MEDITATION

 Tratak (Sanskrit: त्राटक) means to gaze steadily. It is a form of fixed gazing meditation traditionally practiced by focusing the eyes and attention on a single point—often a candle flame, a black dot, or a symbol.

This technique comes from the Hatha Yoga tradition and is also mentioned in the Gheranda Samhita as a cleansing practice (Shatkarma) to purify the mind and improve focus.

Rooted in the traditional Hatha Yoga Shatkarmas (six purification techniques), Tratak is both a cleansing and meditative practice. It involves fixing your gaze on a single point without blinking, then internalizing that focus to transcend the distractions of the senses.

Tratak is often practiced with a candle flame, but other focal points—such as a black dot, a yantra (sacred geometry), or a deity’s image—can be used to suit individual needs.