Dharana 64 of 112 · verse 80

Look Without Blinking

Hold a steady gaze on one solid object until the mind runs out of support.

00:00Ready

5 minutes. Seated, eyes open.

Intermediate5 min

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Before you try this

Blink whenever you need to — this is not an endurance contest and forcing the eyes open dries and irritates them. Stop if the eyes hurt or water persistently. Skip it if you have dry eye, glaucoma, or a history of seizures triggered by flicker, and do not use a candle if a flame is unsafe where you are.

The practice

Set an object at eye level about an arm’s length away. Look at it steadily, blinking as little as is comfortable, without moving the eyes over it and without thinking about it. When the mind reaches for something and finds only this, keep looking.

What it works on

A classical trataka. The verse says the mind is left without support and shortly comes to rest — which is what happens when the eye stops delivering the constant novelty the mind is used to being fed.

Notes

  • Two or three minutes is a full practice. Close the eyes and rest afterwards.
  • A candle flame is traditional; anything small and still works.

Practise gently

Shoonyaka offers educational and contemplative material, not medical, psychological or religious authority. Nothing here diagnoses or treats any condition. Stop any practice that leaves you dizzy, frightened or unwell, and treat a strong reaction as a reason to rest rather than to push on.