Tratak kriya
Hatha yoga, as described in the early yoga upanishads involves study of Shatkarma, the six body cleansing processes -Neti, Dhauti, Basti, Nauli, Kapalbhati and Trataka. According to Ayurveda and Hatha yoga pradipika, the practice of this shatkarma balances three Doshas- phelgm (kapha), wind (vata) & bile (pitta) and purifies body of toxins to ensure safe and successful progression along spiritual path.
The Trataka, one of the Shatkarmas, which is the practice of gazing at one point or object which develops the power of concentration.
This practice makes the eyes clear and bright. It balances the nervous system, relieving nervous tension. It improves the memory and helps to develop good concentration and strong willpower. It activates Ajna chakra and is an excellent preparation for meditation.
contra-indication : Patients of glaucoma and epileptics should not practice Trataka on a candle flame.
Yoganidra
Yoganidra means sleep with a trace of awareness. It is a state of mind between wakefulness and dream. When you practice yoganidra you are opening the deeper phases of your mind. At this moment, your intellectual mind is operating, but when you are able to relax, the subconscious and unconscious levels of mind open. The subconscious and unconscious minds are the most powerful forces in the humanbeing, this simple practice of yoganidra has the capacity of penetrating in to the depths of the human mind.
Through the practice of yoganidra, we are not only relaxing but also restructuring and reforming our whole personality from within. Like mythological phoenix, with every session we are burning the old samskaras, habits and tendencies in order to be born anew.
If you practice yoganidra, then the nature of your mind can be changed, diseases can be cured, and your creative genius can be restored. Therefore, in yoganidra you are not supposed to concentrate or to fall asleep, just keep your mind moving from point to point and be aware of every experience.
