नासिकाग्र दृष्टि
Nasikagra Drishti — Nose-Tip Gazing
nāsikāgra = tip of the nose, dṛṣṭi = gaze
The gaze rests on the tip of your own nose — the concentration point you carry everywhere.
In the simplest words
Try to look at the tip of your own nose with both eyes, half-closed, very gently — yes, you'll look a little cross-eyed, that's correct! Hold for a few breaths, rest, repeat. Your busy thoughts go quiet because your eyes are busy.
What it is
The Bhagavad Gita itself paints the meditator 'holding the gaze at the tip of the nose' (VI.13), and the Gheranda Samhita asks for the same nose-tip gaze inside padmasana (II.8); the Bihar School teaches it under the name agochari mudra: eyes half-closed, both turned gently down and inward to rest on the nose-tip, held only while comfortable. The convergence occupies the visual system so completely that thought loses its projector — the effect is trataka's, with no candle required. It is the most portable gaze practice there is: exam halls, buses and waiting rooms all contain your nose.
Where it comes from: Bhagavad Gita VI.13; the nose-tip gaze of the Gheranda Samhita's padmasana (II.8); named agochari mudra in the Bihar School of Yoga (Satyananda).
Before you practise — health first
Strictly strain-free: skip with glaucoma, recent eye surgery, squint/lazy-eye treatment in progress, or if it triggers headaches. Seconds, not minutes, at first. Children should not force it.
How to practise
Sit tall; soften the shoulders and jaw completely.
Half-close the eyes and float the gaze down to the tip of the nose — soft, never strained.
Hold just 5–10 seconds at first; the moment strain appears, close the eyes and rest.
Repeat 3–5 times, resting between; let the held time grow by itself over weeks.
Finish with palming: rub the hands warm and cup them over closed eyes.
Practise now
Practice timer
Finished sessions are added to your sadhana log — stored only on this device.
When & how long
A few short holds daily beat one long strain weekly. Lovely directly before study, japa or trataka proper.
What it is kept for
Pocket-sized concentration training; the Gita's own posture of collectedness before meditation.