SEPTEMBER
हृदय — HṚDAYA
Divine Centre: The open, luminous heart, the source of intuition and Supreme Self.
HṚDAYA: a luminous heart, a centre of light. Cultivated through devotion, consistent sādhanā, awareness, and alignment with one’s true nature (ātma).
Hṛdaya: the luminous center of your being. The inner core where devotion, presence, and consistent sādhanā live. It is the seat of consciousness, where ātman, your true self, resides and guides you.
In this space, intuition, clarity, and understanding naturally arise. By turning inward and cultivating awareness, the heart opens, the mind settles, and energy flows freely. Hṛdaya is the source of love, compassion, and insight, providing the foundation for living aligned with your higher nature.
Through steady practice, reflection, and devotion, this centre of light becomes the source of connection, to yourself, to the divine, and to life. It is the inner space where authenticity, guidance, and the presence of your own consciousness can be fully felt.
Mādhurya: The Nectar Within
This month we cultivate Mādhurya, the sweetness that flows from Hṛdaya. It is the natural fragrance of the heart when it is open, steady, and aligned in devotion.
{ Mādhurya माधुर्य comes from madhura (मधुर),meaning sweet, pleasant, delightful, charming, tender, and graceful. It refers to the natural sweetness and tenderness of the heart, the quality of inner sweetness that arises from Hṛdaya (the heart-center) and manifests as love, devotion, and beauty in being and action. }
It is the rasa of sweetness, an innate, effortless quality that draws the heart toward devotion and the Divine. Mādhurya is the delight, grace, and sweetness that permeates being when one lives from this space.
It softens, aligns, and beautifies the inner life, and deepens our relationship with the Divine.
Rest in the sweetness of being.
The Sweetness of the Heart
Mādhurya is the natural sweetness that flows from hṛdaya, the heart-center. It is the tender, luminous quality of the heart when it is open, steady, and aligned in devotion. This sun-inspired class combines backbends, heart-opening asana, and restorative poses to open and rest in the heart space.
Practice throughout the month to embody this sweetness fully, using the Sādhana checklist as your guide.
Supporting Practices
These supporting practices nurture devotion, sweetness, and openness.
Use them alongside your core sadhana to open and rest in the heart, and deepen your connection to the Divine presence throughout the month.
The Mahāmantra is a sacred mantra for remembering Sri Radha and Krishna. Its simple meaning is: “O Sri Radha, please engage me in service of Krishna.”
Hare calls to Sri Radha, the internal potency (Shakti) of Krishna. She is the source of all divine energy and the power through which Krishna manifests all creation. By calling upon Hare, devotees seek her guidance to serve Krishna sincerely and with devotion.
Krishna / Madhav refers to Krishna, the beloved of Radha and the devotees. The name Madhav derives from madhu, meaning honey, highlighting Krishna’s innate sweetness and tender love.
Rama carries dual significance: it represents Radha-Madhav together and reflects the Mādhurya rasa, the supreme sweetness of devotional love. Mādhurya in this sense is the tender, intimate rasa of Vraja, in which the devotee’s heart overflows with loving attachment to Krishna, serving Him purely for delight and devotion.
Chanting this mantra cultivates constant remembrance of the Divine, gradually awakening the heart to the sweetness of devotion (Mādhurya). Through sincere chanting, study, and guidance from realized teachers, this practice helps devotees align their consciousness with the loving pastimes of Radha and Krishna, nurturing devotion, tenderness, and spiritual joy.
Maha Mantra 108 Rounds
A Powerful Kriya Meditation
~ Available on the week of Sept 15th (I will notify you)
This mantra invokes Govinda and Narayana, two names of Krishna, representing the Divine as the protector, nourisher, and beloved of the heart. Govinda reminds us of Krishna’s care for all beings, His guidance, and His loving presence, while Narayana signifies the all-pervading refuge and support that sustains life.
Chanting this mantra focuses the mind, opens the heart, and deepens devotion. It serves as a reminder of Krishna’s constant presence, inviting steadiness, clarity, and inner joy in both practice and daily life. Through repetition, the mantra helps attune consciousness to the loving and protective qualities of the Divine.
Govinda Narayana Mantra + Tutorial
Guest Teacher: Maneesha Sem
I’m so honoured to welcome our guest teacher for September — Maneesha Sem. Maneesha is a mentor and teacher who guides women to align with their hearts and deepen their connection to God, love, their femininity and true Selves.
“By connecting to the raw truth of the heart, nurturing our relationship with the Divine, and by purifying our vibration, we too can live with hearts as light as a feather.”
— Maneesha Sem
Download Maneesha’s teachings here:
More from Maneesha:
@maneeshasem
website
substack
Your Monthly Oracle Message
Devotion is the expression of unwavering love and reverence. Rooted in bhakti, the path of devotion, it calls you to honor the sacred in every moment, offering your actions, thoughts, and heart as acts of love and surrender. This card invites you to align with a higher purpose through reverence and humility, dedicating yourself to what you deeply cherish. Whether it’s your spiritual practice, a cause, or the love you carry for others, devotion cultivates a bond that transcends all boundaries, leading you to a more meaningful and fulfilled life.
Reflective Practice:
How can I express my reverence and devotion in my daily life?
Practical Exercise:
Spend a moment today in complete devotion to something you hold dear. This could be a deity, a personal prayer, a gesture of kindness, or simply being present with something or someone that evokes reverence. Focus your energy fully on this offering and notice how it transforms your sense of connection.
