Dear Friends

Today marks a new moon—a moment of renewal, reflection, and quiet beginnings. The sky, though dark, is brimming with unseen potential, just like our lives in this very moment. The new moon reminds us that every fresh start begins in stillness, in the space where we choose to release what no longer serves us.

Too often, we carry the weight of the past or cling to expectations of the future, believing they define our path. But the past is a memory, and the future is a dream—neither is the reality of now. What matters is the present, where life unfolds in its truest form. Let today be the day you let go of regrets, of old fears, of the pressure to know exactly where you're going. Trust that you don’t need to see the whole path ahead—only the next step.

Fear whispers that we must wait until we feel ready, but growth doesn’t happen in perfect conditions. It happens in the small, courageous act of stepping forward despite uncertainty. Take that step. Focus on what you can do now, however small, and trust that it will lead you where you need to be.

Just as even the tiniest flame can brighten a vast darkness, the light within you—your hope, your kindness, your resilience—is enough to illuminate your life. Nurture it. Let it guide you. Even in moments when you feel lost, remember: the moon may be hidden tonight, but it is still there, just as your light is always within you.

Embrace this new moon as an invitation to begin again, to move forward with courage, and to shine in your own beautiful way.

With love and light,

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

The Viniyoga Tradition

29 March 2025. New Moon

Luminary | Svātmārāma

In a world obsessed with speed, efficiency, and the next big thing, we often forget the simplest truth: real transformation starts within. And few knew this better than Svātmārāma, the 15th-century yogi who gifted us the Haṭhayogapradīpikā—a text that’s basically the blueprint for using the body as a gateway to something far more significant.

But Svātmārāma wasn’t about flashy enlightenment or overnight miracles. He understood that the body and mind, like wild rivers, must be channeled before they can merge into the ocean of stillness. Through conscious breathing (prāṇāyāma), mindful movement (āsana), energetic seals (mudrā) and inner cleansing (ṣaṭkarmas), he laid down a system that wasn’t just about flexibility but about preparing for deep, unwavering meditation—because absolute freedom isn’t about touching your toes, it’s about touching your spirit.

And here’s the thing: Svātmārāma’s wisdom isn’t locked away in ancient manuscripts or hidden in Himalayan caves. It’s in you. In every conscious breath, in every moment of stillness you allow, in the space between thoughts where clarity shines through.

We live in a world that tells us we need to buy, achieve, and chase to feel whole. But Svātmārāma reminds us: the most incredible treasures—peace, clarity, connection—cost nothing. They require no transaction, no approval, no external source. They are already within, waiting for us to slow down and tune in.

Maybe the real question isn’t, How do I find balance? But rather, what am I willing to let go of, so that balance can find me?

Divya-deśa | Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem is more than a city—it is a crossroads of spiritual energy, a place where faiths, cultures, and histories intertwine. Walking through its ancient streets, you can feel the weight of centuries of devotion: prayers rising from the Western Wall, hymns echoing from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the call to prayer from the Al-Aqsa Mosque. It is a space where the divine is sought in different ways, yet the connection remains universal.

Despite its long and complex history, Jerusalem holds a unique power—one that transcends religious differences. It is a reminder that, beyond doctrines and traditions, spirituality is about something deeper: the search for meaning, peace, and connection. In a world often divided, this city stands as proof that coexistence is not just a possibility but a reality lived every day.

A City of Layers

Jerusalem is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with over 5,000 years of history. The Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is divided into four quarters—Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian—each offering a unique cultural and spiritual experience. The Temple Mount, revered in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, is a symbol of the city’s deep-rooted significance.

A Call for Peace

While Jerusalem has long been at the heart of political and religious tensions, it is also a place where dialogue and connection continue to grow. Pilgrims and seekers from all over the world come here, proving that, at its core, the city is not just about the past—it is about the present and the hope for a more united future. It teaches us that, no matter where we come from, those who seek the divine will always find a place to meet.

Deva | Śrī Hanumān

Śrī Hanumān, the legendary monkey hero from the Rāmāyaṇa, is like the ultimate mix of superhero and humble servant. He’s the son of Añjana, a celestial nymph, and the wind god Vāyu, which means he’s got strength, the ability to fly, and can shape shift at will. Think of him as a blend of Spider-Man’s agility and Iron Man’s strength, but with none of the ego and all of the heart. Despite all these incredible powers, Hanumān stays grounded, embodying selflessness, love, and pure devotion to Lord Śrī Rāma.

One of his most famous (and heroic) moments is when he leaps across the ocean to rescue Śrī Sītā, Śrī Rāma's wife, who has been kidnapped by the demon king Rāvaṇa. He faces daunting challenges along the way and shows off some serious size-shifting skills, growing big enough to cross the entire ocean in one jump. This moment isn’t just about doing the impossible; it’s about showing us that when we act with pure love and purpose, there’s really nothing we can’t do.

Śrī Hanumān’s story isn’t just about big leaps and superhuman feats; it’s about humility. Even when he’s doing the most epic stuff, like lifting mountains or saving the day, he credits it all to Śrī Rāma and never takes the glory for himself. In fact, after delivering Śrī Rāma’s message to Śrī Sītā, he just happily trots back, satisfied with his service. It’s the ultimate reminder that strength isn’t about showing off; it’s about being humble, staying focused, and doing what needs to be done with a good heart. He is therefore regarded as the most iconic symbol of Prapatti-yoga, the Yoga of total surrender.

Śrī Hanumān isn’t just a hero; he’s a reminder that true power comes from within. We can overcome anything when we let go of our egos and act with love, devotion, and service. Plus, if Śrī Hanumān can leap over oceans and lift mountains, maybe we can tackle our to-do lists with more grace and heart!

While you connect with Śrī Hanumān, listen to this chant dedicated to him. Being the son of Añjanā, he is also called Āñjaneya.

Mantra | Śrī Hanumān-gāyatrī-mantra

We really love Śrī Hanumān so much that we decided to share one more feature on him.

This mantra is the Hanumān-gāyatrī-mantra and has the power to remove our fears and instil great confidence.

Listen to it 8 times, thrice a day, at sunrise, sunset and dusk.

oṁ āñjaneyāya vidmahe vāyuputrāya dhīmahi | tanno hanumat pracodayāt

Bend, Breathe, and Break Free!

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