HATHA YOGA

Guru Vishnu Panigrahi Published March 20, 2020 Updated August 17, 2026 9 Reads 1 min read

Asana Class WP March 2024 (47 of 80) - Vinyasa Yoga Academy

Most forms of yoga fall under the umbrella term of “Hatha” yoga. In sanskrit the word literally means sun=”ha” and moon “tha” which is representative of balance. The full word simply refers to the physical practice of yoga postures to create balance. Hatha is designed to align and calm the body mind and spirit in preparation for meditation.

Hatha yoga is not an exercise. By using certain knowledge of body mechanics and the study of postures and asanas, Hatha guides yogis toward using their energy in specific directions to create a more natural and preferable state for the body and mind. Through the consciousness and exercise of Hatha practice yogis can elevate their consciousness and alleviate ailments of the body and mind.

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Yogi Vishnu Panigrahi has walked the Himalayan yogic path since childhood — from serving wandering sadhus at his grandfather's Radha-Krishna temple in a village of Odisha, to leading one of Rishikesh's most respected ashrams. A disciple of the Himalayan tradition, he founded vinyasa yoga academy to transfer the full yogic path — meditation, pranayama, kriya and philosophy — to students from over 100 countries.