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When the Moon Bleeds, the Spirit Speaks
Time Does Not Wait for the Hesitant
Clara Hofman & Dr Kausthub Desikachar
September 06, 2025
Dearest Friends,
This September’s Blood Moon Eclipse is more than a celestial spectacle—it is a mirror held up to our spirits. Its brilliance is majestic, a sight that stirs something ancient and unspoken within us. Yet beyond the beauty lies its true power: to awaken us to the reality of our journey, our choices, and the consequences that inevitably follow.
Life constantly presents us with crossroads. What we choose—or avoid choosing—shapes our path, for karma is never absent. Sometimes the right choice is the hardest one, but it is also the one that frees us. If we delay, hoping that time will wait, we will discover it does not. Time lost cannot be reclaimed, and so the call to transform must be answered now.
This eclipse urges us to release what no longer serves us. That may mean walking away from habits that keep us small, from people who drain our spirit, or from lifestyles that dim our inner light. It is not about punishment, but about evolution. To let go is to honour yourself, and to embrace what is wiser, steadier, and aligned with dharma is to step into a future worthy of your soul.
Please remember: you are not alone in this. I stand beside you, not as someone above you, but as someone who has stumbled in darker valleys and found a way through. My journey has been imperfect, but it is in overcoming those imperfections that I have found my strength—and it is that strength I offer to you.
So, let the Blood Moon Eclipse be your reminder. Transformation is not someday; it is today. The universe has opened a door. All that is left is your choice to walk through. When the moon bleeds, the spirit speaks—do not let its call go unanswered, for time does not wait for the hesitant.
Namaste!
07 September 2025. Blood Full Moon
The evolution of Śrī T. Krishnamacharya’s Yoga
A presentation by Dr Kausthub Desikachar
The second talk in Chiang Mai took us on a fascinating journey through the life and teachings of T. Krishnamacharya, often called the father of modern Yoga. Far from offering a single fixed “method,” Krishnamacharya’s approach to Yoga evolved throughout his lifetime, always adapting to the needs of the people and the times.
Vajrakāya (1920s–1930s)
In his youth, Krishnamacharya became known as “the master of the body.” He demonstrated astonishing physical feats: holding challenging āsanas on top of other people, fasting for long periods, lifting heavy weights, even altering his heartbeat. This phase was marked by his extraordinary control over the body, echoing the Yogasūtra’s promises of strength and mastery through practice.
Dr Kausthub Desikachar is presenting the lecture on the evolution of T Krishnamacharya’s Yoga. Photograph by Ilze Silina
Mandala (1930s–1950s).
As his teaching matured, he introduced structured sequences called Mandala, designed especially for young students. These practices followed clear steps, each coordinated with the breath, leading to a single goal posture. The benefits were focus, vitality, and discipline. During this time, he wrote his first major book, Yoga Makaranda, laying down some of these methods. This was the era when some of his well-known students like Śrī Pattabhi Jois and Śrī BKS Iyengar learnt from him.
Śikṣaṇa (1960s–1970s)
Later, Krishnamacharya emphasized precision and excellence. Poses were held longer, always respecting the principles of stability (sthira) and comfort (sukha). Sequencing became more refined, including preparation, counterposes, and rest. Breathing was central (often with the ujjāyī technique) and the practice was measured by its effect -> the pulse should be calmer at the end than at the beginning. This was the era when his own son and successor Śrī TKV Desikachar began his studies with his father.
Yathā-śakti (1970s–1980s)
One of his most influential contributions was the principle of Yathā-śakti : “according to one’s capacity.” Here, practice was no longer rigid but adapted to each person: modifying āsanas, using props, adjusting breathing ratios, even recommending changes in diet and lifestyle. This approach made Yoga truly universal yet personal, a complementary tool for health and well-being.
Aṅgalāghava (1980s)
As society became busier, Krishnamacharya responded with practices that were short, efficient, and revitalizing. Movements were performed with breath retentions after exhalation, offering more results in less time. The goal: to reduce stress and prevent burnout. (long before “stress management” became a buzzword).
Svādhyāya (1980s)
In his later years, his teaching turned increasingly inward. Svādhyāya — self-inquiry — integrated āsana, prāṇāyāma, chanting, mantra, and meditation. This phase encouraged practitioners to explore deeper layers of themselves, opening the door to transformation and the sacred dimension of Yoga.
Dr Kausthub Desikachar teaching at the Celebration of Viniyoga Conference.
Photograph by Ilze Silina
This past summer marked a truly joyful milestone for our community: two new Viniyoga Therapy Trainings began in Europe, one in Hungary and one in Italy. To witness this unfolding is deeply inspiring, as each gathering brings together such heartfelt individuals who feel called to this path. Forty-two dedicated participants in Hungary and twenty-seven in Italy stepped forward to begin this journey, and in doing so, they have expanded the Viniyoga family most extraordinarily.
Pink day at the Viniyoga Therapy Training Hungary Batch! August 2025
From the very first module, the depth of the holistic approach that defines Viniyoga Therapy is already touching hearts. The training is comprehensive, weaving together so many aspects of Yoga Teachings, yet its essence goes far beyond information. What makes this journey so profound is its power to be genuinely transformational. It is not only about learning techniques, but about nurturing qualities within—the compassion, clarity, and resilience that naturally arise when we connect deeply to ourselves and to the tradition.
Of course, we also celebrated the wonderful “pink days,” which are now such a beloved part of the training programs with Dr. Kausthub Desikachar. These days bring joy and lightness to balance the depth of study.
Pink day at the Viniyoga Therapy Training Italy Batch! September 2025
Each participant’s unfolding reminds us of the greater purpose of this work: to support the journey of becoming a holistic Viniyoga Therapist who serves from a place of wholeness and authenticity. It is humbling to witness how these seeds begin to blossom so early in the training and to know that this growth will continue to ripple outward, touching many lives.
We are profoundly grateful for the lineage of teachers who guide and sustain this path. Their wisdom and blessings provide the foundation that allows us to hold space for self-healing and transformation. With deep reverence, we give thanks for the unseen support and grace that continue to make such profound journeys possible. May the light of these new trainings in Hungary and Italy shine brightly and nourish all who walk this path.
We are excited to share that one new training could open in Vietnam later this year, with more batches planned for next year at other venues. If you would like to stay updated and explore joining us on this transformative journey, please reach out—we would be delighted to keep you informed about these upcoming offerings.
Contributions of Srī TKV Desikachar | 09
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 ninth video highlights his role in supporting women from around the world to become leaders of Yoga!
His Master’s Voice | Patañjali's Yogasūtra
Audio blog by Dr Kausthub Desikachar
Yogasūtra II.14 - te hlāda-paritāpa-phalāḥ puṇya-apuṇya-hetutvāt
In these too [execution of the action, duration and experiences] the fruit of actions of noble intention is joy, while the fruit of those of ignoble intention is repeated suffering.
Actions taken when the Kleśa-s are dormant come from a place of good intent. In such cases, positive consequences follow. If the Kleśa-s are dominant, we act from a negative place, and it is not surprising that this leads to repeated suffering.
Listen to an audio explaining this aphorism:» Click the Play button below!
Yoga Through the Ages
Tailoring Practice for Life's Three Grand Acts
by Dr. Kausthub Desikachar, PhD
Not One Yoga to Rule Them All
Picture this: a room full of people doing Yoga. One's a bendy teen, another a mum-of-three juggling Downward Dog (Adhomukha-śvānāsana) and dinner plans, and someone in the back looks suspiciously like they came just for the tea and biscuits. They're all doing the same poses, the same breath counts, the same awkwardly long savāsana. Is that really how Yoga was meant to be?
In Viniyoga, a personalised and adaptable approach to Yoga is emphasised. It rejects the notion of treating everyone like they're training for Cirque du Soleil. Viniyoga acknowledges that what you need at 16 vastly differs from what you need at 60. This approach is not just ancient wisdom—it is proven by modern, evidence-based research in neuroscience, physiology, and psychology.
Let's explore Yoga for the three main stages of life as described by Nāthamuni—Brahmacarya, Gṛhastha, and Sannyāsa—and delve into not just how Yoga can support us in each but also the profound significance of mindfulness and breathing in these practices
Act One: Brahmacarya (Ages 8–25) — Bending Without Breaking
Ah, the youthful years—when knees don't creak and getting up from the floor doesn't involve strategic planning. This is the time of….
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Forget just “talking it out.” While modern psychology often stays stuck in the head, Yoga—the OG of inner exploration—dives far deeper. Seen as the world’s most ancient form of psychology, Yoga treats the mind not as an island but as a part of a vast, interconnected system: body, breath, emotions, and spirit all included. It’s not just about what you think but how those thoughts ripple through your entire being.
Enter: a groundbreaking hybrid training program—part online, part in-person, all transformational. Whether you’re a seeker, teacher, or therapist, this course will elevate your understanding, expand your wisdom, and immerse you in time-tested practices that heal, awaken, and empower.
Join Dr. Kausthub Desikachar’s Yoga Psychology Training and unlock powerful insights and tools to transform your mental, emotional, and spiritual life. This isn’t just education—it’s evolution.
Among all the Mudrās, one stands apart.
Revered by generations of Yogin-s, Mahāmudrā wasn’t just a technique—it was a philosophy, a way of life, and a gateway to something far deeper. Yogācārya T Krishnamacharya himself called it the essential tool to master daily death—a bold claim, but one rooted in profound experience.
Far beyond an energetic Haṭha Yoga practice, Mahāmudrā is a spiritual powerhouse in the Viniyoga tradition—one that gently unveils its secrets only to those who approach it with precision, breath, and presence.
This immersive retreat dives into Mahāmudrā like never before.
We’ll break down its subtle frameworks, reveal hidden layers, and guide you through refined techniques involving breath and visualisation. You'll discover how this powerful Mudrā can influence the deepest aspects of your system—body, mind, and beyond.
You’ll also explore practical applications in healing, Yoga Therapy, and spiritual evolution—plus previously unshared teachings that enrich even the most seasoned practitioner’s journey.
🔥 This is for the serious seeker, teacher, or trainer—ready to move from inspired to ignited.
The path is calling. Let's walk it together.