Meditation Focused

Candle Meditation – Everything You Need to Know

Candle Meditation

Candle meditation, also known as candle gazing meditation or trataka, is a form of concentration meditation that involves focusing on a single point, in this case, a candle flame.

It’s a simple yet effective way to still the mind, bring about a sense of inner peace, and improve focus and concentration.

If you’re interested in trying candle meditation, this article will cover everything you need to know, including its benefits, how it differs from other forms of meditation, and a step-by-step guide on how to do a candle gazing meditation.

What is Candle Gazing Meditation?

Candle gazing meditation also referred to as candle flame meditation or candle light meditation, is a type of open-eye meditation that involves focusing on a candle flame for a period of time.

Focusing on the flame helps to still the mind, bring about a sense of calm and clarity, and bring one’s awareness to a point outside of one’s own body and mind. This act of having external awareness can help many people concentrate for longer compared to focusing on internal sensations, such as one’s breath or thoughts.

What are the Benefits of Candle Meditation?

Candle meditation has several benefits, both physical and mental. Some of the most notable benefits include:

Opens your third eye chakra

The third eye chakra, also known as the Ajna chakra, is located between the eyebrows and is associated with intuition and inner wisdom. It is believed that candle meditation can help to open and activate the third eye chakra, leading to a greater sense of inner guidance and understanding. For example, you may have a stronger sense of intuition or can tap into your creativity more easily after a candle meditation session.

Enhances focus and concentration

Candle meditation requires a single-pointed focus on the flame, which can help to improve focus and concentration. By eliminating distractions and stilling the mind, you can increase your mental clarity and ability to concentrate. This can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with maintaining focus in their daily lives. It may be applied to everyday activities, such as working, paying attention during conversations, or sports.

Improves cognition

Regular meditation has been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory and problem-solving skills. Candle meditation may be effective at improving cognition due to the single-pointed focus required to maintain attention on the flame. Candle meditation practitioners may find that you can retain information more efficiently or come up with creative solutions to problems after a candle meditation session.

Lowers blood pressure

Meditation has been shown to have many physical benefits, including lowering blood pressure. This can be particularly beneficial for those with high blood pressure or at risk of developing hypertension. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, candle meditation can help to lower blood pressure and improve overall physical health.

How is Candle Meditation Different From Other Forms of Meditation?

As mentioned above, candle meditation is a form of concentration meditation, which involves focusing on a single point to still the mind.

This is in contrast to many other forms of meditation, such as tummo breathing meditation or transcendental meditation, which involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment.

While both forms of meditation are highly beneficial, candle meditation may be particularly helpful for those struggling with internal meditation forms due to an overactive mind. Focusing on the flame can anchor the mind and bring about a sense of calm and clarity.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to do a Candle-Gazing Meditation

If you’re interested in incorporating candle meditation into your daily practice, follow these simple steps to get started:

Create a Peaceful Environment

Before you begin your candle meditation, creating a relaxing environment is essential. We recommend clearing a space in a quiet room, setting up a small ritual table, and setting up a meditation pillow or meditation stool.

You may also want to dim the lights or use essential oils to create a calming atmosphere. Choose a comfortable seated position and ensure you are warm enough – it’s important to be comfortable so you can fully relax during the meditation.

Position the Candle for Meditation

Next, position your meditation candle in front of you at a comfortable distance. Choosing a candle that is easy to see, but not so bright that it strains your eyes is important.

Consider using a candle with a calming scent, such as lavender or vanilla, or even a candle tunnel, to focus the candle flame further.

Meditating with a Candle

Once your candle is in place, find a comfortable seat, and bring your focus to the candle flame. Take several deep breaths to ground yourself and settle into the meditation.

Gaze at the flame and allow your eyes to focus on it gently. Don’t try to force your focus – allow your attention to rest on the flame naturally. If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to the flame. If your eyes water, it’s fine to blink, but with practice, you’ll find that you won’t even need to blink.

As you meditate, you may find that your breath naturally begins to slow down and deepen. Allow yourself to sink into the peacefulness of the moment.

Warnings

While candle meditation is generally considered safe, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

  • Ensure the candle is placed in a safe location and is not near any flammable materials.
  • If you have any vision problems or are sensitive to light, consider avoiding candle meditation or using a smaller, dimmer candle.
  • If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable during the meditation, take a break and allow your eyes to rest.
  • Finally, you can have a bowl of water nearby just in case something catches fire.

Conclusion

Candle meditation is a simple yet powerful form that can bring about a sense of inner peace, improve focus and concentration, and enhance cognition.

It is a form of concentration meditation that involves focusing on a single point, in this case, a candle flame. If you’re interested in incorporating candle meditation into your daily practice, follow the step-by-step guide provided above to get started.

Remember to create a relaxing environment, position the candle correctly, and naturally allow your focus to rest on the flame. With regular practice, you can reap the many benefits of candle meditation.

 

Meditation

Leave a Comment