Candle Gazing Meditation

The candle gazing meditation is a specific meditation that uses sight to bring stillness to the body and mind. 

Most meditation is done with your eyes closed, focusing attention inward. The Candle gazing meditation is different. You keep your eyes open and your attention is focused on the flame. 

A candle gazing meditation helps bring energy to the third eye, increases concentration, and improves memory. 

The Candle Gazing Meditation (Trataka Sadhana) is considered a type of Hatha Yoga, which helps with spiritual advancement. By channeling our thoughts and focusing our mind, we can regain wasted energy and move towards peace. Through consistent Candle Gazing meditation, you can increase your memory and find an increased state of awareness, which will hone your attention and focus. 

Because this meditation is done with the eyes open, it’s a great option for people who have trouble containing their wandering mind. By concentrating on a physical object, it can be easier to stay focused. If you’re struggling with meditation, you should try the Candle Gazing meditation and see if you have more success.

When your gaze is focused on the flame of a candle, you see nothing else. This allows your mind to fully focus on the candle as everything else in the room fades away from your awareness. At the same time, any intrusive thoughts or distractions will also fade away.

Choose a quiet darkened space where you won't be disturbed. Dim light is best for Candle Gazing, so close the curtains if it’s day. Remove distractions like phones or turn them off.

Select a level surface for your candle. This needs to be free of flammable materials and near eye level when you are sitting. Place the candle on the surface and light it.

Make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothing and the room is a comfortable temperature. If it’s chilly, a blanket may  help you stay warm as you sit.

Sit on a chair, the floor, or a cushion so the candle flame is at eye level and about 2 feet away. How you sit is up to you, but choose a comfortable position, and  make sure you’re sitting up straight and can remain completely still while meditating. 

Stare at the candle and allow it to be the main focus of your mind. Hold your eyes steady even if you feel distracted or bored. Your eyes may begin to water, but hold steady and the sensation will pass. If you blink or get distracted, just return your attention to the flame.

As you gaze at the candle, breathe. Focus on the sensation of the light flowing into you with each inhalation. As time passes, the room around you will fade until your only awareness is the flame. I would suggest practicing for about 5 minutes at first, then building up each day to a longer time that feels comfortable for you.

Additional practice if you feel called: The Humming Bee Breath

Take a deep breath in and hum, producing a sound like a buzzing bee, allowing your body to feel the vibration. Observe the silence within you and find the awareness toward your body. Observe the changes in your body, especially in the eye muscles. Practice this for just a minute or two.

When your meditation is done, lay down and close your eyes for five minutes. This will allow your mind and body to come back to full awareness before you continue your day.

While you can meditate with any candle, you may find meditation with a candle of a specific color will increase the effectiveness of your meditation. Personally, as a beeswax candle maker, I find the color of beeswax candles is ideal. It is also important to pay attention to what the candles are made from and avoid any candles that contain toxic substances. Of course, I highly recommend using beeswax candles that are non-toxic and burn longer than other candle types.