Ego is not my Amigo!

Surrendering the self to serve the Divine

Dear Readers,

As this full moon rises alongside Hanumān Jayanti, we are offered a rare and powerful moment of reflection. It is a time not merely of celebration, but of honest introspection. The luminous moon above us can serve as a mirror, gently asking: what within us still clings to ego, and what is ready to be surrendered?

Śrī Hanumān stands as one of the most profound examples of humility in strength. Born with all eight siddhis and possessing immense wisdom, deeply learned in the Vedas, he had every reason to be consumed by pride. Yet, he chose a different path. He devoted himself entirely to the service of Lord Rāma. Not out of obligation, but out of love, clarity, and surrender. His life reminds us that true greatness lies not in asserting oneself, but in dissolving oneself in service of the Divine.

If Hanumān, with limitless power and knowledge, chose humility over ego, what of us, who walk this world with far more limited capacities? Surely our path, too, must bend towards surrender. It is only through this conscious letting go that our spiritual journey can unfold naturally, guiding us towards that vast ocean of compassion we call the Divine.

We live in times of conflict—across nations, within societies, and often within our own hearts. In such moments, ego seeks to dominate, to defend, to divide. Yet peace can only emerge when the ego is fully set aside. This is not weakness; it is the highest form of inner strength.

I write this not as someone who has always understood this truth, but as someone who has struggled deeply with ego. There were times when my ego led me to make poor decisions, clouded my judgment, hurt those close to me, and distanced me from what truly mattered. It was only when I set aside my ego and began dedicating my life to serving the Divine through my Dharma that clarity slowly emerged. The noise quietened. The path revealed itself.

Let us use this full moon as a turning point. To step beyond the illusion of comfort that the ego so cleverly constructs. To move, even if hesitantly, into spaces that challenge us, humble us, and ultimately free us.

Ego is not our amigo. And the sooner we recognise this, the sooner we begin to truly live.

Namaste!

What’s New in the Viniyoga Community

March 2026

This March, our Viniyoga community continued to grow and connect through meaningful learning experiences. In both Hungary and Italy, the respective second module of the Viniyoga Therapy Training took place, bringing together a dedicated group of students committed to deepening their understanding of yoga as a therapeutic tool.

Over the course of the module, participants explored key aspects of Viniyoga Therapy, refining their skills in observation, adaptation, and individualised practice. The atmosphere was one of focus, curiosity, and shared purpose, as students and teachers came together to continue this journey of learning and transformation.

Students practising in Module 02 of the Hungarian Viniyoga Therapy Training Batch

It is always inspiring to witness the commitment of each participant and the strength of the community that forms through these gatherings. Module by module, this work continues to unfold, supporting not only personal growth but also the ability to care for others with clarity and compassion.

Pink Day in Module 2 of Italy Batch | March 2026

We look forward to the next steps in this journey and to seeing this vibrant community continue to flourish.

And if you, too, are interested in deepening your relationship with yourself and with yoga, take a step forward and join one of our upcoming trainings this year, whether in Brussels, Europe, or in Asia. Learn more about the EU Training 2026 or the Korea Training 2026.

His Master’s Voice | Patañjali's Yogasūtra

Yogasūtra II.21- tad-artha eva dạśyasya-ātmā

The seen exists with only one purpose, [to serve] That [Seer].

This Sūtra establishes that the Seer is definitely the master: Prakṛti exists to serve the Puruṣa and not the other way round. It is like food on the table, which is there for the guest and not for its own sake.

Simply Being Human!

The quiet greatness and compassionate teaching of TKV Desikachar

by Dr Kausthub Desikachar, Phd

Over the course of more than fifty years of teaching, TKV Desikachar quietly shaped the lives of thousands of people across the world. Students came from different cultures, professions, and spiritual backgrounds. Some arrived as seekers, others as patients seeking relief from illness, and still others as teachers seeking to deepen their understanding of Yoga.

What united them was a simple but powerful experience: being met exactly where they were.

To each student, Desikachar became the teacher they needed. His genius lay not merely in his knowledge of Yoga but in his remarkable ability to read the person sitting in front of him. He understood their temperament, fears, strengths, and aspirations. From that understanding, he would adapt everything — the practices, the pacing, the explanations, and even the tone of his voice.

Yogācārya T Krishnamacharya with TKV Desikachar and two of his grandsons, including Dr Kausthub Desikachar

For Desikachar, Yoga was never something rigid or standardised. It was always personal.

The practice had to fit the individual, not the other way around.

This principle reflects the true spirit of Viniyoga, rooted in the teachings of Patañjali — the understanding that Yoga must always be adapted to the individual according to their condition, stage of life, and unique needs.

This approach reflected the teachings he received from his father and guru, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who often emphasised that the heart of Yoga lies in its adaptability. Desikachar embodied this principle so completely that students often felt as though the teachings had been created specifically for them.

In truth, they had.

The Teacher Everyone Saw Differently

One of the fascinating aspects of Desikachar’s personality was how differently students experienced him.

Ask a group of his students to describe him, and the answers could sound as if they were speaking about completely different people.

Some would say he was extremely strict.
Others remembered him as gentle and kind.
Some described his sense of humour and playful wit.
Others spoke of his penetrating seriousness.

All of these descriptions were true.

Desikachar had a rare ability to….

In January 2027, we invite you to join us at the biannual International Viniyoga Conference,

Pilgrimage of Sound—a gathering of practice, presence, and living tradition.

Rooted in lineage, carried through sound, and shared in community.

This special conference coincides with the 80th birthday of Mrs Menaka Desikachar, the seniormost Viniyoga teacher today. A direct student of Yogācārya Tirumalai Krishnamacharya and a long-term student of her husband, Śrī TKV Desikachar, she embodies a lineage transmitted through sound, relationship, and lived experience.

Pilgrimage of Sound explores chanting and mantra as sacred pathways of transformation. Through vibration, rhythm, and attentive listening, participants are invited to experience sound as a bridge between body, breath, mind, and heart. The conference highlights the application of chanting and mantra within Yoga, Yoga Therapy, and spiritual inquiry, offering a deeply experiential journey.

Pre-Conference Immersion - 18–20 January 2027

Main Conference - 21–24 January 2027

Beyond the deep learning experience, other advantages of participating in this special event include connecting with a wider global sanga, making new connections, and retreating to a sanctuary of peace at this beautiful venue, which will facilitate inner healing and relaxation.

Pilgrimage of Sound is a journey inward and together—
gratitude carried through the breath,
teaching revealed through sound,
meeting of lineage, practice, and heart.

The Best Yoga Therapy Training You Will Ever Experience!

The Viniyoga® Therapy Training Programme, rooted in the authentic teachings of T. Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar, delivered by

Dr Kausthub Desikachar is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and respected Yoga Therapy training programmes in the world. This is not simply a certification course — it is the gold standard in therapeutic Yoga education.

What makes it the best?

Depth. Precision. Personalisation. Transformation.

This comprehensive training will:

  • Teach key principles of Viniyoga Therapy as a holistic health system

  • Train participants to apply yoga’s many tools for diverse health concerns

  • Emphasise the one-to-one healing approach

  • Explore yoga’s role in supporting a holistic wellness lifestyle

  • Cover professional and ethical standards

  • Provide a safe environment for personal and spiritual growth

  • Develop your own unique strengths as a healer.

Yoga tools that will be taught include postures (Āsana), breath regulation (Prāṇāyāma), meditation (Dhyāna), diet (Āhāra-niyama) and lifestyle (Vihāra-niyama) guidance, chanting (Mantra), visualisation (Bhāvanā), energetic seals (Mudrā), symbolic gestures (Nyāsa), and guided self-inquiry (Svādhyāya). Advanced diagnostics, including observation and Pulse Diagnostics (Nāḍī-parīkṣā), will also be taught.

Whether you aspire to become a professional Yoga Therapist or wish to deepen your ability to meaningfully support others, this training offers unmatched knowledge, mentorship, and transformation. This course will be taught in English and translated into French.

If you want the very best Yoga Therapy training available, your place awaits.