NZ Yoga Centre – AOTEAROA

Contemplating the 5 dimensions of the Guru

The full moon rise on Guru Purnima allows us to contemplate our layered identities by ritually enacting our dedication to the Guru.  At this time, the moon is both a formula and a vehicle of transmission.

As we observe this special full moon, we are given an opportunity to set aside our material dependencies and connect with the vital fluidity of the moonlight, as reflection of the Guru’s grace.

During contemplation, the moon disc becomes a dynamic symbol, focusing our love and gratitude for all the inspirational teachers throughout time. The moon also helps transmit the Gurus’ blessings worldwide.

The archetypal Guru works on different dimensions, revealing the ‘inner guru’ within the devoted student.  In this Guru Purnima formula, we reimagine ourselves merging with the light of the archetypal Guru, ideally through the moonlight: 1) the archetypal guru, Śiva, taught the secret knowledge of yoga to his first student, Pārvati; 2) Pārvati, the archetypal mother goddess, transmitted the esoteric teachings of yoga to her progenies through the inspiration and recitation of Tantric sūtras; 3) the Guru’s wisdom and love inspired  linages of great sages and teachers ; 4) in receiving inspired teachings, the inner guru is illuminated within the devotee; 5) during the Guru full moon, the inner guru merges into the tranquil grace of the Primal Guru and his consort. At the same time, the love of the archetypal Goddess allows spiritual awakening to occur, dissolving all barriers and limitations.

Like a never-ending cycle, where a rain drop  falls upon a moonlit lake, then embarks on a long journey finally merging into the sea, the inner guru absorbs the moonlight and is blessed with the transmission of divine wisdom, epitomised by the Primal Guru and his divine consort.  We reimagine ourselves imbued with the wisdom and light of the Guru – as archetypal guru, mother, sage, self, and selfless devotee.

Blessing to all the students and great Gurus on Guru Purnima!

Sri Digambara Vishambranand, Ravanand Saraswati & Alakananda Saraswati

 The photo with the most likes/votes wins! Please again vote in the final round … Voting closes by the 15^th July!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152575380465844.1073741828.82052065843&type=3

So many of our wonderful yoga people voted for Annabelle’s beautiful ‘Honey Moon’ photo, captured by award winning photographer Mark Gee. Our collective vote got them into the top 5 with 594 votes, and now they are into the second and final round of voting.

Annabelle and Mark’s photo is currently in second place at 208 votes. A woman named Nipa, who’s handstand on a beach in Africa is making a stand at 319 and is constantly climbing, is currently first!

Basically, we need you to vote one last time, or post the link on your Facebook page for your friend to like.

Annabelle says: “Please vote again by liking our beautiful Honeymoon photo and help me to continue my yoga practice at a magical retreat in Bali” 

Over the past years, yoga has given Annabelle health, strength and personal peace. For Annabelle, Bali is a place of constant offerings and giving: “I’d love to be able to do a yoga retreat in a place surrounded by people who are constantly practicing mindfulness, awareness and personal sacrifice.”

Mark Gee is an award winning photographer & digital visual effects artist based in Wellington, New Zealand. He has worked on many high profile and Oscar award winning feature films. His love of the New Zealand landscape is a big part of the inspiration for his photography. and his site:  http://theartofnight.com

Thank you so much for putting your vote in again!

This was such an amazing event!

At Sadhana Yoga (Miramar), Winter Solstice activities took place on 22^nd June 2014 – This event celebrated warmth, light, vitality and nourishment in the depths of winter. This included eating delicious vegetarian foods, a midwinter ‘pageant’, lighting of candles, building a sacred fire, sharing great company, and letting off fireworks!

Traditionally, winter solstice festivals are celebrated the world over, symbolizing cycles of rebirth-growth-decay, and new beginnings. The Winter Solstice and Yule-tide marks the return of the sun, bringing light into being. In the Northern Hemisphere these festivities normally occur at the end of the year, coinciding with Christmas and New Year.

Here in New Zealand, however, we celebrate the Maori festival of Matariki, where the constellation of Pleiades returns into the dawn skies. Matariki is regarded as the beautiful mother surrounded by her six daughters: Tupu-a-nuku, Tupu-a-rangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-a-rangi and Ururangi. The date on the Maori calendar for 2014 is June 28^th.

From a cross-cultural perspective, here in the Southern Hemisphere, this is also a special time for creating new celebrations and festivities – bringing communities together to welcome the return of more sunlight, the return of Pleiades, as well as to share nourishment and greater warmth in the dark depths of a wild Wellington winter.

Ali was the official celebrant and host for the evening, and a great night was had by all!

If you are interested in participating in a PARTNERS & PAIRS YOGA Workshop on the second Saturday of July 13th please email: sadhanayoganz@gmail.com for more information.

This is a great way to deepen your yoga practice and enjoy the energy of working in a guided pairs workshop.

HARIDWAR, INDIA- 2014 -Check out our YOGA RETREATS page for details of this forthcoming tour …

Have you always wanted to visit India and be captivated by the wonders of this amazing country? Have you longed to go on a spiritual journey that is not all about tour buses and ashram rules? If so, we will be conducting 7-10 day yoga retreats in December.  We will visit the amazing holy town of Haridwar (pictured above) and visit the famous town of Rishikesh. If the idea of a yoga retreat-adventure in northern India calls out to you, let us know.

Ali, your tour guide and yoga teacher, has visited India eight times and has developed amazing connections in India.

Check out our YOGA RETREATS page for details of this forthcoming tour.

MIDWINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION:  The next event – Sunday evening 22nd June – will celebrate bringing warmth, light, vitality and nourishment to the depths of the Winter Solstice. As there are limited spaces, advanced booking is essential. Please email for further details.

Easter Sunday Meditation Ritual 2014 :   On Easter Sunday, eleven people gathered at Sadhana Yoga Studio (9 Park Road, Miramar) for a very special Meditation Ritual. There were two set criteria for this event: 1) that we would all celebrate the five elements, earth-water-fire-air-sacred space; 2) that each person would actively participate in the ritual, rather than passively observe. No one anticipated the core value and nourishing possibilities of such group collaboration. Everyone contributed something totally special and unique. EARTH People designated to represent earth shared beautiful fresh flowers from the garden, providing visual enjoyment and honouring the ancestors. Special crystals were passed around, clearing negativity, and for the purpose of deep contemplation. ‘Bliss balls’, fresh bananas and fejoas were handed out, nourishing our bodies and our taste buds.  A piece of coal was placed on the shrine, a symbolic offering Durga as the light of the Gods. WATER Cats’eyes (spiral doors of sea-snails), were shared amongst the group, reminding us of the importance of transitions between outer and inner worlds, and between land and sea. A teapot filled with fresh water, retrieved from a local creek in Houghton Valley, reminded us of the sound of fresh running water and became the receptacle of our prayers and wishes. Scared water from the upper Ganges (India) was passed around, cleansing our karmic layers. Wine with goji berries and organic berry tea was served to quench peoples’ thirsts. FIRE People designated to be guardians of fire brought candles that reminded us to illuminate our awareness, to break the bonds that limit us, and igniting creativity. Other candles were offered to heal the heart, awaken spirit, and bring courage. Candles to the Goddess Durga guided inspiration and insight. Also, stunningly good plum liquor made from produce sourced from a private orchard in Motueka supplied us with warm internal fire. AIR The guardians of air gave us bubbles to blow, symbolising our aspirations. This reminded us how important it is to breathe deeply and mindfully. Fragrant herbs acquired from the urban landscape reminded us that memories can be planted in the mind, shaping the future not just the past. Scented dhoop, sourced from goddess temples in India, burned on a shrine dedicated to the Goddesses. Protective calendula oil was handed out and rubbed into the skin, creating a protective barrier between skin and air. Also, scented ‘Goddess oil’ was offered, so we could breathe in sacred energy. SACRED SPACE The yoga studio was turned into a sacred receptacle for meditation and shared ritual expression. Amazing hand mudras were conducted, connecting actions and meaningful expression. Individuals moved throughout the space gracefully, sharing their elemental formulas, their gifts of knowledge and shared offerings. The sound of mantra and Tibetan bowls permeated the space during meditation allowing people to sit with their thoughts. At the end of the evening people continued contributing by deconstructing the sacred space and returning the yoga studio to working order.   Everybody who attended participated and became integrated in an evening of ritual and meditation. Because this event was such a success, another event will be scheduled. The next event will celebrate bringing warmth, light, vitality and nourishment to the depths of the Winter Solstice – Sunday 22^nd June, from 7.30pm. As there are limited spaces, advanced booking is essential. Hope to see you there!