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GetWellAligned
Oct 6, 20242 min read

What is Drishti?

#1 The Definition


Drishti, a Sanskrit term, refers to one’s gaze or point of focus. It can be referred to as a concentrated intention to see things as they are.


Interestingly, the concept of drishti isn’t restricted to physical sight alone. Drishti also applies to the focus we maintain within our minds, as we work towards our goals and aspirations.


In yoga, we use drishti to help us balance better while holding a pose. Combining mindful breathing techniques with a focused gaze can boost awareness and achieve proper alignment.

#2 Types of Drishti


There are 9 broad types of drishti in yoga, depending on where you fix your gaze upon while holding a pose:

  1. Angustha (thumb): One gazes at the thumb, or in between the thumb and the first joint. E.g. Chair pose (Utkatasana)

    chair pose
    Chair pose (Utkatasana)

  2. Brumadhya (third eye): One gazes at the third eye, which is located between the eyebrows E.g. Fish pose (Matsyasana)

    fish pose
    Fish pose (Matsyasana)

  3. Nasagra (tip of nose): One gazes at the tip of one’s nose. E.g. Upward facing dog (Urdhvamukha Svanasana)

    upward facing dog
    Upward facing dog (Urdhvamukha Svanasana)

  4. Parsva (right side): One gazes toward’s one right. E.g. Any twist pose, such as Ardha Matsyendrasana

    ardha matsyendrasana
    Half Lord of the Fishes pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

  5. Parsva (left side): One gazes toward’s one left. E.g. Any twist pose, such as Ardha Matsyendrasana

    ardha matsyendrasana left

  6. Nabhi (navel): One gazes at one’s navel. E.g. Downward facing dog (Adhomukha Svanasana)

    downward facing dog
    Downward facing dog (Adhomukha Svanasana)

  7. Hastagra (hand): One gazes at one’s hands or fingertips.

    E.g. Triangle pose (Trikonasana)

    triangle pose
    Triangle pose (Trikonasana)

  8. Padhagra (big toe): One gazes at one’s toes. E.g. Seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana)

    seated forward bend
    Seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana)

  9. Urdhva (up): One gazes in an upward direction. E.g. Boat pose (Navasana)

    boat pose
    Boat pose (Navasana)


#3 Conclusion

Coordinating drishti with your asanas might seem a little challenging in the start. But once you put in more efforts to get your drishti in the right place, you’ll find balancing so much easier.


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