As I soon celebrate my 50th birthday, my heart is full of gratitude and awe. To commemorate this milestone, a profound gathering of over 100 extraordinary people from around the world converged in Chiang Mai for the Celebration of Viniyoga. What unfolded was more than a conference; it was a vibrant reunion of hearts, a deep honouring of lineage, and a powerful reminder of the living spirit of Viniyoga.

In this sacred time together, we experienced the essence of Yoga—yuj, connection. Not just the connection of breath and body, but the deep, spiritual bond of our sanga, our community. Viniyoga has always been more than a method; it is a living, breathing tradition that thrives through relationships, humility, and devotion.

This New Moon offers us a quiet, reflective moment to turn inward. It gently reminds those who may have drifted from the roots of this tradition that the doors remain open. Always. The strength of the Viniyoga family lies not in uniformity, but in its deep respect for individual paths woven into the shared wisdom of our teachers.

In a world fractured by conflict and ego, Yoga offers a radical alternative—inner clarity, compassionate connection, and the courage to live in peace. May we each remember that Yoga transcends our differences, and its light can guide us back to wholeness.

To those who gathered: thank you for your presence, your love, your commitment. To those afar, we feel you in spirit. Let this moment mark a renewed dedication to walking the path together, in humility, in strength, in unity.

With love and reverence and Namaste!

Dr Kausthub Desikachar, MSc, MMS, PhD

The Viniyoga Tradition

24 June 2025. New Moon

Luminary | Śrī Matsyendranātha

Before yoga mats, apps, and playlists, there was Śrī Matsyendranātha: the legendary Yogī who listened to truth straight from the source. As the story goes, Lord Śiva was sharing the secrets of Yoga with his consort Śrī Pārvatī in a quiet conversation. Unbeknownst to him, a fish nearby (yes, a fish) was listening attentively. That fish? Reborn as Matsyendra, the first human to receive the full teachings of Haṭhayoga.

Śrī Matsyendranātha is often seen as the founder of the Haṭhayoga lineage. He taught that true liberation isn’t found by escaping life, but by embracing it fully. His path was intense, earthy, and honest, embracing the physical as sacred, and the body as a temple of revelation.

In a world that often splits the spiritual from the everyday, Matsyendra reminds us that there is wisdom in the raw and honest. That the body isn't a barrier, but a bridge.

He is also a testament to the profound transformation that can occur when we are exposed to Divine wisdom and grace. Just as Lord Śiva transformed him from being a fish to being a great Yogī, we can also transform into our best potential when we hear that sacred voice of wisdom in our hearts.

And look, you don’t need to overhear divine conversations at the banks of Lake Manasarovar to tap into that. Maybe all it takes is a little silence, a bit of stillness, and the courage to dive beneath the surface. Who knows what’s waiting to rise…So connect to your heart and listen peacefully in that inner sanctum of Hṛdaya!

Divya-deśa | Kyoto

For over a thousand years, it was Japan’s imperial heart, and today it still carries a sacred weight, but with a light touch. You don’t need to seek the spiritual here; it meets you in the quiet curve of a temple roof or the soft echo of bamboo in the wind.

With over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto feels like a living prayer. The Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its endless red torii gates, leads you up a mountain path where the line between outer steps and inner journey quietly blurs. Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, shimmers beside its still pond, a reminder that peace often comes from rebuilding, again and again.

Even the rock garden at Ryoan-ji offers no clear message, only space to sit with the unknown. And somehow, that’s the message: stillness doesn’t always give answers, but it always reveals something.

What to expect when visiting Kyoto… well, one moment you’re lost in the calm of a Zen garden, the next you’re sipping matcha in a 200-year-old teahouse or spotting a geisha slipping silently down a lantern-lit alley.

Kyoto reminds us that what is old can feel new, and what is new must honor the old. With ancient temples beside modern architecture, it embodies timeless harmony. Kyoto is a living testament to tradition guiding progress—a city where past and present coexist with reverence, beauty, and enduring cultural grace.

Deva | Śrī Garuḍa

In this issue, we take flight with Śrī Garuḍa, the majestic celestial being and vehicle of Lord Vishnu.

If you’ve already dipped your toes into the world of Viniyoga, chances are you’ve heard of Garuḍa. And if not or if you did but forgot (it happens even to the best of us) here’s a little reminder of why this powerful figure is worth remembering.

Garuḍa, often depicted as a radiant eagle or part-man, part-bird, is far more than just Viṣṇu’s divine ride. He’s a symbol of freedom, clarity, and spiritual strength. With his immense wingspan and piercing vision, Garuḍa represents the ability to rise above confusion, fear, and attachment qualities that keep us grounded in the not-so-helpful way. In yogic terms, he invites us to shift perspective, cut through illusion, and connect with our higher purpose.

Garuḍa is important not just because of what he does but because of what he awakens in us: the courage to rise, the strength to carry others, and the inner power to move swiftly and wisely through life’s storms.

So whether you’re just meeting him or reintroducing yourself, Garuḍa reminds us that we all have wings and sometimes, all it takes is the will to spread them.

While you connect with Śrī Garuḍa, listen to this chant dedicated to Śrī Garuḍa, titled Śrī Garuḍāṣṭakam, chanted by Dr Kausthub Desikachar.

Mantra | Śrī Gāyatrī-āvāhana-mantra

The Sun is an important natural element in Vedic tradition, and is often honoured in feminine forms, through the depictions of Gāyatrī (Early morning Sun), Sāvitrī (Midday Sun) and Sarasvatī (Setting Sun). Through these forms, she is honoured as the creator of life, the sustainer of life and the champion of wisdom.

This is one of the mantras that honours her in this feminine form, praises her outstanding qualities, and requests that she reside in our heart. This mantra hence invokes the sun to our hearts, so that we may also shine with her radiance, and live our lives with clarity and strength.

This chant is also one of the chants that healers would recite before meeting their care seekers, so that they hold light in their hearts during the healing sessions, and also as a way of protecting themselves from any dark energies that may interfere with this sacred process.

Listen to this mantra 1 time each day, at sunrise, midday and sunset time.

Celebration of Viniyoga!

This past week in Chiang Mai, Thailand, we were blessed to come together as a global Viniyoga community for a profound and joyful celebration of the tradition that continues to inspire and guide our lives. With around 100 participants from across the world, we shared in a week of deep connection, learning, and honouring the path of Viniyoga.

The event was held in two parts: a pre-conference and a main conference, culminating in a very special day, June 21st, which marks both the birthday of T.K.V. Desikachar and the International Day of Yoga. It was a decisive and symbolic moment to gather in celebration of this living tradition that has carried so many of us through our personal and spiritual journeys.

We were deeply honoured by the presence of Madam Menaka Desikachar, who led us in sacred chanting and generously shared her wisdom, touching the hearts of everyone present. Her presence was a true gift. We are also immensely grateful to Dr Kausthub Desikachar, whose dedication and vision made this gathering possible and meaningful. Their commitment to preserving and evolving the Viniyoga tradition continues to inspire us all.

Throughout the week, we were surrounded by gifted and generous teachers, each offering their unique voice while holding firmly to the essence of this tradition. Together, they created a space of authentic learning, reflection, and renewal.

One of the most joyful moments was a small but powerful ceremony honouring the graduation of 16 new Viniyoga teachers from our teacher training program. We offer them our heartfelt congratulations and blessings as they step forward into their Dharma and begin to share the teachings with their communities around the world. Their dedication is a sign that this tradition is not only alive but growing, rooted in wisdom, yet open to the needs of the present.

What became clear to all of us over this unforgettable week is that something truly special is unfolding. This is more than just a tradition: it is a living, breathing community, full of practitioners and teachers who are committed not only to their own inner work but also to uplifting and supporting one another.

We return home with full hearts, inspired spirits, and a deep sense of gratitude for the teachings, the lineage, and for one another. We look forward to the next chapters of this beautiful journey together.

Viniyoga lives in us, and through us, it continues to expand.

Following the grand success of this event, it has been decided to have such a conference every two years. And every other year, there will be a weeklong retreat to deepen studies in the Viniyoga tradition. Watch this space!

Viniyoga Teacher Trainer Graduation!

Over the last two years, a group of 16 experienced Viniyoga Teachers and Viniyoga Therapists underwent an intensive hybrid training (both online and offline modules) and graduated as Viniyoga Teacher Trainers. With this certification, they are now authorised to conduct official Viniyoga Teacher Training programs in their respective countries following the high standards of the tradition.

We are so proud of all these excellent graduates from different continents around the world and wish them luck in their new journey carrying the torch of this teaching tradition.

They all graduated on the auspicious birthday of Sri TKV Desikachar (June 21) and are a precious gift to him on his special day. We pray to the divine that all these graduates are blessed with good fortune and prosperity so that they may be exemplary representatives of the tradition, fully embodying the ethical and spiritual principles of Viniyoga.

If you are a Viniyoga Teacher or therapist with a minimum of three years of teaching experience and would like to become a qualified Viniyoga Teacher Trainer, let us know of your interest. We will keep you in mind for our next batch.

Viniyoga therapy training!

We are thrilled to announce two new locations for the upcoming Viniyoga Therapy training: Hungary and Italy! This is an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of yoga therapy and embark on a truly life-changing journey.

The training will be conducted in English, with translations available in the host countries, making it accessible to a global audience. Whether you’re near or far, this program welcomes participants from all over the world who feel called to explore the healing potential of Viniyoga Therapy.

And speaking of Italy…. well, let’s be honest, where better to deepen your practice than a place famous for its world-class food, dreamy cappuccinos, and that special Italian “la dolce vita” vibe? Imagine starting your day with an authentic espresso in one hand and ancient yoga wisdom in the other! Italy offers not just a training but a whole sensory experience that will nourish both body and spirit. 😉 

As we recently celebrated the vibrant Vinayoga community, this training offers the perfect gateway to become part of that supportive and inspiring network. If you’ve felt the call to grow your practice, expand your skills, or simply be more connected with this tradition, now is the time to join.

Italy: https://www.viniyoga.com.sg/therapy-training-italia-2025

Hungary: https://www.viniyoga.com.sg/therapy-training-hungary-2025

Spots are still available, don’t miss out on this chance to transform your practice and your life through Viniyoga Therapy.