Candle gazing is a form of meditation known in Yoga as Trāṭaka (Sanskrit: त्राटक "look, gaze").
Trāṭaka involves focusing your attention on a small object, usually a candle flame, dot, picture, or symbol. Focusing on a single object such as a candle flame creates a meditative state that is said to have a myriad of benefits for the practitioner including:
- heightened concentration and focus
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activating the ajna (third eye chakra) and increasing intuition
- reducing stress
- improving sleep
- enhancing the vision and improving eye muscles
- heightened self awareness
How To Perform Trāṭaka with a candle
- Find a quiet space in which to perform your meditation.
- Select a natural, preferably non-scented candle such as a beeswax candle.
- Place the candle at least 1 metre away from where you will be seated so that the flame will be at eye level when the candle is lit.
- Light the candle and sit facing it in a relaxed posture with your back straight.
- Let your eyes focus on the candle.
- Without straining your eyes, try to keep your attention on the flame. If your mind wanders, bring your attention back to the flame.
- Try not to blink. It is important to keep your eyes on the flame without looking away
- Stay here in quiet meditation for as long as you can comfortably maintain your focus on the flame.
- When it becomes too much, end your practice and snuff out your candle
When performing this type of meditation it is important that you remain alert to your surroundings. Ensure that you place the candle away from any flammable materials and that it is in a flameproof candle holder/plate. It is also important to remember to breathe!
Practice this meditation daily, twice a day if you have the time and see what benefits it brings you over time.
This type of meditation is particularly useful if, like me, you find it hard to sit and "do nothing". If you have tried other forms of meditation but need something to focus on, try this. You might just like it!
Have you tried this type of meditation? What have been your experiences? Let us know in the comments section below.
If you are interested in which king of candles are the best for meditation, read our blog post here
*If you are looking for fragranced meditation candles, check out our collection here.