Dṛṣṭi (Nazar)

Introduction

The Sanskrit word Drishti “eye or vision,” also known as Nazar in the Hindi language, has an important role in Hindu philosophy. Through the eyes we perceive the outer world; therefore, classical Indian philosophy is divided into six darshanas “inner visions” for perceiving reality, namely, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Purvamimansa, Vedanta, Samkhya, and Yoga [2]. In Yoga for daily life, trataka “concentration on a point” is considered good for purifying the eyes, strengthening the eyes muscles, and for improving memory, willpower, intuition, and vision. Warding off the evil eye is a common practice in many cultures and traditions, and in the Hindu religion, it is known as Drishti Pariharam. It is believed that kudrishti or buri nazar “evil eye” cannot harm you when you have faith in God.

Also almost all truck drivers in India paint the rear of their vehicles with this catchy phrase for keeping away the ill effects of jealousy and bad intentions: buri nazar wale tera munh kala,...