Patañjali's Yogasūtra II.23 | Explained By Viniyoga® Expert Dr Kausthub Desikachar

Yogasūtra II.23 - sva-svāmi-śaktyoḥ svarūpa-upalabdhi-hetuḥ saṁyogaḥ

The intimate union [between the Seer and the seen] exists in order that their own true nature is realised.

In Yogasūtra II.17, Patañjali said that suffering is caused by the intimate relationship between the Seer and the Seen. However, here he implies that this suffering may be a great teacher, for it can reveal the true nature of both. The more we engage in any relationship responsibly, the more we learn about ourselves. In the same manner, when Puruṣa and Prakṛti are in a long-term relationship, their true nature is revealed eventually. This is the benefit of their union.

Excerpt from Truth Unclouded by TKV Desikachar & Dr Kausthub Desikachar


Dr Kausthub Desikachar is the successor and current lineage holder of the classical Viniyoga tradition of T Krishnamacharya & TKV Desikachar. He is an acclaimed yoga teacher, yoga therapist, healer and spiritual adviser. His objectives include the sharing of the authentic teachings of Yoga to the modern era, as well as building bridges between different healing modalities to promote physical, emotional social and spiritual health.

He is the founder of Viniyoga Pte. Ltd. and also the co-founder of Krishnamacharya Healing & Yoga Foundation, India, and founder and president of Europe based, KHYF International.

He is also currently the seniormost trainer of the Viniyoga tradition and offers Viniyoga® Yoga Teacher Training and also Viniyoga® Yoga Therapy Training all over the world. Being focused on quality, rather than quantity, Dr Kausthub Desikachar usually only offers one batch in a location, rather than do multiple ones in the same venue. These training programs are so popular that there is usually a waiting list to sign up and is often attended by students from multiple countries.


Dr Kausthub Desikachar is a champion of women’s empowerment and guides many of his female students to embody their strength. To view his interviews with Viniyoga Women, visit this page here - https://www.viniyoga.com.sg/viniyoga-women

He also offers a Mantra blog, where students can listen to different Mantras from the Vedic Tradition. To benefit from this, visit here - https://www.viniyoga.com.sg/mantra

Dr. Kausthub Desikachar also assists many clients in their healing journey that includes mental health issues. He regularly writes articles on Mental Health issues and these can be found here - https://www.viniyoga.com.sg/mental-health

Being an amazing Yoga Therapist and Spiritual guide, Dr Kausthub Desikachar also offers insightful mentoring through private consultations, which can be taken either face-to-face or online. To book a session with him, kindly visit his private consultations page by clicking here>

Apart from Yoga Teaching, Kausthub is also an avid photographer, inspirational writer and poet. To view, some of his inspirations, visit the website www.kausthubdesikachar.com

To view his other Yoga teaching page, visit here https://www.kausthub.yoga/