Drishti Dhyana Meditation is a practice of focusing on a single point to achieve complete concentration that ultimately leads to control of mental fluctuations(1).

Introduction

Drishti Dhyana or the practice of focused visualization, is considered to be a superior form of meditation that can help eliminate worldly desires(1). This is one technique that can be useful for both beginner and experienced meditators as it does not require anything but a single point for focus(1). It is found in ancient Indian texts that Lord Ram once instructed Hanuman to practice Drishti Dhyana. He said, “Oh Hanuman, until the mind is controlled, one must meditate on a single element(1).”

During Drishti Dhyana Meditation, you can engage your gaze to a variety of points such as towards your nose, the Third Eye located at the center of your forehead, your hand, center of the thumb, the corner of the eyes, upwards, center of the navel, tip of the nose, and tip of the toes(2). Once you are completely focused on a single point, you will stop looking around and your mind will slowly stop being distracted(2).

History/Origins

Drishti Dhyana is recognized in many different scriptures, but it has a variety of names: Bindu Dhyana, Shushumna Dhyana, Shunya Dhyana, and others(1). In the Sufi tradition, the technique is known as the Sagle Naseerah(1).

The mention of Drishti Dhyana Meditation can be found in multiple sacred literature. In the Gita, Shri Krishna himself instructs, “While holding the body, head and neck in a straight line, motionless and steady, one should gaze in front of his nose and not look in any other direction [meditate]..(1)”

Sant Sundar Das also teaches, “In front of the eyes and nose [at the Ajna Chakra, in between the eyebrows] there lives Brahman (the Divine Being) whose nature is imperishable. At this juncture [with concentrated vision] the light emerges naturally(1).” 

The praises for Drishti Dhyana or ‘Yoga of Vision’ can also be found in the Vedic scriptures, Bible, and Koran(1).

Benefits of Drishti Dhyana

A 2020 study(5) shows that meditation techniques that involve any eye exercise have the ability to significantly reduce eye fatigue and associated symptoms. Thus, Drishti Dhyana Meditation can be helpful in improving overall eye health. Another research paper(6) suggests that gazing-based techniques are also good for improving heart health. Meditating every day, along with healthy eating and exercise, can successfully reduce the possibilities of heart attack, heart failure, aneurysm, stroke, sudden cardiac arrest, and peripheral artery disease.

 

References

  1. Santmat Society of North America | Harmony of All Religions by Maharishi Santsevi Ji Maharaj
  2. New World Library | Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy by Gregor Maehle
  3. Speedy Publishing LLC | 15 Yogananda Secrets: Stress Free Yoga Fitness Hacks – Strength Training Workouts for Home, Strength and Conditioning by Juliana Baldec
  4. schoolofyoga.in | Drishti (Point of Focus) Increases Awareness by The Editor of School Of Yoga
  5. International Journal of Yoga | Volume 13, Issue 1 | 2020 | Effect of Yoga Ocular Exercises on Eye Fatigue by Satish Kumar Gupta and S Aparna
  6. University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka | 2016 | Practices of Yoga in Cardiovascular Health by Karunaratne and H.K.B.M.S.