A term borrowed from Sanskrit meaning "focused gaze" or "view", Drishtis are an essential element of yoga that goes beyond simply looking: it involves mental focus, energy alignment, and spiritual connection.
Exploring the 9 Drishtis:
The essence of Drishtis lies in the understanding that
where the eyes go, the mind and energy follow.
In total, there are nine distinct gaze points, each corresponding to a specific direction and purpose within the body. These nine Drishtis serve as a roadmap for the practitioner, guiding their gaze to cultivate mindfulness and control over their inner energies while enhancing the physical postures or asanas.
Why Do We Practice Drishtis?
The significance of Drishtis extends beyond physical alignment to the inner realms of the practitioner's being. By honing the focus of the eyes, the practitioner learns to harness the power of concentration, effectively channeling their prana or life force energy. This heightened awareness not only deepens the physical practice but also allows for a profound connection to one's spiritual self.
Beliefs Embedded in Drishtis:
Drishtis are rooted in the belief that the eyes are the windows to the soul; by controlling the gaze, one can regulate the fluctuations of the mind and access deeper layers of consciousness.
It is believed that through the practice of Drishtis, one can awaken dormant energies within the body, ultimately leading to a harmonious union of mind, body, and spirit.
The Foundation of Drishtis:
The practice of Drishtis finds its roots in Kundalini yoga, an ancient form of yoga that focuses on awakening the dormant energy located at the base of the spine. By incorporating the nine Drishtis into their practice, Kundalini yogis harness the power of visualization and concentration to raise this potent energy, leading to spiritual enlightenment and self-realization.
In conclusion, the practice of Drishtis serves as a profound gateway to exploring the intricate connections between the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of yoga. By incorporating these nine eye positions into their practice, practitioners can unlock the transformative power of focused gaze, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the self and the universe.
Here are the nine drishtis and their specificities:
1. Nasagra Drishti (Tip of the Nose)
- Focus: Gaze at the tip of the nose
- Benefits: Enhances concentration, balances the brain's hemispheres, and stimulates the third eye (Ajna chakra). It also helps with calming the mind and is used to control the breath.
2. Bhrumadhya Drishti (Third Eye or Brow Point)
- Focus: Center between the eyebrows (the third eye or *Ajna Chakra*).
- Benefits: Awakens intuition, deepens meditative awareness, and fosters inner clarity and insight. This drishti is believed to help in transcending beyond the physical plane into deeper levels of consciousness.
3. Nabi Chakra Drishti (Navel Point)
- Focus: Gaze towards the navel (or inward awareness at the navel point).
- Benefits: Stimulates energy flow to the Manipura Chakra (solar plexus), enhances personal power and vitality, and increases physical stability and core strength.
4. Angustha Ma Dyai Drishti (Thumbs or Uplifted Arms)
- Focus: Gaze towards the thumbs or uplifted hands in postures like *Urdhva Hastasana*.
- Benefits: Helps maintain alignment, opens the heart center (*Anahata Chakra*), and stimulates the energetic flow upward through the body.
5. Naitrayoh Ma Dyai Drishti (Upward Gaze)
- Focus: Look upwards, usually toward the sky or ceiling, above the horizon line.
- Benefits: Stimulates the crown chakra (*Sahasrara*), promoting a connection to higher consciousness, inspiration, and spiritual awakening.
6. Padhayoragra Drishti (Toes or Feet)
- Focus: Gaze towards the toes or feet.
- Benefits: Increases body awareness, calms the mind, and promotes grounding. Helps improve balance and stability, especially in forward bends.
7. Hastagra Drishti (Hand)
- Focus: Look at the hand or fingertips.
- Benefits: Focuses energy into the hands, which are often used as energy centers in Kundalini Yoga. This drishti helps with balance, flow of energy (prana), and directing concentration into hand mudras.
8. Parsva Drishti (Far to the Side, Left or Right)
- Focus: Gaze to the side, usually following the direction of the posture.
- Benefits: Balances the nervous system, enhances peripheral awareness, and strengthens side movements. It can also stimulate the meridians along the sides of the body in relation to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.
9. Urdhva Drishti (Upward or Skyward Gaze)
- Focus: Gaze upwards, towards the sky or the ceiling, slightly beyond the horizon.
- Benefits: Opens the chest, enhances energy flow to the upper chakras (throat and crown), and uplifts mood and energy levels.
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In Kundalini Yoga, drishtis are often used in combination with **mudras** (hand postures), **bandhas** (body locks), and **breath** (pranayama) to channel energy effectively. The most commonly used drishtis in Kundalini Yoga are:
- Nasagra Drishti for deep concentration and controlling the mind.
- Bhrumadhya Drishti for activating the third eye and inner clarity.
- Nabi Chakra Drishti to enhance core strength and activate the navel energy.
These focal points serve as tools to train the mind, helping practitioners cultivate presence, calmness, and heightened energy flow. Integrating these gazes allows you to deepen your practice, bringing body, mind, and spirit into alignment.
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