Why is meditation so difficult?

[omcasey]

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Gazing takes me into a very clear state of awareness. 

Only in the very beginning stages is tratak at an object, and even when the attention is being directed at an object its purpose is simply to hold the attention still. So the attention is more on stilling the attention, than the object. - which will disintegrate as the practice culminates. In this higher form it is called "drishti" true seeing. So, tratak guides the practice from dharana ( contemplation, concentration ) into dhyana ( absorption, meditation ). 

The gazing practices are all very good.. if you have a challenging time with more traditional type silent sits, and even if you don't, this practice has its purpose. 

You can choose:

Bindu gazing *gazing at any object
Eye gazing *either with another person, or 3rd eye gazing
Mirror gazing
Candle flame gazing
Window gazing

Windows are gateways, thresholds between one space and another space. The visual metaphor of the window does work a unique sort of magic. 

It offers a unique set of opportunities. Maybe try it and see what happens.

A window with a view tends to be most effective.

An open sky is what I like.
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