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In the Light of the Moon, In the Spirit of Peace!
How Yoga Guides Us Through Turbulent Times
Clara Hofman & Dr Kausthub Desikachar
May 12, 2025
Photograph © Kausthub Desikachar
As we gather under the luminous light of this full moon, I find myself drawn into reflection—not just inward, but outward, toward the world and the troubling shadows that loom over it. In particular, my thoughts are with my home country, India, which once again finds itself in a strained and painful conflict with its neighbour, Pakistan. This tension, inflamed by the recent deadly terrorist attacks in Pahalgam—targeting innocent Hindu pilgrims—has shaken many of us to the core. None should condone such violence anywhere in the world!
It is impossible to ignore the sorrow, loss, and fury such violence evokes. But as we sit in stillness and reflect, we must also ask: What seeds are we sowing in the soil of our collective consciousness?
Conflicts rooted in identity—be it religion, ethnicity, or nationality—are among the most ghastly. They tear at the very fabric of humanity and push us away from the truth that Yoga teaches us so clearly: that we are, at our essence, one. Yoga is not only a practice on the mat; it is a philosophy of union—of breath, body, mind, and ultimately, spirit. When we forget this, we fall into the illusion of separation, the same illusion that breeds hate and justifies violence.
In this time of heightened global tensions, let us not forget the higher path. Let us speak, act, and live in a way that builds bridges—not walls—between us. Let us strive to understand, even when we hurt. This is not weakness. This is wisdom.
May this full moon remind us of our shared light, even amidst the darkness. And may peace, in all its forms, find its way into our hearts, homes, and nations.
With hope,
Your fellow seeker,
Full Moon Day, 12 May 2025
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Breath by Breath: Viniyoga, Cancer, and the Power of Presence
Interview with Kate Holcombe, USA
This month, we revisit the moving interview of Kate Holcombe, founder of the Healing Yoga Foundation in San Francisco. Kate’s journey into Viniyoga began unexpectedly in 1991, after a serious accident while studying abroad in Chennai, India. Her recovery, guided by the compassionate and tailored support of Śrī T.K.V. Desikachar, became the entry point to a lifelong devotion to yoga specifically the individualized, holistic approach of Viniyoga rooted in the tradition of Krishnamacharya.
The most compelling thread in Kate’s story is the deep human connection that weaves through her experiences. Witnessing how yoga supported her mentor Mary Lou Skelton through her final days with cancer, Kate was inspired to devote her life to bringing these tools to others navigating serious illness. Her work is grounded not in abstract ideals, but in personal experience, service, and love.
What remains deeply relevant today is Kate’s emphasis on adaptation, compassion, and presence. In a time when personal and collective health crises are increasingly complex, her testimony reminds us of the immense power of personalized, gentle support. Viniyoga’s principles of meeting the student where they are, listening carefully, and honouring the fullness of their experience feel more vital than ever.
She also addresses an important and often overlooked issue: the emotional toll of cancer, including the tendency toward self-blame. Kate affirms that healing is not always about curing, but about learning to respond to our circumstances with peace and agency. Her experience as a teacher and a cancer survivor highlights the enduring relevance of Patañjali’s Yogasūtra as a framework for navigating life’s challenges with clarity and grace.
Reflections and insights we can carry forward:
Healing is multidimensional: Emotional, spiritual, and physical support must go hand in hand.
Small practices matter: A breath, a gesture, or a word of affirmation can become anchors during turbulent times.
Adaptation is everything: Especially for those experiencing illness, personalized practice fosters dignity and empowerment.
Presence over perfection: We are not here to master poses, but to soften into life, exactly as it is.
In a world that often demands more and more of us, Kate Holcombe’s story is a reminder to pause, listen inwardly, and extend compassion first to ourselves, and then outward to others. Her work continues to shine as a light for anyone seeking a path through difficulty with gentleness and meaning.
contact information: [email protected]
👉 Read the full interview with Kate Holcombe on our website: https://www.viniyoga.com.sg/viniyoga-in-action/viniyoga-cancer-management
Contributions of Srī TKV Desikachar | 05
Śrī TKV Desikachar is regarded worldwide as one of the most important Yoga Masters of the modern era. His extraordinary contributions to the Yoga field have touched the hearts of millions of people worldwide. In this video series, we explore some of his most profound contributions.
This fifth video describes how he emphasised the principle of Viniyoga of Yoga worldwide, teaching variations and modifications of the tools of Yoga to suit the different needs of each practitioner.
Watch and learn!
His Master’s Voice | Patañjali's Yogasūtra
Audio blog by Dr. Kausthub Desikachar
Yogasūtra II.10 - te prati-prasava-heyāḥ sūkṣmāḥ
Having described the Kleśa-s that prevent us from moving closer to Samādhi, in the following Sūtra-s Patañjali indicates what must be done to overcome them.
When they are subtle, they [the afflictions] must be made impotent.
It is much easier to get rid of a toxic plant from our garden when it is small, rather than when it has grown into a huge tree. In a similar manner, we must nip the Kleça-s in the bud when they are still weak, rather than wait until they are fully manifested.
Sometimes, when we have clarity, we become complacent and arrogant. A temporary state of clarity must not be confused with a permanent state. It is even more important to stay vigilant when we are clear and act on the Kleśa-s to minimize their effects.
Listen to an audio explaining this aphorism:» Click the Play button below!
Flex Appeal!
How Yoga Makes Daily Life Less Awkward!
An article by Dr Kausthub Desikachar, Ph D
Let’s be honest—what comes to mind when you hear the word Yoga? Maybe it’s an image of someone twisting into a pretzel, or perhaps you imagine peaceful music, candles, and a mat rolled out in a sun-dappled room. But beyond the serenity and stretch, Yoga has some serious clout when it comes to improving your functional movement.
And what’s functional movement, you ask? It’s the kind of strength, balance, and flexibility that helps you carry shopping bags, tie your shoes, lift your kids, and do life with less strain and more ease.
So, grab a cuppa and get comfy, because we’re diving into how Yoga can quite literally move you in the right direction—whether you’re reaching for the remote or running for the bus.
What is Functional Movement, Anyway?
Before we dive into Downward Dogs and Warriors, let’s take a second to define our terms. Functional movement refers to the daily movement patterns we use—walking, squatting, reaching, twisting, bending, lifting. When these movements are compromised due to poor posture, lack of flexibility, or weakness, even simple tasks can become challenging or painful.
Yoga is a secret weapon in keeping these movements smooth, strong, and safe. Why? Because it focuses on exactly what functional movement requires: flexibility, balance, core stability, and coordinated breathing. It’s like a full-body maintenance check rolled into one beautifully flowing practice.
Strength Without the Grunt
Let’s start with strength. Now, you won’t bulk up like a bodybuilder doing Yoga, but you will build incredibly useful strength. Yoga uses your own body weight for resistance, and holding postures like Plank, Chair Pose, or Warrior can be surprisingly challenging.
Take Chair Pose, for instance. You squat as though you’re sitting down—except there’s no chair. Your thighs burn, your core is working overtime to keep you upright, and your arms are reaching upwards. It’s a full-body effort. And the best part?
To read the full article, you may click below to download the PDF File>
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REGISTRATIONS STARTED! DON’T MISS OUT ON BEING PART OF HISTORY!
A profound transformation awaits you. Two exceptional Viniyoga Yoga Therapy trainings are about to begin in Italy and Hungary, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a holistic journey of healing and personal evolution.
Rooted in the classical teachings of Sri T. Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar, these programs will provide:
✅ A deep understanding of Viniyoga Therapy as a holistic health system
✅ Practical tools to support individual healing and well-being
✅ A multidimensional approach that considers the whole person, not just the symptoms
✅ A safe and supportive space for personal and professional growth
Whether you aspire to become a Yoga Therapist or wish to integrate these principles into your practice, this training will equip you with the knowledge and experience to guide others—and yourself—toward lasting transformation.
🔹 Led by Dr. Kausthub Desikachar
🔹 First-ever training of its kind in Italy and Hungary
Don't miss this chance to embark on a life-changing journey! 🌿✨
Dr. Kausthub Desikachar of Viniyoga International created and manages this independent group. Its objective is to share and promote Viniyoga globally. Only posts related to Viniyoga teachings will be shared here.
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