- The Viniyoga Newsletter
- Posts
- The Cosmic Reset Button
The Cosmic Reset Button
How the Eclipse and Equinox Align to Support Your Transformation
Clara Hofman & Dr Kausthub Desikachar
September 20, 2025
Dearest Friends,
This week’s new moon solar eclipse, arriving hand in hand with the equinox, opens a doorway unlike many others. It is rare that the energies of balance, shadow, and renewal converge so precisely. Together they mark a reset point—an invitation to step into profound equilibrium, new beginnings, and radical transformation.
If you have been holding back, waiting for “the right time” to take a step toward your dreams or your healing, consider this moment your answer. The alignment of the heavens is not just symbolic; it is supportive. The eclipse asks us to release old stories, the equinox restores harmony, and the new moon plants the seed of what comes next. You may feel alone in your struggles or isolated in your growth, but you are not. The universe itself is offering a hand, reminding you that unseen currents are carrying you forward.
I want to share that I, too, am using this powerful moment as an invitation to let go of my own resistances. Parts of me have clung to old fears, to comfort zones that feel safe but stagnant. With this alignment, I am choosing to soften my grip, take steps forward with an open heart, and trust love as my guide. Transformation feels less intimidating when I remember that I am not walking it alone—just as you are not.
Now is the time to align your inner world with your outer reality. The hesitations, doubts, and fears we face are not external enemies—they are self-imposed walls we have grown accustomed to living behind. This is the moment to break free from that inner confinement, to reclaim the power you have always carried within.
Let this eclipse and equinox be your threshold. Step across it with courage, balance, and faith. Transformation is not waiting in some distant future—it is here, now, with you. Trust this alignment, trust yourself, and begin. Make the necessary changes to use this cosmic moment as a reset button, rather than allow your buttons to be pushed by the same old stories! Reset, Refresh and Renew!
ओं श्रद्धायै नमः | oḿ śraddhāyai namaḥ
Namaste!
21 September 2025 | New moon and eclipse. Eve of Equinox
Luminary | Śrī Viśvāmitra
Śrī Viśvāmitra is one of the great luminaries of the Vedic tradition. Once a powerful king, he turned away from the privileges of worldly life to seek a higher truth. Through complete devotion, he transformed himself into a Brahmarṣi (a sage of the highest wisdom).
Śrī Viśvāmitra is remembered as the seer (ṛṣi) of the Gāyatrī Mantra, the radiant prayer that invokes divine light to guide our thoughts and actions. This mantra still chanted by millions today is considered one of the most sacred sounds in the yogic tradition, a bridge between human aspiration and cosmic illumination.
He taught this mantra to his own student, the great Lord Rāma, the main character of the Rāmāyaṇa and an incarnation of Lord Viṣṇu.
Śrī Viśvāmitra instructing Lord Rāma and his brother Lakṣmaṇa in the art of archery
Sage Viśvāmitra, once a king himself, became the early guide of Lord Rāma. By leading the young prince into the forest to guard his sacred rites, Viśvāmitra taught the use of celestial weapons and the more profound lesson that true strength lies in service to dharma. It was also Viśvāmitra who brought Rāma to Mithilā, where the breaking of Śiva’s bow led to his marriage with Sītā. In this, the sage fulfilled his role as the guide who not only trains the hero but also ushers him toward destiny, uniting him with his divine consort.
Symbolically, his role reflects the guru who draws the hero away from comfort into trial, shaping divine potential into realised purpose. Thus, Viśvāmitra is remembered not just as Rāma’s teacher, but as the one who awakens in him the path of the cosmic protector.
Divya-deśa | Muktinath
Perched at about 3,700–3,800 meters high in the Mustang District of Nepal. This sacred site is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, making it a powerful symbol of spiritual harmony. Hindus believe it is one of the 108 Divya Desams, holy abodes of Lord Vishnu, and that a pilgrimage here can help one move toward moksha (freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth). Buddhists honour it too: the site is one of the 24 Tantric places linked with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and is viewed as a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara.
The Sacred Muktināth
This sacred Muktinath temple area is also widely known as Muktikṣetra and or Shaligram kshetra. Saligram is a precious holy stone, which is deeply considered and respected as the incarnation of Lord Viṣṇu by Hindu people. The term Muktikṣetra is derived from the Sanskrit word Mukti, which means Mokṣa or liberation, and Kṣetra refers to the Place, which represents the site of salvation. According to the religious belief, there is only one spot on the planet where we can see all five primary elements (fire, sky, water, air, and earth) in one place, which makes up the universe. Despite being in a challenging remote region, thousands of Pilgrims from different corners of the world arrive here.
Some of the features that make Muktinath unique:
108 water spouts (Mukti Dhara) behind the temple where pilgrims bathe in icy water.
Two sacred ponds (Mukti Kunda and Saraswati Kunda) nearby for ritual dips.
An eternal flame (natural gas-fed), sometimes called Jwala Mai, burning continuously despite the cold which many interpret as a symbol of spiritual fire, inner light, or continuity.
Many pilgrims describe feeling cleansed, humbled, or facing one’s edges—those inner limits or patterns, and perhaps being invited to shed something old.
Deva | Śrī Nandi
Śrī Nandi is the sacred bull and devoted companion of Lord Śiva, and he’s much more than just a loyal mount (vāhana). In Hindu tradition, Nandi represents strength, patience, and unwavering devotion. His name means “joy” or “bliss,” which already hints at his deeper role: Nandi is not only the guardian of Śiva’s abode but also the quiet presence that invites us to approach the divine with humility and focus.
Śrī Nandi
In many temples, Nandi sits facing the inner sanctum where Śiva resides. This isn’t accidental. Nandi is the ultimate listener. His posture teaches us the art of stillness and concentration. Spiritually, Nandi embodies dharma (righteousness) and reminds us that approaching truth requires both discipline and an open heart.
Śrī Nandi is always happy when his master is praised. Listen to this chant titled to Śrī Liṅgāṣṭakam, which worships Lord Śiva. It is chanted here by Dr Kausthub Desikachar.
Navagraha-s are the nine heavenly bodies and deities that influence human life on Earth and is greatly relevant in Vedic tradition, especially Vedic Astrology. The term is derived from nava, meaning nine, and graha meaning house, planet, seizing, laying hold of, holding. The seven days of the week in the Vedic calendar is also based on the Navagraha. The position of each of these houses in our astrological chart that is calculated based on the time and place of our birth influences our dharma (purpose) and karma (destiny).
There are very special Gāyatrī mantras to honour each of these Navagraha-s. This chant titled Śrī Navagraha-candra-gāyatrī-mantra honours the Moon, the second house of the Navagraha-s. Candra is also a royal planet and is considered the queen in astrology. He represents the mind, emotions, sensitivity, the mother, house and domestic comforts, milk, the ocean and all things connected with the sea, textiles and apparel. He is known as Candra, because of his waxing and waning qualities; he is usually never depicted in full form. We see him with only his upper body from the chest upwards, with two hands holding one lotus each, riding upon a chariot drawn by 10 horses.
Listen to this chant twelve times at moonrise each day. On Monday, listen to it twelve times at sunrise and sunset times.
The Viniyoga International community is growing and opening to the world. In the coming months, a series of unique events will occur globally. These gatherings are much more than trainings or retreats – they are an invitation to travel, to meet yourself and others, to cross borders and expand inner horizons.
Each program is truly special, and it’s hard to know when (or if) such opportunities will return. If you feel the call, this is the moment to join!
Led by Dr. Kausthub Desikachar, current lineage holder of the Krishnamacharya tradition, this program goes beyond yoga poses. It teaches personalized, one-on-one Yoga Therapy addressing body, breath, mind, emotions, and spirit — helping people overcome physical, emotional, and mental challenges.
Registration Deadline: October 4, 2025
Limited Space: Reserve your spot today!
This practical seminar introduces the foundations of yoga therapy from classical yogic teachings. Participants will explore therapeutic models from original texts, learn observation techniques, and experience invigorating practices using the diverse tools of yoga.
Why Erfurt? Located in the heart of Germany, Erfurt is not only easy to reach but also a beautiful city to spend a weekend in. Its charming old town, half-timbered houses, cozy cafés, and the famous Krämerbrücke create the perfect atmosphere to combine practice, inspiration, and a little city getaway.
➡️ Event link
This unique program explores the mind as a sacred bridge between body, breath, karma, and Spirit — going far beyond conventional psychology. Through embodied practices and ancient teachings, you’ll learn to transform mental patterns, emotions, trauma, and subconscious conditioning, cultivating clarity, resilience, and inner freedom.
Starting in October 2026! Register soon!
➡️ More info
Discover the profound wisdom of Mahāmudrā, the highest Mudrā in Yogic tradition, where energy, breath, and consciousness converge for deep personal transformation. Rooted in classical texts like Haṭhayogapradāpikā, Śiva-samhitā, and modern teachings of T. Krishnamacharya, Mahāmudrā is both a spiritual practice and a philosophy for mastering daily life and inner evolution.
➡️ More info
This course offers in-depth training on applying holistic Yoga principles as a complementary healthcare system. It is especially suited for those who wish to become Yoga Therapists or design individualised Yoga Therapy sessions for students with various health conditions. Participants will learn the therapeutic aspects of Yoga, enabling them to guide others toward self-healing and personal transformation and to develop their unique strengths as caregivers.
➡️ More info
Whether in Europe or Asia, these events are a chance to go beyond your limits, connect with an international community, and experience yoga as a living, transformative path.