Understanding that employing the dristi helps us, by controlling the eyes, remain inwardly focused, why do so many Vinyasa teachers insist on darkening the room and having students close their eyes? How can this be of benefit?
To remain inwardly focused, I think, is a function of one’s ability to do so. Closing the eyes, darkening the room, sound-proofing it etc are external, initial and temporary tools. In any case, mind always processes images of external objects and stores them in the memory. So, even when the supply of sensory input is cut-off, the images sitting in the memory can pop-up on their own volition borrowing energy from the emotional wrappings that cover them.
I am sure those teachers will later ask to deal with the mind and concentrate on breathing in an effort to slow down thoughts. Slower they become more control they yield and we remain inwardly focused.
Hello Linda,
I have not been able to determine why vinyasa teachers do many of the things they do. Obviously it could be three reasons; a sound reason unbeknown to me, an unsound reason (also unbeknown to me), or no reason whatsoever (because someone said so).
I would however like to expand the thread by pointing out that the sanskrit term you mention (dRISTi) has a more robust meaning than “looking at” or “gazing”. This is often the case in our migration of sanskrit to English or other languages. While I am not a sanskrit scholar it is fairly clear here that the broader sanskrit concept does not require the eyes to even be open for dRISHTi to be engaged.
Darkening the room, or brightening it for that matter, will obviously affect the nervous system. Savasana is not typically done under halogen lights and Viparita Chakrasana is not done in candlelight - though both could be done in such a way in order to achieve a particular effect for the student or to provide a contrast to a particular effect.
It may also be helpful to mention that the eyes are part of a defense mechanism for survival in the human being. When they are open we tend to dwell in the sympathetic nervous state. When they are closed we tend to shift toward the parasympathetic state (this, assuming our nervous system has not be re-oriented by trauma, stress, or reprogramming). It is for this reason (as outlined in the other thread with this heading) that the eyes are typically closed for passive poses and open for active ones - so that the actions of the human being are in alignment with the nervous system.
I do not know what Vinyasa yoga is, but I can understand the reason. Because ordinarily the outer environment has much influence on the activity mind, and to take care of a few simple observances may be of much assistance in one’s sadhana. One aspect of the lightning of the room is that even if you are closing your eyes, the light that comes upon your eyelids does tend to stimulate the brain. That is why ordinarily when you go to sleep, you sleep in a dark room rather than a room which is of penetrating light. There is a gland in the brain of which it’s activity is very much sensitive to light, the pineal gland. This gland controls the releaes of melatonin, which is responsible for inducing certain altered states of relaxation.
So for various reasons, the outer environment can be used as a tool which is conducive to creating a certain inner atmosphere. There is a whole science as to how to use your outer environment as a tool to trigger certain states of consciousness, but to cling to such methods can be dangerous because one may start assuming that it is outward conditions which are responsible for awakening certain states of consciousness, rather than understanding them as just triggering devices which are created because you are receptive to them. That is why also, the scent of incense has been an important part in various processes of the yogic sciences, because depending on their quality, and whether the inner space of the disciple is receptive for it, different scents will transmit different suggestions to the mind. And just as particular colors have a certain range of vibrations, the same is the case with vibrations in the form of smell. Using particular colors and geometric forms in the room are also other methods, which are used quite often in certain sciences of temple building.
For many, including myself, it is an attempt to create an atmosphere that allows my students to relax and feel comfortable. There is nothing more relaxing than to come into a room that is illuminated only by candles. This is my Wednesday evening class which is Yin/Yang. As my students walk into the room, I can watch them begin to unwind and let go of the tensions of the day. This, I feel, helps them to get the most benefit from their practice.
There are times when I ask (and sometimes I don’t need to ask) my students to close their eyes so they can sense what is going on in a particular pose. These poses typically are supine. Other times I encourage dristi gaze to assist with focus (i.e. balancing poses, virabhadrasana II).
And @ Gordon,
What do you mean you can’t determine why vinyasa teachers do the things they do and don’t do? lol!
Gordon not impartial? :o
Gordon,
Not all vinyassa teachers are the same! 
Although not limited to Ashatanga Vinyasa this method yoga introduced the dRISTi to most yoga practitioners as an asana training technique helping to maintain flow and prevent distraction. The eyes are open they do not focus near of far (detached focus) but they are not wandering, controlling the eyes in hope to develop heightened attention to the practice. As dRISTi evolves on deeper levels a consciousness towards oneness may arise eventually progressing towards true vision. I always suggest developing your dRISTi naturally over time or it may become a distraction within itself.
I practice dristi during asanas (which differs with each posture). I suppose lowering the lights produces a more relaxed, calming atmosphere, although we darken the room only at savasana, or at best, closing postures. During my practice I want to remain focused, awake, aware, and alert and so my eyes are open in dristi.