Drishti (Sanskrit: दृष्टि, romanized: dṛṣṭi; pronounced [d̪r̩ʂʈɪ]), or focused gaze, is a means for developing concentrated intention. It relates to the fifth limb of yoga, pratyahara, concerning sense withdrawal,[1] as well as the sixth limb, dharana, relating to concentration.[2]
In Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, each asana is associated with one of the 8 focused gazes, namely Angusthamadhye (thumb), Bhrumadhye (eyebrow), Nasagre (tip of nose), Hastagrahe (tips of hands), Parshva (side), Urdhva (up), Nabhicakre (navel), and Padayoragre (tips of feet) Drishtis. In some other styles such as Sivananda Yoga, less use is made of the gaze, and fewer types are employed.
- ^ Maehle 2011, p. 250.
- ^ Maehle 2011, p. 559.