All meditation practices aim initially at establishing concentration of mind as a prelude to meditation. To attain this state, different methods are adopted. One of the most direct, simple and yet at the same time effective, is the technique of trataka. Trataka is a most powerful practice for developing concentration. It is also an excellent method of developing inner visualization; in other words, the ability to see and maintain a clear image of any object in front of the closed eyes.
Both of these abilities are important for meditation. In the practice of trataka the mind is directed towards an external object such as a dot, the fame of a candle, a picture of a cross, Om, or anything. This helps to hold the mind more firmly on the object of concentration. The object should also be something that the eyes can easily focus on and which does not disturb the mind. Whatever the object, it has the same function: to ‘trap’ all the attention of the mind and eyes and focus it on one point.
Concentration is the essence of trataka, and it is through powerful concentration that one makes progress in yoga. What is concentration? It is one-pointedness of mind, the ability to hold, to focus the attention on one point, without wavering. Perfect concentration leads to meditation. With practices such as trataka, concentration leads to complete mental attention on one object, form or thought to the exclusion of all others. There is no distraction from the environment or other peripheral things.
Concentrated thought also has vast power. A concentrated mind acts as an irresistible instrument of action: it leads to efficiency in one’s activities in the outside world and is a dynamo which generates vitality and enthusiasm in every direction. A concentrated mind also has the ability to be a sensitive receiving instrument. It becomes receptive to higher vibrations, to heightened perception. It becomes a receiver of the influx of higher awareness, bliss and knowledge. This is normally beyond the range of the average mind, which is too disturbed and distracted by its continual inner chatter. Concentration is the key that will unlock the door to higher states of awareness.
Inner concentration is preferable to external concentration for meditation practices, as it further reduces the tendency of the mind to wander. However, inner trataka is more difficult than external trataka, as a distinct image must be visualized. Ideally it is a non-changing image for the duration of the concentration, for if it fades or disappears the depth of concentration is lost. During the process of meditation, when the meditating self and object of meditation combine and merge into one, it is called meditation. Perfect concentration is attained only when the three merge into each other. Perfection of concentration is meditation.
All one has to do is practise trataka and merge one’s being into the object, form or thought, disappearing into it like an arrowhead into a target. To accomplish this, any method of trataka can be practised, according to one’s liking.