"I am bowing my head in front of Shree Guru, by whom the eyes of wisdom has been opened in the darkness of ignorance". – Guru Vandana.
Yogi Vishnu Ji was born to a Brahmin family in a village not far from a prominent city in the western region of Odisha. He had a typical upbringing, playing with kids during school, learning new things in this world. One thing that was slightly different was his grandfather’s guidance in the realm of meditation, starting his exposure to this world at an early age. The Radha-Krishna Temple in the village, which was constructed by his Grandfather, was frequented by wandering sadhus and passers-by to whom this young boy was often seen serving food and water and listening to their stories of travel and spirituality. No one ever thought this young boy would grow up one day and become famous in the spiritual circle as Yogi Vishnu Panigrahi.
Vishnu eventually made his way to Rishikesh and visited the caves of the Himalayas. There, one sadhu baba, a yogi, introduced Vishnu to the teachings of Swami Rama. This was an extremely transformative period of time in his life full of much learning and experience.
At one point, the sadhu announced that all of Vishnu's possessions were to be thrown into the Ganga in order for him to experience dis-attachment to worldly objects. After complying with his demands, Vishnu was left with one set of clothes, the one he was wearing.
The yogi also provided a cave for Vishnu to meditate in and, while sitting inside one day, Vishnu heard movement and sounds behind him. There, positioned on the upper ledge of the cave, was a fierce-looking cobra. Vishnu tried his hardest to keep his composure and not succumb to his fear. Instantly, he heard a whisper come from within him saying, “I’ve come to release your fear, not increase your fear." It was his inner voice.
Eventually, Vishnu had to leave the yogi. He was ready to join the Gurukulam (a spiritual school) and be under the close guidance of Swami Veda Bharati. Vishnu taught at the Swami Rama Institute of Meditation and Inter-faith Studies for 9 years and obtained his master’s degree in Sanskrit and in yoga.
Vishnu feels extremely blessed to have learned from other great masters in his life, such as Swami Hari, Shri Mauni Babaji, and Swami Shankarananda ji.
Yogi Vishnu has been travelling and teaching spirituality outside and inside India for many years. He's completely appreciative of his experience in life so far. Now, he is deeply dedicated to guiding students at Samadhi yoga Ashram to experience a unique and spiritually nourishing life journey all their own.
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अज्ञानतिमिरान्धस्य ज्ञानाञ्जनशलाकया ।
चक्षुरुन्मीलितं येन तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः॥