Drishti (IPA: [ d?r???i ]; Sanskrit: ??????; IAST:d???i), or focused gaze, is a means for developing concentrated intention. It relates to the fifth limb of yoga (pratyahara) concerning sense withdrawal, as well as the sixth limb dharana relating to concentration.
Video Drishti (yoga)
Description
Each yoga ?sana is associated with a particular d???i. There are nine d???is (when you count both P?r?va D???i's, left and right sides, as one).:
Angusthamadhye
For A?gu??hamadhye d???i (IPA: [ ????u:???m?d??je: ]; Sanskrit: ?????????????; meaning "to the middle of the thumb" the practitioner looks to the thumb.
Examples of asanas which employ A?gu??hamadhyai as their d???i can be found in the S?rya Namask?ra vinyasas; ?rdhva V?k??sana, Utka??sana, and V?rabhadr?sana I use A?gu??hamadhye as their d???i.
Bhrumadhye
The Bhr?madhye d???i (IPA: [ b?ru:m?d??je: ]; Sanskrit: ?????????; meaning "to the middle of the eyebrows/brow") has the gaze set at the "third eye", which is right between the eyebrows. In order to do this, the eyes are closed half way. This purportedly stimulates the olfactory and optic nerves, consequently awakening the autonomic and central nervous systems. It sooths the cranial nerves and aids concentration, and helps awaken kundalini. It is advised that caution be taken as prolonged or incorrect practice may cause problems for the eye muscles or nervous system. Initial practice is often done for only minutes at a time, but is gradually increased to up to ten minute intervals.
An example of a vinyasa which includes the Bhr?madhye d???i in its practice is S?rya Namask?ra? wherein the Bhr?madhye d???i is used on the inhale following Utt?n?sana, during ?rdhva Mukha ?v?n?sana, and again on the inhale following Adho Mukha Sv?n?sana (before the final Utt?n?sana in the vinyasa).
Nasagre
The N?s?gre d???i (IPA: [ n?:s?:?re: ]; Sanskrit: ????????; meaning "to the tip of the nose") has the eyes fixed on the tip of the nose. Purportedly strengthens the eye muscles.
In S?rya Namask?ra, Samasthiti?, Utt?n?sana and Catur??ga Da???sana all employ the N?s?gra d???i, as does the transition from V?rabhadr?sana A to ?rdhva Mukha ?v?n?sana. . These are only some of the asanas and vinyasas in which this d???i is used.
Hastagrahe
The Hastagrahe d???i (IPA: [ ??st??r??e: ]; Sanskrit: ????????; generally meaning "the taking of the hand" or "the putting of the hand to", or (in the context of d???i) "to the tips of the hand") involves looking at the (usually extended) tips or palm of the hand.
Utthita Trikonasana, and its twisted partner Parivrta Trikonasana are two examples of asanas which use Hastagraha d???i.
Parshva
P?r?va d???i (IPA: [ p?:r??? ];Sanskrit: ???????; meaning "the side") involves looking to the left or right side.
The asanas Utthita P?r?vasahita, Mar?cy?sana C, and Mar?cy?sana D all entail P?r?va d???i.
Urdhva
?rdhva d???i (IPA: [ u:rd???? ]; Sanskrit: ??????; meaning "above" or "rising") has the eyes pointing upwards, to the sky.
Some asanas which use ?rdhva d???i are Upavi??ha Ko??sana B and Ubhaya P?d?ngu??h?sana.
N?bhicakre
The navel is the center of focus for the N?bhicakre d???i (IPA: [ n?:b?it???kre: ]; Sanskrit: ?????????; meaning "on the navel" or literally "on the central circle"; the first part of this compound word is "N?bhi" meaning "naval" "center" or "origin", the second part "cakra" which has come into use in English as chakra means "wheel" or "circle".).
Adho-Mukha-?v?n?sana is an asana that uses the N?bhicakra d???i.
Padayoragre
P?dayoragre d???i (IPA: [ p?:d??jo:r??re ]; Sanskrit: ??????????; meaning "to the tips of the feet") is gazing to the toes.
A host of asanas from the Pa?cimott?n?sana sequence and J?nu ??r??sana sequence all employ the P?dayoragre d???i.
Maps Drishti (yoga)
Theory
The sixth limb of yoga dharana (concentration), includes maintaining d???i during yoga practice in order to ensure dhyana meditation will occur.
Variation Between Styles
There may be differences between different styles regarding how d???i is practiced and which are used for specific asanas. D???i is a primary part of Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Raja Yoga traditions.
Notes
- gra means "tip(s) of", as in p?d?gra (Sanskrit: ???? * ???: "tips of the toes").^Nasagre '^Hastagrahe '^Padayoragre
- The Sanskrit word madhye is marked indeclensible, so the Locative Case ("to") is applicable here.^Angusthamadhye '^Brumadhye
- The Locative Case (here "to") for Singular nouns ending in Masculine vowels (a/?) become e/? (a/? blends with i/?).^Nasagre '^Hastagrahe '^Nabhicakre '^Padayorage
- See p?da Sanskrit: ???) meanin? "foot".^Padayorage
- The Locative Case (here "to") for Dual nouns ending in Masculine vowels (a/?) is ayo:/????.^Padayorage
References
Sources
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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