The Importance of Drishti in Ashtanga Yoga
The Importance of Drishti in Ashtanga Yoga
In the dynamic practice of Ashtanga Yoga, the use of Drishti, or the specific points of gaze, is an essential element that plays a pivotal role in achieving both physical and mental alignment. While the physical postures (asanas) are fundamental to the practice, it is the application of Drishti that helps deepen concentration, enhance balance, and bring a sense of stillness to the mind. In this article, we will explore the significance of Drishti, its benefits, and the nine traditional gazing points used in Ashtanga Yoga.
What is Drishti?
Drishti, a Sanskrit term meaning “gaze” or “vision,” refers to the focus of the eyes during the practice of yoga. In Ashtanga Yoga, Drishti is not simply about where you look—it is a purposeful and meditative gaze that supports mental clarity, awareness, and concentration during asana practice. The eyes are thought to be the windows to the mind, and directing them in a specific manner during yoga helps to control the flow of energy, maintain focus and relax the body.
The Role of Drishti in Ashtanga Yoga
The primary purpose of Drishti is to help practitioners develop a single-pointed focus, which is essential in the practice of Ashtanga Yoga. Each sequence of poses requires not only physical stamina but also mental clarity to maintain awareness of the breath, movement, and the experience of each asana. Here’s how Drishti enhances the practice:
1.Improves Concentration:
Ashtanga Yoga demands full concentration. The physical challenge of transitioning between postures can easily distract the mind, causing it to wander. By focusing on a specific Drishti point, practitioners can keep their attention anchored in the present moment, rather than getting lost in thoughts.
2.Enhances Breath Awareness:
Drishti helps synchronize the breath with movement. It serves as a point of focus that encourages deep, controlled breathing, promoting the flow of prana (life force) throughout the body. The Ujjayi breath, combined with the gaze, creates a rhythmic connection between body, mind, and spirit.
3.Cultivates Mind-Body Connection:
The eyes are considered to be extensions of the mind. By using Drishti, practitioners are able to establish a direct link between their mental and physical states. It helps maintain balance in challenging postures and allows practitioners to remain grounded during both asana and vinyasa(flowing movements).
4.Aids in Alignment and Stability:
Certain Drishti points guide the practitioner’s alignment in specific postures, improving stability and precision. This can prevent injury by ensuring the body moves with correct alignment and balance.
5.Brings a Meditative Quality to the Practice:
The practice of Ashtanga Yoga is meant to be a form of moving meditation. Drishti helps calm the nervous system, creating a meditative space where the practitioner is fully immersed in the present moment. It can be especially helpful when practicing the more difficult postures.
The Nine Drishtis in Ashtanga Yoga
In Ashtanga Yoga, there are nine primary Drishti points that are used throughout the practice. These gazing points are designed to support the flow of energy, maintain focus, and help practitioners stay centered during each asana. Each Drishti has a specific purpose, corresponding to the type of posture and its requirements. Below are the nine Drishtis and their respective uses:
1.Nose (Nasagra Drishti)
•Use: This Drishti involves gazing at the tip of the nose. It is often used in seated postures like Padmasana (Lotus Pose) where the focus is on maintaining a deep, steady breath and centered awareness.
2.Navel (Nabhi Drishti)
•Use: Gazing at the navel is common in poses that require stability and grounding, such as Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose). It helps to direct awareness to the navel, improving balance and strength.
3.Hand (Hasta Drishti)
•Use: Focus on the right hand in poses where the hands play an important role in balance or support, such as Utthita Parshvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose). This Drishti creates a connection between the hands and the energy of the body.
4.Foot (Pada Drishti)
•Use: Pada Drishti is practiced in poses such as Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend). Pada Dristhti helps to extend the length of the spine and direct awareness to the feet.
5.Thumb (Angustha Drishti)
•Use: Gazing at the thumb is used in postures like Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose), in which the placement of the head and rotation of the neck is defined by the gazing point.
6.Upwards (Urdhva Drishti)
•Use: Gazing upwards is common in postures where the head is tilted back, such as in Ubhaya Padangusthasana (Both Big Toes Pose). It helps to align the neck and spine, allowing for a deep, expansive breath.
7.Between the Eyebrows (Bhrumadhya Drishti)
•Use: Often referred to as the third eye gaze, this Drishti is used to enhance concentration and meditation, typically during backbends. It is a deeply calming point that encourages awareness of the inner self.
8.Right Side (Parshva Drishti)
•Use: Focusing to the right side is helpful in twisting postures, such as in Marichyasana B and D. This Drishti helps align the neck and deepen the twist.
9.Left Side (Parshva Drishti)
•Use: Gazing to the left side is utilized in postures that emphasize stretching and twisting to the left side, helping to deepen the posture and the breath.
Conclusion: The Transformative Power of Drishti
Incorporating Drishti into Ashtanga Yoga practice does more than just improve balance and alignment—it helps to transform the entire experience into a meditative and mindful practice. The nine gazing points serve as anchors, pulling the practitioner’s focus inward and allowing them to experience the full benefits of the practice, not only on a physical level but also mentally and spiritually.
By mastering Drishti, a practitioner can achieve deep concentration, maintain a steady flow of energy, and cultivate a sense of inner peace amidst the movement. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, using Drishti in every session will guide you to a more profound and connected practice, helping you to experience the full potential of Ashtanga Yoga.
Yoga Teacher Training with Caroline Klebl:
In Caroline Klebl’s Yoga Teacher Training, students have the opportunity to learn about and experience the practice of Drishti firsthand. Caroline emphasizes the importance of focused gaze as a powerful tool for concentration and energy flow in Ashtanga Yoga. Throughout the training, participants will explore how to incorporate Drishti into their practice and teaching, helping to cultivate both physical alignment and mental clarity. With guidance from Caroline students will gain a deep understanding of how Drishti can enhance their practice, support breath synchronization, and bring a meditative quality to each asana. To explore upcoming teacher training courses and online options with Caroline, visit the schedule page.