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
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