Awakening the Third Eye: Ajna Chakra Method

Dear friends, in our previous segment, we discussed the third eye, located approximately one and a half to two fingers above the space between the eyebrows, also known as the Ajna Chakra, or the third eye of Shiva and Durga. This method is a practice designed to awaken this sacred center.

There are many meditative techniques—some practiced with open eyes, others with closed eyes. Closing the eyes during meditation does not guarantee stillness of the mind or steadiness of the gaze. That is why this method emphasizes minimizing eye movement. Even science confirms that during sleep, your eyes remain still for only one to two hours in a deep sleep cycle, the state where you disconnect from the external world and embark on an inner journey.

This method seeks to take you to the same inner state, but with a significant difference: instead of moving from wakefulness to subconscious sleep, you remain fully aware while disconnecting from the external world.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Phase 1: Concentration on the Third Eye

1. Close your eyes and focus on the spot slightly above the eyebrows (around one to one and a half fingers higher than the space between the brows). This is the location of the third eye or the tilak point.
2. Initially, all you may see is darkness, but you must maintain your awareness on this point.

You can perform this meditation in various postures:

• Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
• Sukhasana (Comfortable Seated Pose)
• Sitting on a chair or lying down.

However, personal experience suggests that sitting on a chair can take more time, and lying down often disrupts focus. Since physical and mental preferences differ from person to person, choose what works best for you.

Postural Guidelines

• If sitting in Padmasana or Sukhasana, keep your spine straight.
• Do not strain; keep your posture relaxed and natural.

Phase 2: Open-Eye Practice for Beginners

For beginners, focusing on the third eye with closed eyes can be challenging. Initially, practice with open eyes until you become comfortable. Once you can focus easily, transition to closed-eye meditation.

Phase 3: Activation of the Pranic Energy

When your focus stabilizes on the third eye, you will feel a surge of pranic energy within. Soon after, your breath may momentarily stop on its own. This is a natural outcome of focused meditation and a sign of mental stillness.

After a few moments, the breath will resume its rhythm, but your thoughts will fade into silence. With consistent practice, you will gradually awaken the third eye.

Key Considerations

• Avoid Force:
  Never force your attention or hold your breath intentionally. Let the process unfold naturally. Efforts to rush or control the practice may lead to temporary sensations of success, but these are illusions of the mind and could have adverse effects.
• Preparation with Trataka (Gaze-Focusing Practice):
  If you struggle to focus without blinking, practice Trataka. Draw a small circle (half to one inch in diameter) on a wall or board, sit 4-6 feet away, and gaze at it without blinking. Key points:
  1. The circle should be at eye level and directly in front of you.
  2. Look with a calm and relaxed gaze, not a fixed stare.
  3. Practice for 4-5 minutes daily until you can sustain focus without blinking.

Phase 4: Transition to Meditation

Once you can focus without blinking, begin the meditation practice. The moment your attention stabilizes on the third eye, pranic energy will flow within, and your breath will pause naturally. This pause is not deliberate (Kumbhaka Yoga, where the breath is held). It happens spontaneously when concentration deepens.

After this, the breath resumes at a slower pace, while your focus remains fixed. This marks the beginning of your journey.

The Journey Within

Stage 1: Becoming the Observer

The first milestone on this journey occurs when you perceive your thoughts, sounds, and even light as though they are external to you. You will witness them as a spectator, detached from their influence.

Stage 2: Awakening the Third Eye

When you enter this state of detached observation, you step closer to awakening the third eye. Each individual’s experience in this phase is deeply personal.

In essence, as you practice this method, becoming a witness leads to a profound stillness. This stillness does not mean the cessation of activity—it signifies the transformation of thoughts and perceptions into the power of the third eye.

Conclusion

Through this method, you will embark on an extraordinary inner journey, where the third eye’s awakening becomes not just a concept but a living reality. Approach this practice with patience, dedication, and a deep sense of reverence for its transformative potential.