Common steps and sub-activities
Looking between your eyes – Nasikagram
The objective of this technique is – like all sensory deprivation techniques involving the eyes – to still the sense of sight by focusing the eyes on a single point. There are a number of alternative things one could focus on of course but if one is trying to concentrate in a busy visually disruptive environment this is quite a useful method. It does not mean look at the end of the nose!
Autobiography of a Yogi – Paramahansa Yogananda
"Fix one's vision on the end of the nose." This inaccurate interpretation of a Bhagavad Gita stanza, widely accepted by Eastern pundits and Western translators, used to arouse Master's droll criticism.
"The path of a yogi is singular enough as it is," he remarked. "Why counsel him that he must also make himself cross-eyed? The true meaning of nasikagram is 'origin of the nose,' not 'end of the nose.' The nose originates at the point between the eyebrows, the seat of spiritual vision."
And to show he is right …………..
Bhagavad Gita V
That meditation-expert (muni)becomes eternally free who, seeking the Supreme Goal, is able to withdraw from external phenomena by fixing his gaze within the mid-spot of the eyebrows and by neutralizing the even currents of prana and apana [that flow] within the nostrils and lungs; and to control his sensory mind and intellect; and to banish desire, fear, and anger."
Focus your mind and eyes on the spot between the eyebrows. If the eyes go unfocussed all the better – nothing to distract you.
Now gently and slowly breathe in and out through your nose, keeping your mouth closed. This gentle breathing is intended to help you relax, it is not a controlled breathing technique
And don’t move the eyes – help them to become sensorily deprived by ensuring the view does not change
You can close the eyes if you want but it makes not a jot of difference because the aim is to make sure the view doesn’t change – which is what sensory deprivation is all about.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
He was looking up into the sky all the time he was speaking, and this Alice thought decidedly uncivil.
'But perhaps he can't help it,' she said to herself; 'his eyes are so VERY nearly at the top of his head. But at any rate he might answer questions.—
How am I to get in?' she repeated, aloud.
'I shall sit here,' the Footman remarked, 'till tomorrow--'
At this moment the door of the house opened, and a large plate came skimming out, straight at the Footman's head: it just grazed his nose, and broke to pieces against one of the trees behind him.
'--or next day, maybe,' the Footman continued in the same tone, exactly as if nothing had happened.
'How am I to get in?' asked Alice again, in a louder tone.
'ARE you to get in at all?' said the Footman. 'That's the first question, you know.'
It was, no doubt: only Alice did not like to be told so.
'It's really dreadful,' she muttered to herself, 'the way all the creatures argue. It's enough to drive one crazy!'
The Footman seemed to think this a good opportunity for repeating his remark, with variations.
'I shall sit here,' he said, 'on and off, for days and days.'
'But what am I to do?' said Alice.
'Anything you like,' said the Footman, and began whistling.
'Oh, there's no use in talking to him,' said Alice desperately: 'he's perfectly idiotic!'
And she opened the door and went in.
Observations
For iPad/iPhone users: tap letter twice to get list of items.