Candle meditation is one of many forms of meditation. It involves focusing attention on the flame of a candle. It is an easier form of meditation because you focus on a physical object in front of you and not on a mental image or something abstract.
What Is Candle Meditation
Candle meditation is a simple meditation technique in which you focus your sight and your attention on the flame of a candle for a certain length of time.
The flame of a candle has some mystery in it, easily attracting one’s attention. The flame flickers, changes its shape, and displays several colors. All this fascinates the mind, attracts the attention, and puts the mind in a relaxed mood.
In this situation, it is easier to focus the mind and the attention, disregard the chatter of the mind, and experience inner peace.
How to Do Candle Meditation
How to practice the candle meditation technique? Here are the steps to follow:
1) Light a candle, any kind of candle. The shape and size do not matter.
2) Dim the light in the room so that the flame of the candle will stand out.
3) Put the candle on a table and sit on a chair in front of it. If you prefer to sit cross-legged on the floor, put the candle on the floor in front of you.
4) Position the candle at about 50 centimeters from you, and make sure there is no wind to blow the flame.
5) Take care to sit with your back straight, whether on the floor or on a chair.
6) Take a few slow deep breaths.
7) For a few moments, relax your body and ease any tension in it.
8) Now, focus your attention on the flame of the candle. This is all that you need to do. Just look at the flame as it flickers and changes shape and color.
9) Try to hold your sight and attention solely on the flame of the candle without thinking of anything else or looking at anything else in the room. Just immerse your complete attention in the flame of the candle.
10) If you catch yourself thinking unrelated thoughts, bring your mind back to the candle.
11) Blink if you feel that you need to blink.
Advice and Guidance
How long should you practice this technique? Start with 5 minutes a day, and gradually lengthen the time to 10 minutes a day as it becomes easier.
You will probably notice that no matter how much you try to focus on the flame, repeatedly, your eyes and your mind would drift away after a while.
You will notice that various thoughts are trying to attract your attention, disturb your focus, and make you forget to gaze at the flame. This is okay and natural. As your focus improves, it will be easier to ignore the distractions and disturbances.
What Are the Benefits of Candle Meditation?
You will gain several valuable benefits from this practice.
1. This technique will help you calm down your mind.
2. It is an excellent exercise for training the mind to focus and concentrate on one single object or thought in accordance with your will. Improved concentration can help you in every area of your life.
3. Another benefit is physical and mental relaxation.
4. You will experience inner peace and, sometimes, even some sort of altered consciousness.
Everyone can benefit from this technique, not just people who meditate. Students, business people, athletes, workers in every area, and people of all ages will find it beneficial.
As already said, candle meditation, or gazing, as some call it, is an excellent technique for focusing the mind and making it calm.
A word of caution: Don’t over do it, to avoid straining your eyes.
As I said, 5 minutes are enough at the beginning. You do not have to be precise with the time. When you feel that the 5 minutes have passed, stop meditating and then blow out the flame of the candle.
Now, after reading the instructions and learning how to do candle meditation, it is time to start practicing it.
You can find more meditation techniques with guidance and advice on our website.
Want to learn how to calm down your mind and become its master? Read the book “Calm Down the Nonstop Chatter of Your Mind” mentioned below.
About the Author
Remez Sasson is the founder of SuccessConsciousness.com, a leading resource for personal growth and self-transformation. With decades of experience in self-improvement and meditation, Remez has empowered countless individuals worldwide to unlock their potential.
Join him on an extraordinary journey to self-improvement, success, positivity, inner peace, meditation, clarity, and personal mastery through his articles, books, and the comprehensive resources on his website.