Introduction:-Trataka (त्राटक Trāṭak: "look, gaze") is a yogic purification (a shatkarma) and a tantric method of meditation that involves staring at a single point such as a small or Big object, black dot or candle flame ,Moon.After Bindu trataka meditation, there are many such Trataka Techniques which are related to spiritual enlightenment. This is a part of Hatha Yoga in which we practice on fixed gazing keeping ourselves in the same position.In today's post we are going to talk about Moon Gazing Meditation i.e. Chandra trataka in Hindi. If we talk about the spiritual benefits of Chandra Tratak, then it is the best type of sadhna.Chandra Tratak practice is one of the highest practice of Tratak. Tratak is also considered in both cosmic and supernatural category and perfection is also achieved by step by step practice.
Chandra Trataka:-Chandra Tratak Moon Gazing Meditation is best for those who have a cool effect because in practice like fire gazing meditation, candle and mirror gazing meditation many times the phenomenon of mind's fierce tendency comes to the fore. At the time of abstinence, we need to keep both our mind and process balanced. Chandra tratak exercise makes us calm, gentle and tactful.
Chandra Tratak should be practiced on the basis of night selection, season selection. Take special care that the moon is clearly visible to you. May the weather be clear and the atmosphere favorable to you. However, if your practice becomes intense then you can see the moon in any season with your will power. Chandra Tratak, one of the different kind of tratak meditation practice, has also been mentioned that in this practice you can see the moon even on a new moon night. It all depends on your mental and willpower.
Before practicing Chandra Tratak, Basic guideline for trataka meditation.
Moon trataka should be practiced in the morning in Brahmamuhurta (3AM-6AM) The practice of Trataka should always be done on a regular basis so that continuity remains in the practice.
Chandra trataka practice :-You practice Moon Gazing Meditation looking at the moon, in which we can practice on the roof or any high place where there is no one to disturb you. Sit on the terrace and first calm your mind.
Psychological effect on human behavior :-
Science behind Moon Gazing Meditation.-When the moon's rays fall on the earth, due to the effect of its attraction, tides in the sea and ebb due to opposite attraction. Fluctuations occur in water due to tides. If we relate the same thing to the human body, then the human body is made up of 70% water. That's why you can see by experience yourself that your mind is most fickle on the full moon night. Since moonlight actually reflects sunlight, it can also increase vitamin-D levels and provide us with nitric oxide, which is known to help regulate blood flow and lower blood pressure.
Moon and the menstrual cycle:- It is no coincidence that both run on 28-day cycles. Traditionally when most women led balanced and healthy lives, their menstrual cycles aligned with the lunar cycle. Over time, due to gross and subtle imbalances, not all of us experience this alignment. Moon is said to influence the release of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The main function of Progesterone is to prepare the endometrium (lining of your uterus) for a fertilized egg to implant and grow. Estrogen regulates the growth, development, and physiology of the human reproductive system. This hormone also influences neuroendocrine, skeletal, adipose, and cardiovascular systems.
Moon gazing in Pregnancy:- The moon has a soothing and calming and stability(sthirta) cold (Sheeta) effect on the body-mind complex and also associated with the kapha dosha that combines water (Jala Mahabhoota) and earth (Prithvi Mahabhoota) leads to form Meda dhatu-(मेद धातु- पृथ्वी और जल प्रधान,) elements. In the 8th month of pregnancy wherein The Ojas (Immunity) is unsteady/unstable in between mother and fetus. Moons gazing helps to form Bones (अस्थि धातु- पृथ्वी और आकाश प्रधान,) Bone marrow (मज़्ज़ा धातु- जल प्रधान),which again develops the immunity in feus .The Moon Gazing helps to stable the immunity and help for fetal growth by stimulation and controlling the stress hormones of the mother.it helps to reduces the irritability of the mother due to labor pain and stress.
Health benefits of moon gazing tratak:- Migraine, Helpful in the treatment of high blood pressure, urticaria treatment rashes go away heals inflammatory conditions enhances fertility relieves stress and anxiety Hormonally beneficial especially for women.
Gets relief from the problem of Insomnia Remarkable concentration abilities With Moon Gazing Meditation,
we get rid of many types of eye problems such as myopia, farsightedness and early stages of cataracts.
It has an important contribution in third eye and intuitive abilities development.
Chandra tratak meditation gives us deep relaxation experience and we get regular meditation benefits like this.
Caution:-
This exercise is not suitable for people with psychic problems. Those who have a tendency towards Schizophrenia or hallucinations should not practice Trataka.
By:- Dr. Nitin Kumar.
M.D. In Medicine Ayurveda, BAMS,PGDEMS,DIHM,CCPT.
Asst.prof.@ Kayachikitsa dept.@GGIMS,Gorakhpur.
Consultant @JivaGram wellness center.