Third eye meditation is a technique by which the practitioner attempts to expand awareness by removing layers of disillusion from the mind. This is believed to rest in the third eye, which is the pituitary gland that rests in the head, in the area between the eyebrows. The method is used as an additional part of regular meditation practice.
It is believed that third eye meditation restores the universal awareness that people have naturally as an infant. The practice is meant to bring back the purity of thought from that time in life, when the individual had no knowledge of labels and the limitations they contain. For example, a baby would not know the name for a plant or the properties it contained, and so its possibilities would expand beyond adult conventional wisdom. The child could envision it as many things and thus remain open and free of potential fear due to any potential labels attached to that plant.
In practice, third eye meditation works to remove spiritual blockage from the area so that purity of mind and a universal awareness can be achieved. With each practice session, another layer is stripped from the eye, like a layer of dust. The idea is that this blockage is steadily cleared away until the third eye can see with complete clarity.
Many practitioners of the third eye method will begin by using standard meditation methods such as sitting in a relaxed but erect position and breathing slowly and deeply with closed eyes. It is then common at this point to let the mind clear of thought. Practitioners may then focus on different chakras, or energy centers, in the body.
At the center of third eye meditation practice is focus on the area between the eyebrows. Once the practitioner is properly relaxed, he or she can physically look up or simply envision the spot. Both methods can be tried in the early stages of the practice, but one is typically chosen for long term third eye meditation. Once focus on the area is achieved, it is believed that light will emanate from the area, providing clarity and peace.
In addition to spiritual awakening, third eye meditation is also believed to have some practical applications. It is believed that the practice is a good relaxation and stress-relief technique. This is primarily because it is focused on removing the limitations and anxieties that cause tension.
