"Why do we watch the sunrise? Why do we concentrate on it?  In order to learn to mobilize all our thoughts, all our desires, and all our energies, and to direct them toward the realization of the highest ideal. A person who works to unify the many chaotic forces that pull him in every direction and to project them in a single, luminous and salutary direction becomes such a powerful centre that his presence, like the sun, is able to radiate through space. Yes, he who manages to control the tendencies of his lower nature can spread these blessings over the whole of humanity, and he becomes a sun. He lives in such freedom that he expands the field of his consciousness to include the entire human race, to which he sends the abundance of light and love that pour forth from him. "  --by Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov

 
      First of all, let it be understood that HRM (Hira Ratan Manek) achieved his results in a very controlled environment under strict Jain principles.  Also, there are many different sungazing practices from cultures around the globe.  Some of which are relatively recent and some are as old as the hills.  There were some cultures where you could get imprisoned for staring at the sun (only certain priests were allowed). HRM’s method is simply one method.  In stating that; yes, the sun has enormous power. Yes, you may tap into higher spiritual realms as well as other time and space dimensions. Yes, you can live without food.  Yes, you may allow other entities into your space and end up with metallic aliens dancing on your bed (true story).  If you chose to embark upon the journey of sungazing, please heed the advice that slow and steady wins the race. I do not recommend this practice to anyone.  If the sun seems or feels to bright, well then, don’t look at.  If you chose to partake, be very careful, take your time, be cautious, be humble and document your progress. You can damage your eyes from sungazing, just as you can burn your feet from walking on fire.  I have participated in both practices, my feet and my vision are in perfect working order.  We are all wired a bit differently; therefore it is impossible to predict how each individual will process the suns brilliant light.   If you wish to partake, by all means enjoy the daily practice.  Truly embrace the beginning (or ending) of the day.   Feel all the joy the sun has to offer…and of course, if it amuses you to wear a purple top hat while sungazing; then by all means, make it a beauty. 

      There is no wrong way to do this.  This is just one man’s suggestion.   In fact, this is my interpretation of a man’s suggestion.  Depending on life style and location every person may carve out their own form of sungazing.   Understand that because of the many differences to take into consideration, the results will most likely be different as well.  And that is ok, whatever experiences you experience are still yours and yours alone. 


HRM's Protocol 

Depending on the weather and the level of commitment this is only a nine month to a year practice. Once you reach 44 minutes of sungazing you are finished. You should not have the need to stare at the sun any longer, your sungazing is complete.

Sungazing is to be practiced standing bare footed on bare earth.

Without shoes you can stand on sand, gravel, mud, or bare earth. Your bare feet should be in contact with the bare earth. Try to avoid standing on tar, concrete, granite, stone or even on grass (the grass absorbs the solar energy).  If you happen to stand on any other surfaces, that is fine, the results may simply be a bit different or arrive a bit slower.

While the sun is low on the horizon the intensity of the rays will be at a minimum. During this time, the sun's rays are tolerable, and the UV radiation is lower, so the potential of harming your eyes is lower. Use common sense within these parameters, if the sun is too bright and it feels as though it may be burning your eyes, don't stare at it. The best time to learn about your limits is right as the sun rises or a minute or so before it sets.  According to HRM the sunrise holds more energy, vitamins and minerals then the sunset. Go figure. Personally I recommend the sunrise, energetically it is a beautiful balance of yin and yang. You only need the sunrise or the sunset, both may be a bit much. By rushing about you will not find what you are looking for any faster.  Be careful and always listen to your body.


To Begin

As the sun rises over the horizon simply gaze at the whole glowing ball of light for 10 seconds only. The key is to be relaxed, just like in mediation, let go of all thoughts and become immersed in the moment. Simply, look at it. No stress or strain on the face, facial muscles or eyes. Relax your jaw. Stand at peace, knees bent with your arms at your sides.  Let go.

If you choose to get up with the chickens, and try gazing at the rising sun. Stay relaxed and receptive for greater assimilation of the beneficial aspects of the sun's rays. Try to become aware of what your body is feeling, how is your mental, emotional and physical state as the sun fills every atom, every electron, and every cell in your body.  Feel every tissue filled with the regenerative and healing properties that the sunlight imparts on your body. You may notice an amazing increase in your overall energy as well as your physical stamina and positivism. Be aware of how the sunlight actually cleanses and rebuilds the whole of your being, your mind and thoughts, your feelings and your physical body; total rejuvenation. By completely surrendering to the suns greater power, and as the minutes of sungazing increase, the awareness of your energetic being may heighten dramatically.

There is no need to maintain an unblinking, stare. Blink as and when it naturally happens, sort of like watching television. For the first few moments you look into the sun it may be very bright, after about 3-7 seconds of continuous gazing all the brightness generally goes away and you are left staring into a soft ball of pure white light; a beautiful pulsing orb.

Don’t squint.  If you feel yourself squinting, relax the muscles in your face and eyes.  Let the light in.  The more open and relaxed the muscles are in your body the more oxygen and energy is able to flow within your cells, and then more light will be allowed in.

You have at your disposal an incredible amount of electricity to make things happen in your world. With the aid of sunlight, you can recharge each cell and atom to its full potential.

Increase the time you gaze at the sun by a few seconds each day - say by 5 seconds or so per day, until you are comfortable and relaxed with the entire concept of staring into the sun.

Once you are comfortable with the concept of sungazing feel free to increase gazing time at a constant rate of 10 seconds per day. You may find it helpful to get a watch or employ a friend to keep tabs on your staring time.   Subtle slow increments of time are important for allowing for the rods and cones within the anatomical structure of the eye to adapt to the intense levels light.

Increase the sungazing time by 10 seconds each day until you have reached 44 minutes, at which point you should be fully charged.   At 44 minutes you are finished with the HRM’s method of sungazing.  Depending on weather this may only take nine or ten months.


What to Expect  

Sungazing can be used as a tool for tapping into your human potential. Some change will occur to reach these peaks; your perceptions may alter circumstances, you may begin to change from the inside out.   Change can be uncomfortable.  Nonetheless, when we release our physical and emotional energetic blockages these changes will become trivial relative to the incredible expansiveness of the universe.   If at least three months are committed to the sungazing practice (reaching 15 minutes of staring time) some sort of change of your perception of your world will occur. 

We are all energetic beings, vibrating at different frequencies, so we should be comfortable with the concept that all of us are different. There may be many different reactions, sensations and experiences.  Remember, whatever happens to you is perfect. It is yours and yours only.  At every turn there are lessons to be learned.  It may be helpful to become objective in your approach to life, awareness may prove to be an essential ingredient.  Be positive and open-minded; feel all there is to feel.  

Sungazing causes hungers to diminish?  There are many theories, all of which include understanding the power of light, and the more subtle mechanisms of the pineal gland, not to mention quantum physics.  How is it possible?

If you wish to read more about my experiences with the practice of sungazing feel free to check out 'the earth was flat'.



Disclaimer:  do not ever stare directly into the sun due to the possibility of eye damage and blindness. it is at your own risk that you would participate in such an activity.