Dristhi

Let’s begin to understand, and learn more about Drishti before we head into strengthening and taking the practice onto our mats.

The Sanskrit word Drishti is commonly translated as “view,” “gaze,” or “point of focus.” It is a specific point to lock your eyes or inner vision on to that is most commonly used during meditation or while holding a yoga posture. The ancient yogis discovered that where our eyes are directed our attention naturally follows, and that the quality of our gazing is directly reflected in the quality of our mental thoughts.

There are two main categories of focal points. A bahya drishti is an external gazing point that is used in externally oriented yoga practices. An antara drishti is an internal gazing point that is used in contemplative and meditative practices to encourage pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses).

What is the purpose of using a Drishti?

When the eyes are fixed on a single point the mind is diminished from being stimulated by all other external objects. And when the gaze is fixed on a single point within the body, our awareness draws inwards, and the mind remains undisturbed by external stimuli. Thus, the use of a Drishti allows the mind to focus and move into a deep state of concentration. When used while practicing yoga poses, a focal point directs and refines the movement and alignment of the asana.

Did you know there are 9 Drishti’s found within our yoga practice?

In Ashtanga and other schools of yoga, nine specific drishtis are used and described:

  1. Nasagrai Drishti: gaze at the tip of the nose, as used in Upward-Facing Dog, Chaturanga, and standing forward fold asanas.
  2. Angusta Ma Dyai Drishti: gaze at the middle of the thumbs, as used in Warrior I and Chair.
  3. Pahayoragrai Drishti: gaze at the toes, as used in Hand to Toe pose and most seated forward bends.
  4. Nabi Chakra Drishti: gaze at the navel, as used in Downward Facing Dog.
  5. Hastagrai Drishti: gaze at the hands, as used in Triangle and Warrior II.
  6. Parsva Drishti (left): gaze to the left side, as used in seated spinal twists.
  7. Parsva Drishti (right): gaze to the right side.
  8. Urdhva Drishti: gaze upwards, as used in Warrior Angle, Balancing Half-Moon, and Prayer Twist.
  9. Naitrayohmadya or Broomadhya Drishti: gaze at the third eye (ajna chakra) or forehead, as used in Fish, Upward Forward Fold, and Reverse Warrior II.

In Bhakti yoga: Drishti is used in a slightly different way: a constant loving and longing gaze is turned toward the concept, name or image of God. Drishti can also be thought of in a broader context, of having the proper view or perspective of one’s life. By developing the ability to adapt one’s perspective to accommodate the continuous change in the world, we can avoid the unnecessary attachments that cause us suffering.

NOW, let’s put this into practice by strengthening our Dristhi with a well known but powerful breathing technique used alongside a Mantra to steady your focus, turn inward and calm your thoughts:

Box Breathing – Sama Vritti Pranayama with the
“So Ham” Mantra

Find a comfortable seat or lie down on your yoga mat. Take a few cleansing deep breaths and begin to draw your gaze to the space between your eyes where you visualise a box shape in the mind’s eye. Now we will combine the practice with a mantra called “So Ham” meaning “I am That” to draw our awareness even deeper inward and strengthen our Drishti.

  • With each Inhale to the count of 4, softly and inwardly repeat the word “SO”
  • Hold your breath for 4 counts
  • With each Exhale to the count of 4, softly and inwardly repeat the word “HAM”
  • Hold the breath again for 4 counts

Continue this sequence for at least 5 rounds, whereafter you release the mantra and return to breathing normally sitting or lying in stillness before re-awakening yourself into the present moment.

Sama Vritti Pranayama-2-min

“Peace begins with me”
a short Meditation

“Peace begins with me.” It’s a way of living. Try this short mantra meditation next time you feel stuck in a situation that’s anything but peaceful. When you want to take what you’ve been giving and give back differently. It’ll help you press the Reset button so you can live the way *you* want to, no matter what’s happening.

In this meditation, you’ll combine the mantra “peace begins with me” with hand gestures: pressing your thumb to each finger. It’s so simple, it works. And you can be nearly anywhere, doing nearly anything, as you do this.

Take some deep breaths, as many as you need to or just a few.

As you say each word, you’ll place your thumb against one finger at a time:

  • When you touch your index finger, say: PEACE.
  • When you touch your middle finger, say: BEGINS.
  • When you touch your ring finger, say: WITH.
  • When you touch your pinky finger, say: ME.

Repeat three or more times, as fast or slow as you want to.

THIS “PEACE BEGINS WITH ME” FREE MEDITAITON IS AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO PRACTICE WITH BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK – https://youtu.be/k-IYyn5maTU

Whenever you notice your focus and mind wavering away, gently, and compassionately bring it back to your point of attention. Every time you catch yourself wandering and bring your eyes back you strengthen your concentration. The more you exercise your mental focus the stronger it will become.

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