About
Vistara means "expansion on all levels" and is a safe, healing sanctuary for people and animals. Located in the rural setting of the Motueka Valley at the top of the South Island of New Zealand, we offer a variety of classes and programs to meet the needs of those seeking to integrate spirituality into their everyday lives. Being amongst others who choose to live consciously and having the opportunity to re-balance is an important part of what we offer.
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Vistara seeks to incorporate the principles of PROUT, a spiritually-based social & economic philosophy. We believe that in concert with practicing techniques for self-realisation there is an inherent need to balance this with service to other living beings through practical action in the everyday world. Becoming conscious of our strengths, taking on responsibilities to help others and standing up for our rights is also an inherent part of the path of today's spiritual warriors.
Venue
Vistara has been a spiritual oasis for nearly 20 years, and is situated on a 7 acre organic property adjacent to the Motueka river. It features a large variety of nut and fruit trees, lush ornamental and productive vegetable gardens, friendly animals and private swimming and meditation spots on the river. Vistara is alcohol, smoke and drug free - a safe land for all sentient beings.​​
HOW TO GET HERE
Fly into Nelson Airport. Let us know what time you arrive as we may be able to coordinate transport with others. There are 4 daily e-buses from Nelson Airport to Motueka. The e-bus costs $9 cash to Motueka. Vistara is located 25km from Motueka and 57km from Nelson by car.
Dhara
I was born in Israel (with the name Dorit), spent 20 years in the vibrant New York City, and have been living in the stunning Motueka Valley at the top of the South Island for the past 17 years!
For many years, I've passionately studied and practiced yoga and meditation, and I feel truly privileged to share this transformative journey with people from all corners of the globe. As an experienced teacher, I've amassed over 1000 certified training hours and thousands of teaching hours, and I am registered and certified with the Yoga Alliance (E-RYT500). I've also been professionally trained in trauma-sensitive and trauma-informed yoga, specifically for survivors of sexual assault and those dealing with PTSD and CPTSD.
Throughout my journey, I've supported women on their healing paths from the trauma of sexual abuse and domestic violence. But it was my personal experience that really opened my eyes to the profound, long-lasting effects of these events. As a survivor, I’ve now dedicated my life to my healing journey and the empowerment of other women and their children. I do this firsthand by guiding and sharing my experiences here at Vistara, while also providing uplifting support through online programs, alongside my amazing friends and kind-hearted individuals like you!
I wholeheartedly believe that we are all connected, navigating the spectrum between our own healing and uplifting others on their journeys. I invite you to come practice with me—let's embark on this beautiful journey together! I can't wait to hear from you
Harideva
Vistara was purchased in 2005 with the vision of it becoming a spiritually-based community.The name Vistara means expansion on all levels and is the first step on our spiritual path, our Human Dharma. Some years earlier the property had provided a place of refuge for people needing drug and alcohol rehabilitation. We feel that this sense of expansion has always been the underlying essence here.
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Since learning to meditate, I have sought to ground the principles of my spiritual practice and its associated socio-economic theory. This led me to gain a Churchill Fellowship that resulted in the publication in 1994 of “The Habilitation of Offenders."
I also established the Nelson Enterprise Loan Trust in 1997, which offered close to 300 loans averaging $9k each to small businesses in the region. In 2017 I completed a Master’s thesis that considered the scope for implementing self-reliant policies in the Nelson regional economy.
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In 2020 a group of which I was part, established the Progressive Party of Aotearoa New Zealand that is based on PROUT. I stood for the party in NZ’s 2020 general election.
Please learn more about us and see upcoming events at ProutResearch.nz.
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Complementing Dhara’s yoga classes, we invite those interested, to join us for kiirtan chanting and meditation.
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Grow Your Vision
Other Residents
I was rescued and adopted after being attacked by a dog and severely wounded. I have fully recovered and now live happily here at Vistara. I am a Queen and the boss of the place.
Ella
We are Prince, Gracie, Hillary, Evie, Bella and Pixie (some of us are camera-shy). We are in charge of grazing the paddocks and entertaining ourselves and our guests
The gang
We are a mother and daughter and love to roam around the garden (and sometimes into the kitchen), always looking for yummy snacks.
Mama and the Cheeky-Chic
I am Simba the Lion-Cat. I have made Vistara my home and like to keep finding new places to chill. I have no tail, so am sometimes mistaken for a rabbit.
Simba
WE ARE VISTARA
You are never alone or helpless. The force that guides the stars guides you too.
by Shri Shri Anandamurti