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No Way Back—Only Becoming!
Embracing the first full moon of 2026 with a resolve to grow, not return!
Dr Kausthub Desikachar & Clara Hofman
January 02, 2026
Photograph © Kausthub Desikachar
Dear friends,
Tonight’s full moon, the first of 2026, invites us to step into celebration—not of distraction, but of commitment. Its luminous presence reminds us that Yoga’s central focus is transformation, Pariṇāma: the courageous movement towards becoming the best version of ourselves. Transformation is not a return to what we once were; it is an unfolding into what has not yet been revealed.
Many of us come to Yoga, or any spiritual path, hoping to restore a former state, to mend what seems broken so life can continue as before. Yet Yoga gently teaches the opposite. We are not here merely to repair and resume; we are here to evolve. The caterpillar does not strive to be a better caterpillar, nor does the seed seek only to be a stronger seed. Butterfly and tree are unimaginably different from what preceded them—and so are we from who we have been.
This asks practice, not maintenance. To evolve requires willingness to meet the unknown and patience with discomfort. It is not easy, but it is necessary.
For years, I tried to reclaim what I thought I had lost—to become the person I remembered from childhood, to piece together shadows of an earlier self. The harder I tried to go back, the more confined I felt. Only when I loosened my grip, practised surrender, and trusted the mysterious arc of Yoga did something soften. In that letting go, I discovered a deeper current of meaning, a sense of true nature and purpose that had been waiting beyond nostalgia.
On this full moon, let us celebrate our readiness to transform. Let us practise with sincerity, courage, and kindness towards ourselves. Let us invest in our own transformation—let this New Year’s resolution be about becoming more, not doing more. May we welcome change as our teacher, and step forward together into the life that is becoming. Under this moonlight.
Namaste! And Happy New Year 2026 once again!
03 Jan 2026, Full Moon Day
Life as a Spiritual Journey: A Meaningful Closing!
In continuity with the five previous presentations shared during the Celebration of Viniyoga in Thailand this summer, this final talk by Dr Kausthub Desikachar offers a sense of completion and integration. Although it was the last presentation of the event, it also naturally accompanies this first newsletter, a symbolic alignment that feels meaningful.
Dr Kausthub Desikachar presenting Life as a Spiritual Journey! Photograph by Ilze Silina
In Life as a Spiritual Journey, Dr Kausthub reminded us that life is more than health, healing, or personal development. From the yogic perspective, life itself is a sacred journey of inner evolution, guided by awareness, responsibility, and alignment with our Svadharma. Yoga provides different entry points into this journey through three complementary paths:
The path of action, where we express our values through conscious and ethical living.
The path of inquiry, where reflection, study, and self-observation lead us toward clarity and wisdom.
And the path of devotion, where trust, humility, and heartfelt connection open us to something greater than ourselves.
Together, these paths remind us that spirituality is not separate from daily life. Perhaps this closing presentation is also an invitation: to read these teachings not only as knowledge, but as guidance and to recognise that sometimes, the end of a journey is also the beginning of a new one.
His Master’s Voice | Patañjali's Yogasūtra
Yogasūtra II.18 - prakāśa-kriyā-sthiti-śīlaṁ bhāta-indriya-ātmakaṁ bhoga- apavarga-arthaṁ dṛśyam
What distinguishes the Seer and the seen? The following Sūtra-s clarify this.
The nature of the seen consists of [the three Guṇa-s,] radiance, activity and inertia. It is made up of the [five] elements and the [eleven] senses. Its purpose is to allow the Seer to experience [the world] and gain liberation.
In this Sūtra, Pataïjali describes Prakṛti, that which is seen, consistently with Sāṁkhya philosophy. Prakṛti consists of the three Guṇa-s. They are Sattva, (source of Prakāśa, radiance or lightness), Rajas (source of Kriyā, movement or activity) and Tamas (source of Sthiti), inertia. Prakṛti is also made up of the five elements - Pṛthvī (earth), Ap (water), Agni (fire), Vāyu (wind) and Ākāśa (space).
The eleven sensory organs, which include the five senses of perception, five senses of action, and mind, are also part of the seen. The five sense organs of perception (jñāna-indriya-s) are hearing (śabda), touch (sparśa), vision (rūpa), taste (rasa) and smell (gandha). The five sense organs of action (karma- indriya-s) are speech (vāk), grasping / gripping (pāṇi), motion (pāda), reproduction (upastha), and elimination (pāyu).
These are all part of the seen, not the Seer. The seen is constantly changing because it is constituted from the Guṇa-s, while the Seer, being devoid of the Guṇa-s, does not change.
Listen to an audio explaining this aphorism:» Click the Play button below
A Name, a Dream, a Destiny
The Early Roots of TKV Desikachar and his Yoga
by Dr Kausthub Desikachar, PhD
This article marks the beginning of a twelve-part series dedicated to the life, work, and legacy of TKV Desikachar, one of the most influential yet quietly transformative figures in the history of Yoga. Over the course of these twelve parts, we will explore his life in depth—from his sacred beginnings and formative years, through his relationship with his father and teacher, to his pioneering role in shaping Yoga Therapy in the modern era, and finally to the living legacy he left for future generations.
Writing these articles as his son, successor, and as someone carrying his teachings around the world is both a responsibility and a privilege. I was blessed to grow up under my father’s grace and to learn directly from him from the time I was a young child until the very last day of his life.
My education under his auspices did not take place solely in classrooms or through formal instruction. It unfolded through daily observation, lived experience, shared inquiry, silence, correction, encouragement, and the subtle transmission that occurs when one lives close to a teacher whose life itself is the teaching. I feel extremely grateful that I have been the only student of my father who received such a long and profound mentorship spanning many decades.
This first part focuses on the auspicious beginnings of my father’s life: the circumstances of his birth, the sacred vision that preceded it, and the deep roots that shaped him long before he became a teacher, healer, or institutional founder. To understand his contribution to Yoga Therapy, we must first understand…..
Take a small or a big step into your own transformation
Transformation doesn’t always require a dramatic leap. Sometimes, it begins with a small, intentional step, a choice we make for ourselves in the middle of an already full and busy life!
For those who feel called to learn, heal, or grow, online programs and classes offer an accessible way to begin. They fit more easily into daily routines while still representing a meaningful commitment. A promise to yourself to move toward healing, transformation, or deeper understanding.
NEW LONG-TERM TRAININGS STARTING IN 2026!
And for those who have more space in their schedule, or who feel ready to take a bigger step, we also offer in-depth Yoga Therapy Trainings starting in 2026, in Europe and South Korea. These immersive programs are designed for those who wish to deepen their practice, their knowledge, and their capacity to support healing for themselves and for others.
Each path is different. What matters is choosing the one that feels right for you — right now.
Please visit our website for full details, practical information, and answers to any questions you may have. All program links will guide you directly to the relevant pages.