The practitioner learned Tratak at the Haa Centre, which follows the Satyananda style of yoga, where the technique involves placing a mirror behind the candle. For approximately 1.5 years, they meditated in front of a simple 50 cm square mirror—one bought from Ikea—while seated on the floor. There was no rigid structure to the practice; instead, they remained relaxed, gazing softly into their own eyes. Over time, this gentle observation led to a profound state of absorption. The experience proved to be deeply rewarding and transformative.

Staring at a candle … can do several things. One is it simply occupies your mind, so that your real self can awaken and experience itself. Another way is if you become self-aware in the flow of perception.

At the Haa Centre, the combination of a candle and mirror is considered to be a fusion of two meditations. First, the steady candle flame helps develop concentration—a prerequisite for deeper internal work. Once that focus is established, the practitioner then gazes into the mirror, encouraging reflection on the nature of the self and prompting deeper inquiry into inner identity.

🧭 Reflection

This story provides a profound example of long-term, integrative Tratak practice spanning 18 months. The combined use of flame and mirror shifted the practice beyond simple focus—into self-inquiry and absorption. The user describes reaching a meditative threshold where the “real self” rises through stillness, signifying a deeply transformative journey.

✅ Why It Works

• Concentration + self-inquiry: The flame builds steadfast focus; the mirror fosters introspection and identity exploration.
• Dual practice synergy: Layering two gazing techniques deepens awareness beyond visual anchoring.
• Embodied presence: Such consistent sittings anchor the body-mind into quieter, more perceptive states of consciousness.

🔗 Attribution

Thanks to rideforever for sharing this authentic long-form reflection:

• Original post: “A closer look at candle‑gazing meditation” View Source