Dear Friends,

I hope this letter finds you well. As I write to you today, February 28th, I am reminded of a profound truth that life continually teaches us—the coexistence of light and darkness. Each moment holds a balance of joy and sorrow, of beginnings and endings, and our journey is about embracing them both with openness and awareness.

February 28th is a particularly poignant day in my life. It is the day my beloved mother was born—immense joy, gratitude, and celebration. She has been a guiding force, a source of unconditional love, and a pillar of strength in my life. And yet, the same day also marks my grandfather's passing, the legendary Krishnamacharya. His wisdom, presence, and teachings continue to shape not only my path but the paths of countless individuals worldwide. On this day, I hold joy and grief in my heart—the beauty of life and the solemnity of loss intertwined.

This contrast is not unique to me. We all experience moments where joy and sorrow meet and light and darkness dance together. A birth and a passing, a success and a setback, a moment of connection and separation—life weaves them together seamlessly, reminding us of its depth and richness.

Celebrating the light, welcoming joy, and embracing moments of happiness is easy. But what about the darkness? Can we meet it with the same openness and acceptance? Our practice, our learning, and our growth lie in honoring both. Just as the night sky enhances the beauty of the stars, our difficult moments give meaning to the joyful ones. We cannot have one without the other.

So, my dear friends, I encourage you to reflect on the moments in your own life where opposites coexist. What lessons have they taught you? How have they shaped your understanding and your resilience? The key is not to reject one in favor of the other but to hold both gently, learn from them, and allow them to deepen your life experience.

Yoga teaches us that life is a flow—a continuous movement between darkness and light, between expansion and contraction. It is not about seeking only the pleasant but cultivating the wisdom to embrace all experiences. When we truly understand this, we begin to live with greater peace, deeper compassion, and a profound gratitude for all that life offers.

As I honor this special day in my life, I invite you to pause and reflect on your own journey. Acknowledge the joys and challenges, for they are the essence of our human experience. And in doing so, may we all continue to grow, learn, and move forward with grace.

With love and warmth,

Dr Kausthub Desikachar, M.Sc, M.M.S, PhD

The Viniyoga Tradition

28 February 2025. New Moon

Luminary | Śrī Nāthamuni

Śrī Nāthamuni, a distinguished 9th-century sage and scholar, is celebrated for his pivotal role in preserving the devotional hymns of the Ālvārs, known as the Nālāyira Divya Prabandham. His contributions have profoundly influenced the Śrīvaiṣṇava tradition. Yet, his journey is more than just historical—it speaks directly to us, even in today’s fast-paced world.

The rediscovery of the Divya Prabandham: A lesson in persistence

The sacred hymns of the Alvars had faded from collective memory until Śrī Nāthamuni's era. Imagine a world where timeless wisdom is lost—where the essence of devotion, connection, and inner peace is buried under distractions. Captivated by a fragment of these hymns, Śrī Nāthamuni embarked on a relentless quest to recover the complete collection. He travelled, listened, questioned, and finally, through deep meditation and surrender, it is said that he received the entire compendium of 4,000 verses.

Isn’t this what we long for today? In the chaos of modern life, we are all seekers, searching for something—meaning, peace, clarity. His journey reminds us that wisdom is never truly lost; it simply waits for those willing to seek it.

A call to remember what truly matters!

Śrī Nāthamuni’s story is a testament to the enduring power of devotion and the importance of preserving wisdom, not just for tradition’s sake but because it nurtures something deep within us. In today’s hyper-connected yet increasingly disconnected world, where endless information often drowns out true wisdom, his life reminds us of the need to pause, listen, and seek something beyond the surface.

In a world where we are conditioned to believe that happiness must be bought, that we must always consume, and that money dictates our worth, Śrī Nāthamuni’s legacy offers a quiet but radical truth: what truly aligns us—peace, clarity, love—requires no transaction. These treasures are already within us. There is no product to buy, no subscription to renew, no authority to depend on to access them. They arise not from what we acquire but from what we cultivate—through presence, intention, and devotion. In a world that constantly pulls us outward, let us turn inward. In the noise, let us find silence. And in the rush, let us remember that the most essential things in life are not only free— but they are also infinite.

He was also a prolific author and composed several classic treatises on different topics. Most notable for our field of interest is the Yogarahasya, a classic manual on Yoga that brings together both Patañjali’s eightfold path of faith-anchored practice as well as Śrī Nammālvār’s six-fold path of devotional surrender. Though this text was lost through the ages, we are privileged to receive its teaching as Yogācārya T Krishnamacharya, a direct descendant of Śrī Nāthamuni, revived it in the early twentieth century.

Let us remember and honour Śrī Nāthamuni through the following Thaniyan. A Thaniyan is an invocatory verse of glorification to an Ācārya, which is usually composed/submitted by a Śiśya (close student).

Divya-deśa | Lumbini, Népal

Where the journey to enlightenment began

For those who know me, it’s no secret that Nepal holds a special place in my heart. There’s something about this land—the mountains, the people, the air itself—that carries a unique energy, an unspoken invitation to return. And while I’ve been fortunate enough to experience parts of this incredible country, there’s one place I haven’t been to… yet. Lumbini.

Just the name alone carries a certain weight, doesn’t it? Revered as the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama—the Buddha—Lumbini is more than a historical landmark. It’s a space where history, devotion, and something almost intangible seem to intertwine.

A hub of spiritual harmony
Beyond the temple, Lumbini’s monastic zone stands as a testament to the universality of the Buddha’s teachings. Monasteries built by countries worldwide—Thailand, China, France, and many more—reflect each culture’s interpretation of devotion and reverence.

The Sacred Garden is an oasis of peace adorned with ancient stupas and the historic Ashoka Pillar. This pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka during his pilgrimage, bears inscriptions that authenticate Lumbini as the Buddha’s birthplace. The surrounding landscape, which includes the tranquil Puskarini Pond—where Queen Maya Devi is said to have bathed before giving birth—creates an atmosphere of deep serenity and reflection.

A pilgrimage of reflection
Although I have yet to set foot in Lumbini, I know it is not just a place to visit, but a place to experience. It is a destination where the air itself carries the weight of wisdom and where silence speaks louder than words. Lumbini is a place that invites introspection, a space where even the most restless souls might find stillness.
There is so much more to say about Lumbini—so many layers to explore, emotions to feel, and stories to share. But I must confess, words cannot fully capture its essence. Some places are like that: no matter how much we try to describe or explain them, they remain elusive. They cannot be read about or illustrated; they must be lived and experienced.

Deva | Śrī Śiva

The cosmic dancer of transformation

Life is full of change—sometimes exciting, sometimes chaotic. But what if transformation wasn’t something to fear, but something to dance with? Enter Śiva, the ultimate force of renewal. He’s not just the god of destruction—he’s the master of reinvention, clearing away what no longer serves us so we can step into something greater. Whether he’s meditating in deep stillness or dancing the universe into motion, Śiva’s energy is all about embracing change with power, wisdom, and a fearless heart.

Who is Śrī Śiva?

Śiva is the ultimate paradox—both fierce and peaceful, destroyer and protector, ascetic and dancer. As part of the Trimūrti (with Brahma the Creator and Viṣṇu the Preserver), he represents transformation, breaking down what no longer serves us to make way for growth.

Recognizable by his matted hair, third eye, and serpent necklace, Śiva carries deep symbolism. But one of his most fascinating stories is how he became Nīlakaṇṭha, the blue-throated god. According to mythology, during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra-mathana), a deadly poison called Hālāhala emerged, threatening to destroy all existence. While the gods and demons panicked, Śiva stepped up and drank it—holding it in his throat instead of swallowing it.

Talk about taking one for the team.

This act turned his throat blue but also showed his immense self-sacrifice and power over destruction. Instead of letting the poison consume him, he transformed it into a symbol of resilience. It’s a reminder that we all have the strength to hold space for challenges without letting them define us.

Channeling Śiva’s energy in everyday Life

Śiva’s energy is all about transformation—letting go, evolving, and finding peace in the chaos. He teaches us that destruction isn’t an end, but a necessary step toward renewal. Whether facing personal challenges, breaking free from old habits, or simply craving a fresh start, Śiva reminds us to embrace change with strength and wisdom.

So, how do we bring this into our own lives? Let go of what no longer serves you—old fears, limiting beliefs, or anything weighing you down. Find moments of stillness through meditation, reflection, or just a deep breath in the middle of a busy day. Move with purpose, whether it’s through dance, yoga, or taking bold steps toward your goals. And most importantly, trust the process—because just like Śiva’s cosmic dance, life is always shifting, and every ending is just the beginning of something new.

Here, enjoy a chant dedicated to Śrī Śiva, titled Śrī-liṅgāṣṭakam, composed by Śrī Ādi-śaṅkarācārya.

Mantra | Śrī Rudra-mahā-mantra

This Śiva-Mahā-mantra is a powerful mantra from the Śrī-Rudram that honours and reminds of his great power. Listening to or repeating this mantra can dispel fears, increase confidence and vitality, and stir up our positive emotions. It can help us face our inner demons slowly killing us from the inside.

Listen to this Mantra with caution. Please don't listen to it too frequently.
Listen to it three times twice a day. Once at sunrise time and once before sunset.

oṁ namaste astu bhagavan viśveśvarāya mahādevāya tryambakāya tripurāntakāya trikāgni-kālāya kālāgnirudrāya nīlakaṇṭhāya mṛutyunjayāya sarveśvarāya sadāśivāya śrīmanmahādevāya namaḥ

VINIYOGA® THERAPY TRAINING

NEW BATCHES IN EUROPE IN 2025! ITALY & HUNGARY!

Exciting opportunities are coming up for those looking to deepen their understanding of Viniyoga therapy! Our highly regarded Viniyoga Therapy Training is starting soon in Italy (2025) and Hungary (2025). These immersive programs offer in-depth learning, expert guidance, and a transformative experience for practitioners and teachers alike.

Don't miss this chance to embark on a life-changing journey! 🌿✨ explore the details and secure your spot today!

Italy Training Info | Hungary Training Info