Trāṭaka

Trataka (Sanskrit, n, त्राटक, Trataka ) is one of the six main cleaning exercises of hatha yoga, the Shatkriyas. This refers to the constant staring at a certain point or a certain object without blinking his eyelids. It should help to clean due to lacrimation provoked the eyes, eliminate fatigue and to develop the vision. In the further course of the exercise you close your eyes and tried before the inner eye to maintain the image of the object. This can be repeated alternately several times.

In addition to the cleaning effect Trataka is particularly useful for the development of concentration and the collection of the mind on one point. Some yoga scriptures even say that with intensive practice, the third eye would open ( Trikuti; Ajna chakra) and thus lead to the exercise clairvoyance. Therefore it would be useful for students of different yoga paths.

For the eyes, this is a great effort - can harm the vision - similar to long screen work. Should be left blank gaze longer into the distance, however, is relaxing for the eyes and completely harmless. As with all other exercises is also here that Trataka should only be practiced under the expert guidance of an experienced yoga teacher.

• Yoga