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, symbol or yantra such as the Om symbol, black dot or candle flame.[1][2][3]
Historical and Traditional Background
[edit source]Trāṭaka is named among the six cleansing techniques (ṣaṭkarma) in the classical yogic manual Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā — where it is defined as “gazing steadily at a small mark until tears flow,” and is said to eradicate eye diseases, fatigue, and sloth.[4] It is likewise described in the classical treatise Gheranda Saṃhitā, in which it is listed among the purification (ṣaṭkarma) practices and also recommended as a preparatory exercise for deeper meditation and concentration (dhāraṇā).[5] Across traditional Indian yoga lineages the technique has been used both as a śodhana (sensory/ocular purification) method and as a dhyāna-preparing concentrating practice.[6]
See also
[edit source]References
[edit source]- ↑ SIVANANDA, SRI SWAMI (1991). KUNDALINI YOGA By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA. A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION. p. 41. ISBN 978-81-7052-052-8.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Svātmārāma, Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, ch. 2, śloka 31–32; translation at sacred-texts.com
- ↑ Gheranda Saṃhitā, ch. 1; see discussion in modern overview of Trāṭaka kriya
- ↑ Review: “Tradition and science of Trataka kriya”, Yoga Mimamsa (2024)
Further reading
[edit source]
- 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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