Drishti (dṛṣṭi), or focused gaze, is a means for developing concentrated intention. The most common is Ūrdhva, or upward gazing, where the eyes are lifted, with the spine aligned from crown to tailbone. This technique is employed in a variety of asanas.
There are, in total, nine drishtis that instruct the yoga student in directing his or her gaze. Each asana is associated with a particular drishti.
They include:
There are, in total, nine drishtis that instruct the yoga student in directing his or her gaze. Each asana is associated with a particular drishti.
They include:
- Aṅguṣṭha madhyai: to the thumb
- Bhrūmadhya: to the third eye, or between the eyebrows
- Nāsāgrai: at the tip of the nose (or a point six inches from it)
- Hastagrai: to the palm, usually the extended hand
- Pārśva: to the left/right side
- Ūrdhva: to the sky, or upwards
- Nābhicakra: to the navel
- Pādayoragrai: to the toes