• A person with metropia, hypermetropia and cataract may experience pain in the eye when the level of vision is not correct.
• Patients with neurological disorders may experience different confusion and should not perform this meditation.
• It may stimulate the nervous system of the body, but it should be performed in a controlled manner.
• Children under the age of 12 years should not perform this meditation.
• In case of severe headache and eye issues, don’t perform this meditation.

Conclusion

Tratak meditation is the way to increase focus and to experience transformation in life. Tratak meditation was initiated in the Vedic period and mentioned in Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita. It is a method of cleansing the eyes, but it should be performed with safety; otherwise may cause problems. Patients with neurological disorders are not allowed to perform this meditation. At Pratham Yoga Creations, you may discover different methods of meditation other than tratak, so you may contact us regarding yoga and meditation.