The 8 Dristhis in Sanskrit

The sanskrit word Dristhi, dristi or drshti translates to vision, and is first mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita. By focusing our gaze we naturally deepen our yogic practice, and get a deeper experience from performing asana, pranayama or in meditation as we draw our senses inwards (pratyahara).

Angushthamadhye Dristi (Thumb)

Gaze: Thumb

Used in: Surya Namaskar vinyasas; Urdhva Vrikshasana, Utkatasana, Virabhadrasana

Abhrumadhye Dristi (Third Eye)

Gaze: Third eye or between eyebrows

Used in: Surya Namaskar uses it on the inhale following Uttanasana, during Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, and again on the inhale after Adho Mukha Svanasana.

Nasagre Dristi (Nose)

Gaze: Tip of your nose Used in: Very common in several asanas, e.g. Surya Namaskara, Samasthitiḥ, Uttanasana and Chaturanga Dandasana; transition from Virabhadrasana A to Urdhva Mukha Svanasana

Hastagrahe Dristi - (Hand)

Gaze: Fingertips, palm or hand.

Used in: Utthita Trikonasana, Parivritta Trikonasana

Parshva Dristi (Side)

Gaze: Side, left or right

Used in: Utthita Parshvasahita, Marichyasana C, and Marichyasana D

Urdhva dristi (Upwards)

Gaze: Up Used in: Upavishta Konasana B and Ubhaya Padangushtasana

Nabhicakre dristi (Navel)

Gaze: Navel Used in: Adho Mukha Shvanasana

Pādayoragre dristi (Toes)

Gaze: Toes Used in: Pascimottanasana sequence and Janu Sirsasana