Hatha Yoga Kriyas (2/3)
Trāṭak is the sixth Haṭha Yoga purification, a practice of gazing on one point to concentrate and purify the sight. It uses a candle flame, a black spot, or the rising or setting sun, never direct sunlight. The flame is placed at arm's length, which strengthens eyesight and helps those who are short- or far-sighted. It trains the mind to focus on one point, calming scattered thoughts and vrittis, leading toward one-pointedness and meditation. Practice requires a peaceful place without drafts or disturbances, wearing loose, natural clothing to contain energy. The ideal flame height is at the heart center, as gazing on the outer light opens the heart chakra and leads to perception of the inner light. Pure ghee lamps are best, but a non-smoking plant-based candle is acceptable. Begin by gazing at the middle of the flame for 30 seconds, then close the eyes to observe the afterimage, repeating this cycle three times. Keep the body and eyes still, relaxing the eyebrow center. Do not practice if overly tired, or if experiencing schizophrenia or depression.
"Trāṭak is not relaxation; it is not meditation. It is concentration."
"Take this light, this flame, inside. This light is the symbol of the highest Self."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
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Hatha Yoga Kriyas (2/3)
Trāṭak is the sixth Haṭha Yoga purification, a practice of gazing on one point to concentrate and purify the sight. It uses a candle flame, a black spot, or the rising or setting sun, never direct sunlight. The flame is placed at arm's length, which strengthens eyesight and helps those who are short- or far-sighted. It trains the mind to focus on one point, calming scattered thoughts and vrittis, leading toward one-pointedness and meditation. Practice requires a peaceful place without drafts or disturbances, wearing loose, natural clothing to contain energy. The ideal flame height is at the heart center, as gazing on the outer light opens the heart chakra and leads to perception of the inner light. Pure ghee lamps are best, but a non-smoking plant-based candle is acceptable. Begin by gazing at the middle of the flame for 30 seconds, then close the eyes to observe the afterimage, repeating this cycle three times. Keep the body and eyes still, relaxing the eyebrow center. Do not practice if overly tired, or if experiencing schizophrenia or depression.
"Trāṭak is not relaxation; it is not meditation. It is concentration."
"Take this light, this flame, inside. This light is the symbol of the highest Self."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
There is one Soul
The sacred conch embodies the primordial sound from which all creation emerges. This resonance, Nāda Rūpa Parabrahma, is the Supreme's cosmic sound. Everything originates from and merges back into this sound, resolving duality into oneness. The five elements—space, fire, air, water, earth—manifest from this resonance. Life developed within these elements, with the human form arriving late. The soul is a singular essence within all manifestations, from stones to vegetation to creatures. Current existence is in Kali Yuga, an age marked by diminished love and widespread cruelty. Through spiritual practice, mercy, and understanding, one can purify the soul and ultimately merge with the divine light, transcending the cycle of suffering and separation. The journey requires moving through the sun, a rare and difficult passage to oneness.
"Everything comes through sound, and it merges into sound. Duality resolves into the unity of the Supreme."
"Our soul is one, but how our soul will come to purity is a long, long way."
Develop God consciousness
The emergence of consciousness begins with the first principle, Svayambhū Śiva, the self-manifested divine will. The entire universe manifested from a cosmic sound, the resonance of OṂ, which permeates every atom. This planet is the realm of karma and dharma, where beings experience birth and death through the cycle of 8.4 million creatures. The divine play requires the knower, the knowledge, and the object. Most cannot understand this play; only those with grace can. Maya, or ignorance, manifests as anger, jealousy, and desire. Spiritual development requires cultivating God consciousness, which is distinct from material progress. Discipline through mantra, fasting, and silence develops this awareness. One sees only what one's consciousness permits; to see God, one must develop God consciousness.
"Eko’haṁ Bhausyāmī—I am one and now I will multiply."
"You can only see God if you have God consciousness."
Filming location: Banska Bystrica, Slovakia
DVD 240
How to find peace
The path to peace, memory, and fearlessness is found through yogic health. Peace begins within the heart and cannot be gained from outside. A primary cause of disease and nervousness is stress from an imbalanced nervous system. Health requires disciplined nourishment. Practice Alpāhāra, eating little. After a meal, eat nothing for six hours, only water. This gives the digestive system rest. A healthy body sleeps well, a sign of peace. Memory is connected to the Mūlādhāra cakra. Practice Aśvinī Mudrā to strengthen the nervous system and develop memory. Practice Kapālabhāti Prāṇāyāma to activate the brain. Perform Śaṅkhaprakṣālana for internal purification. Health is primarily in your hands through practice. Control the diet, reduce quantity, and peace will follow.
"Śānti is within your heart. Peace begins from our heart."
"Eat as much as you can. But then, for six hours, nothing to eat."
