Mahāmudrā | Energetic and Spiritual dimensions | A practice and as a philosophy

The International Viniyoga Retreat | with Dr Kausthub Desikachar | Chiangmai, Thailand | 12-18 January 2026!

āśraymaunaṁ sthāpayapīṭhaṁ cālayamūlaṁ vāraṁ vāram | kuru kuru nityaṁ mahatīṁ mudrāṁ mahatābandhenottamavidhinā ||

In silence, establish the right posture - The Mahāmudrā, day after day, and include it with the practice of the Bandha-s following the appropriate procedures.

- Yogācārya T Krishnamacharya in the Dhyānamālikā

Mahāmudrā | Energetic and Spiritual dimensions as a practice and as a philosophy!

The incredible human potential is often deeply hidden within us, not just beneath our psyche, but also within the layers of conscious and unconscious patterning. Unlocking them to manifest in our lives entirely is a key aspect of personal growth and spiritual development. This process requires sustained effort and the practice of powerful tools, under careful guidance and supervision. The role of Mudrā-s & Bandha-s can serve as a vital instrument in this process of personal evolution. Mudrā-s are very intricate tools of Yoga that harness the fire within us to help nourish the inherent seeds of our capabilities. They are discussed extensively in classical texts such as Haṭhayogapradāpikā & Śiva-samhitā, as well as modern classics such as Yoga-makaranda of T Krishnamacharya.

Among all of the Mudrās, the Mahāmudrā held the highest place in the hearts of the Yogin-s. For them, Mahāmudrā was not just a practice but also a profound philosophy that held much wisdom. Yogācārya T Krishnamacharya strongly believed in the practice of this great Mudrā each day, and even termed it as the essential tool to master daily death. This Mudrā isn’t just an energetic practice of the Haṭhayoga system but also a great spiritual practice in the Viniyoga Sampradāya.

The Mahāmudrā holds many secrets waiting for its practitioner to unlock them appropriately to offer its hidden gems. When appropriately practised with a sophisticated system of breath and visualisation, Mahāmudrā influences different layers of the human system and aids in a deep and positive transformation. Owing to the great power it can harness, the Yogin-s showed great respect to Mahāmudrā and only learnt and practised under the watchful guidance of a competent teacher. 

This enriching retreat will explore this most important Mudrā, the Mahāmudrā, in detail, presenting the core principles and frameworks within which it must be understood and practised. You will learn the technical nuances of its practice, benefits and contraindications and its various applications in the fields of health, Yoga Therapy and Spiritual Transformation.

The retreat will present previously unshared material and will be most useful to serious practitioners of Yoga, as well as Yoga Teachers and Trainers who want to take their practice to the next level. 

Why attend the International Viniyoga Retreat?

Attending the Viniyoga Retreat—an event that is planned only once every two years—is a profound commitment to your own evolution, both as a practitioner and as a spiritual seeker. In this carefully held space, you will engage in rigorous and deeply significant philosophical and spiritual studies, accompanied by robust practices designed to take you far beyond the ordinary.

Here, advanced teachings are offered—teachings not revealed elsewhere—opening doors that remain closed in other settings. But perhaps equally important, you will stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow members of the international Viniyoga Sanga, people who share your dedication and questions, and with whom you will build bonds that often feel like family.

In these rare gatherings, a unique sense of trust and shared purpose allows real transformation to unfold. If you feel called to go deeper—not just into technique, but into the heart of what Viniyoga can offer—this retreat is an opportunity you will not find again soon.