THE CANDLE FLAME - TRATAKA

(May 2007)

This meditation is based on one of the traditional yoga meditations. It is very simple and easy to do. All you need is a lighted candle. Sit about about half a metre (or 2 feet) away from the candle and have it level with your eyes. Draw the curtains or blinds so that the room is dim. Make sure that there is no draught to make the candle flame flicker.

Take a few minutes to settle into a meditative state. Gaze at the flame of the candle without blinking the eyes, if possible. Keep your attention on the flame and think of nothing else. Your breathing is soft and gentle. If you have to blink, or tears come into your eyes, close them and you will see an after flame behind your forehead, in the space between the eyebrows that is often known as the ‘third eye’ or ajna chakra. If the image of the flame begins to fade, either bring it back or open your eyes to gaze at the flame once again. Repeat this 3 or 4 times.

In the yogic tradition, this practice is said to make the eyes clear and bright. It helps to still the mind and quieten the nervous system and is very simple to do. Those who find visualisation difficult find this meditation helpful. It certainly improves the ability to concentrate and awakens inner vision.

In time, you can begin to feel as though the flame is within your heart chakra. Visualise it as being very still. Realise that it is a symbol of your own centre of peace and tranquillity. Use it at times when you are under strain and it helps to keep you at peace and feeling strong when you need it. Sometimes, you feel that you are enveloped in a still peaceful flame that is a source of great strength to you.

(If you suffer from epilepsy, this meditation should be done as a visualisation only, without looking at a flame. If there are any other eye problems like myopia or astigmatism, you can concentrate on a black dot instead. Draw one with a permanent marker on a large piece of paper and place it up in front of you where you can easily see it).

© Kathleen Pepper 2007

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