IMPROVE YOUR VISION WITH YOGA Trataka: The literal meaning of Sanskrit word ‘trataka’ is gaze steadily. Trataka is a meditation technique which involves focusing eyes through intent, but relaxed gazing. The technique involves gazing or fixing the eyes on one point, object or candle flame. Trataka is included under shad karma(6 cleansing techniques).Hath yoga pradipika mentions that practice of trataka eradicates all eye diseases, eye fatigue and removes lethargy. Due to its immense benefits, it is mentioned in Hathayoga pradipika, to keep trataka carefully as a secret like a golden casket.
Eyes are the window, through which we see the world. Hence for creating a better vision, we need to care, protect and strengthen our eyes. The present covid situation urges us to spent more time in digital environment and this create stress and burden in our eyes. Due to faulty lifestyle, increased screen time, artificial lighting, and pollution, vision problems are increasing day by day. Eye strain, reduced vision and Computer vision syndrome are the after effects of this digital era. Role of yoga in improving vision: Yoga is a science which helps in improving our physical as well as mental wellbeing. Yogasanas, pranayama and meditation, as a whole, plays an important role in improving eye health. But this article, unfolds a specific yogic exercise called TRATAKA.
42 | Issue 7 | May-Jun 2021 | The Ancient Ayurveda
Trataka is of two forms: • Bahiranga trataka • Antaranga trataka Bahiranga Trataka: This is external trataka or external concentrated gazing. Focus on a single object without blinking until eyes pain or begin to water. The object slowly becomes imprinted in mind. What should we focus? — Candle flame — Flower — Statue of god — By gazing at the tip of nose — Black dot in white wall You may select any single object or a dot and concentrate your vision on to it. Candle Gazing: It is the most common and simple form of trataka.
