Hatha yoga practice Rishikesh Himalayan tradition
Classical Tradition · Himalayan Lineage

Hatha Yoga
in Rishikesh

The sun and moon in perfect balance. The breath as the bridge. The body as the instrument. This is classical Hatha Yoga — taught here as it has been for centuries.

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What Is Hatha Yoga

Ha + Tha =
Sun and Moon

"Ha" means sun. "Tha" means moon. Hatha yoga is the practice of bringing these opposing forces — masculine and feminine, active and receptive, effort and surrender — into perfect equilibrium within the body and mind.

Classical Hatha yoga is codified in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (14th century), the Gheranda Samhita, and the Shiva Samhita. It encompasses asana (postures), pranayama (breath control), bandha (energy locks), mudra (gestures), and shatkarma (cleansing practices). Modern studio yoga takes the asana only — classical Hatha includes all six limbs of this preparatory practice.

At Yoga Vedanta Trust, we teach the complete classical system as transmitted through the lineage of Swami Dayanand Ashram — the source of the living Hatha tradition in Rishikesh.

The 6 Limbs of Hatha Yoga

Asana
Postures
87 classical asanas described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Each posture steadies the body and quiets the mind for pranayama and meditation.
Pranayama
Breath Control
Kumbhaka (retention), Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati, Bhastrika, Ujjayi — techniques that purify the nadis (energy channels) and develop prana (life force).
Bandha
Energy Locks
Mula Bandha (root lock), Uddiyana Bandha (abdominal lock), Jalandhara Bandha (chin lock) — directing and containing prana.
Mudra
Gestures & Seals
Hand positions and full-body gestures that redirect energy flow and deepen meditative states.
Shatkarma
Cleansing Practices
Six classical techniques — Neti, Dhauti, Nauli, Basti, Trataka, Kapalabhati — for purifying the body before pranayama.
Pratyahara
Withdrawal of Senses
The bridge from external practice to internal meditation — withdrawing awareness from the senses.
Where to Learn

Hatha Yoga Programs at
Yoga Vedanta Trust

14 days
100-Hour Immersion
From $450

All levels · Foundation course · Perfect introduction to classical Hatha

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28 days
200-Hour TTC
From $1,050

RYS 200 · Teach worldwide · Complete Hatha curriculum

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35 days
300-Hour Advanced
From $1,600

RYS 300 · Advanced asana · Vedanta · Sanskrit · Yoga Nidra

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Common Questions

Everything About
Hatha Yoga

What is Hatha Yoga?+
Hatha Yoga is the classical branch of yoga working with the physical body through asanas, pranayama, and cleansing practices to prepare the practitioner for meditation. "Ha" (sun) + "Tha" (moon) = the balance of opposing forces.
Is Hatha Yoga for beginners?+
Yes. Classical Hatha is actually the most accessible form of yoga for beginners because postures are held with attention rather than moved through quickly. It builds understanding before speed.
What is the difference between Hatha and Vinyasa?+
Hatha holds postures for several breaths with full attention on alignment and breath. Vinyasa links postures in flowing sequences. All vinyasa is built on Hatha foundations — understanding Hatha makes you a better Vinyasa teacher.
How many Hatha yoga poses are there?+
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes 84 classical asanas. The Gheranda Samhita lists 32 most important ones. Modern practice has expanded this to hundreds of variations, but the classical system focuses on mastering a core set deeply.
Can I learn real Hatha Yoga outside India?+
You can learn yoga techniques anywhere, but the living tradition — the lineage, the energy, the authentic transmission from teacher to student — exists in its fullest form in Rishikesh and the Himalayan ashrams. There is no substitute.

Learn Classical Hatha Yoga
at the Source

Rishikesh. The Ganga. The living lineage. Max 15 students.

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