Placement of the gaze on a single point inside or outside helps the mind to flow into single pointed meditation. In each posture there is a specific Drsti or gaze, which, in some circumstances, is modified as one goes deeper into the practice. The place of gazing can be the tip of the nose, the center of the eyebrows, the tip of the thumb or a finger, the center of the palm, the navel, the big toe, or on the horizon straight ahead or to the side. The technique is to eliminate extraneous tension and motivation from the gaze by feeling the palate (the roof of the mouth) as being empty, just as when smiling. The back of the soft palate (the root of the palate ) will then be released opening the Susumna nadi (the central line of awareness from the perineum center to the center of the crown of the head). This induces meditation.
Gazing is also an important part of the integrated movement which links the postures together. The direction of the movement of the eye radically affects muscular tensions in the neck, shoulders and throat. These normally unconscious reflexes should be studied closely. They can make profound differences in movement throughout the body.
Since 1968 Richard Freeman has devoted his life to studying, practicing and teaching all aspects of Yoga. He has lived in India for more than eight years studying a variety of yoga traditions. A long time student of K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, Richard is the director of The Yoga Workshop in Boulder, Colorado. In this series of informal talks given at his studio, Richard shares his knowledge on a wide range of the more subtle aspects of Yoga.
