Drishti (Focused Gaze)

Drishti is a Sanskrit term meaning “gaze” or “vision.”

In the context of yoga, it refers to a focused point of attention—where the eyes rest during asana or meditation practice.

More than a physical point of view, drishti trains the mind to become concentrated, steady, and inwardly directed.

It is a technique used to refine awareness, reduce distraction, and deepen the connection between the body, breath, and mind.

Etymology and Meaning

Sanskrit Spelling: दृष्टि

Root Word: "Drish" (to see, to perceive)

Translation Variations: Gaze, viewpoint, focus, direction of attention

Pronunciation: Drishti [DRISH-tee]

Drishti connects the outer gaze with inner seeing—it aligns the body and mind toward a single point, sharpening both perception and presence.

Drishti in Yogic Practice

• In Ashtanga Yoga: Each posture is paired with a specific drishti to unify movement, breath, and gaze.
• In Hatha and Vinyasa: Drishti is used to support balance, concentration, and energetic alignment.
• In Meditation: Drishti may be internal (the third eye or heart center) or external (candle flame, yantra), guiding the mind toward stillness.

Where the gaze goes, energy follows. Drishti helps redirect scattered attention and cultivates a meditative awareness even during movement.

Types of Drishti

• Nasagra Drishti: Tip of the nose
• Bhrumadhya Drishti: Between the eyebrows (third eye)
• Hastagra Drishti: Toward the hand
• Padayoragra Drishti: Toward the toes or feet
• Parshva Drishti: To the side
• Urdhva Drishti: Upward
• Nabhi Chakra Drishti: Toward the navel

Symbolism and Insight

Symbol: An arrow of awareness—simple, precise, intentional

Element: Fire—focusing and refining attention like a flame

Associated Chakra: Ajna (third eye), representing clarity and inner vision

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Practical Application

In Yoga Practice

• Choose a steady drishti to support balance poses like Tree (Vrikshasana) or Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III)
• Use soft, focused eyes rather than a hard stare—encouraging internalization
• Let drishti lead attention inward as a bridge between outer form and inner awareness

In Daily Life

• Practice visual focus while walking, eating, or speaking—bringing presence to mundane moments
• Notice when your gaze is distracted or unfocused—it often mirrors the mind
• Use symbolic drishti in life: keep your attention aligned with your purpose, not with distractions

Quotes and Wisdom

"Where your eyes go, your mind follows. Where your mind goes, your energy flows."

"Drishti refines perception—not just of what is seen, but how we see."

Modern Relevance

In a world of scattered attention and visual overload, drishti is a powerful practice. It reminds us that where we look matters—not just physically, but mentally and spiritually.

With steady gaze and mindful awareness, we can turn even ordinary movements into acts of devotion and presence.

Related Concepts

Dharana: Concentration—the yogic step of one-pointed focus

Ajna Chakra: The seat of inner vision and intuitive seeing

Pratyahara: Sense withdrawal—using drishti to help turn attention inward

How to Practice Drishti

Mindset: Let the gaze be soft, steady, and sacred

Actions: Match breath, movement, and gaze for meditative flow

Reflection: Ask, “What am I looking at—and what is it pulling me toward?”

Suggested Reading

• The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar
• Yoga Mala by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
• Inner Engineering by Sadhguru

Conclusion

Drishti is more than a physical gaze—it is a discipline of presence.

By training the eyes to focus, the mind begins to settle. By learning to see clearly, we begin to live with purpose.

In the simplicity of where we look lies the power to direct who we become.