Monday, June 4, 2012

Trataka - Concentrated Gazing


Trataka is a. deceptively simple but powerful practice. Trataka means 'to gaze steadily at a fixed point' and there are two forms of the practice. One is 'bahiranga' or external trataka and the other is 'antaranga' or internal trataka. Bahiranga is easier to practise because one simply has to gaze at an object or symbol. However, antaranga trataka involves clear and stable inner visualisation of an object.

In the practice of trataka an object is gazed at until its subtle form manifests in front of the closed eyes. The point of concentration is usually a symbol or object which activates the inner potential and can absorb the mind. The symbol most commonly used is a candle flame, because even after the eyes are closed, the impression remains naturally for some time, and then antaranga trataka can easily be performed. The purpose of focusing the eyes on an external object is to arouse the internal vision and make it absolutely steady by stopping the eye movements.

Trataka is a process of concentrating the mind and curbing its oscillating tendencies. The one-pointed concentration of mind is termed 'ekagrata'. There are numerous distractions which obstruct ekagrata. Association and identification through the eyes and sight are major contributing factors to this leakage. Furthermore, the eyes move constantly, either in large movements (saccades), or tremors (nystagmus). 

Even when the eyes are focused on an external object the perception is always fluctuating due to these spontaneous movements. When the same object is constantly seen, the brain becomes accustomed or habituated, and soon stops registering that object. Habituation coincides with an increase of alpha waves indicating diminished visual attention to the external world. When alpha waves are produced it indicates that particular areas of the brain have ceased functioning. This is the case, not only with trataka, but with any practices of concentration. When the awareness is restricted to one unchanging sense stimulus, like touch or sound, the mind is 'turned off'. Complete absorption in a single perception induces withdrawal of contact with the external world.

Benefits

According to the 'Hatha Yoga Pradipika' of Swatmarama, 'Trataka eradicates all eye diseases, fatigue and sloth and closes the doorway creating these problems. It should carefully be kept secret like a golden casket." Trataka benefits not only the eyes but a whole range of physiological and mental functions. It is therapeutic in depression, insomnia allergy, anxiety, postural problems, poor concentration and memory.

Trataka unlocks the inherent energy of the mind and channelises it to the dormant areas of the unconscious. Yogi Swatmarama mentions the arousal of clairvoyance but other capacities such as telepathy, telekinesis, psychic healing, etc., can develop. 

Not only that, further results of one-pointedness of mind are strong willpower, improved memory and concentrative ability. Physiologically, trataka relieves eye ailments such as eye strain and headache, myopia, astigmatism and even early stages of cataract. The eyes become clear bright, able to see the reality beyond appearances.

Source: Yoga Magazine May 1991

Saturday, June 2, 2012

The Divine Musician


Tansen was a great musician in the court of Emperor Akbar. One day, charmed by his music, Akbar said, "There is none who can equal you in music."

Tansen replied, "No, my lord, there is one person."

Akbar got curious. Tansen explained, "He is no ordinary person. His name is Haridas and he is a saint. He lives in Vrindavan and he is my guru." 
... 
Akbar wanted to invite Saint Haridas to the court to listen to his singing. Tansen replied, "He will not stir out of Vrindavan. Many have tried to persuade him but failed."

Akbar asked, "Can I hear his music? Can you take me there?" 

Tansen replied, "If you are willing to come disguised as my disciple, I can take you there and I will try to make him sing."
Akbar immediately agreed.

So, a disguised Akbar and Tansen left for Vrindavan. On reaching the place of the saint, both of them paid their respects to the saint. The saint did not sing at all. 

In the evening, Tansen started singing. While singing, he deliberately made a mistake. Immediately the saint corrected him and to explain the correction started singing. Akbar and Tansen sat spellbound listening to him. It was the most divine music that Akbar had ever heard. 

After some time, the saint was absorbed in meditation and fell unconscious. 

Akbar said, "You should be blessed to have such a teacher. How does he sing so well?"

Tansen replied, "He does not sing for mere mortals like us. He sings for God. That is why his music is so good."