SPIRITUAL LIFESTYLE RETREAT
FOR WOMEN
15 November to 12 December, 2023
You are invited to join us for a month of residential spiritual lifestyle training at Vistara yoga and meditation centre in the beautiful Motueka River valley of New Zealand's South Island.
This is a unique opportunity to deepen your spiritual knowledge, connect with your authentic self in a truly supportive environment and develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
VENUE
Located in the top of the South Island of New Zealand, 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.
DAILY PROGRAMS
Classes and inspirational talks: spiritual and social philosophy
Kiirtan: chanting of Siddha mantra with live music
Lalita Marmika: dance to express the innermost feelings of the heart
Kaosikii: psycho-spiritual mudraic dance to access the koshas / layers of the mind
Prabhat Samgiita: songs that herald a new dawn of spiritual era
Tailored guidance offering personal mantra, meditation techniques, cleansing and purifying practices, diet and periodic fasting
Specific yoga postures focusing on women's health and well being. Group and individual yoga asana practice twice daily. Personal guidance available upon request
Sentient vegetarian and vegan cooking, Indian and international cuisine, bread making (sourdough and GF), use of organic greens from our gardens for healthy salads and smoothies, herbal teas and juices
Grounding time: caring for our healing gardens and experiencing deep connection with your surroundings
Karma yoga - service for self, others and the environment
Personal time for contemplation and healing
Community out-reach and open days of yoga and kiirtan
Deep connection with our experienced teachers, other like-minded women in the group and the wider community
TEACHERS
Didi Ananda Shamita has been teaching meditation for more then 35 years. In leading retreats around the world, her insightful and absorbing teaching style has inspired thousands of students. Didi is a senior yogic nun of Ananda Marga and is now based in Australia & New Zealand.
Didi Ananda Anuprabha is a yogic nun and has been a teacher of yoga & meditation with Ananda Marga for over 20 years. She has been based in New Zealand for the past 10 years, prior to which she worked in various parts of India. Didi is an enthusiastic kiirtan leader and her sweet voice and dedicated devotion is a source of great inspiration.
Dhara Dyer E-RYT-500 has had extensive yoga training and teaching experience in the USA, New Zealand and Europe. She is the programme facilitator and yoga mentor at Vistara and focuses on providing trauma sensitive yoga in person and online. Dhara is enthusiastic about how yoga and meditation can empower women to find their authentic selves.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS TO EXPLORE AND VOLUNTEER
Following the retreat, you will have the option to stay longer at Vistara. We encourage you to consider our volunteer and/or yogic lifestyle programs. Vistara offers beautiful shared and private rooms, delicious vegetarian and vegan food, personal mentoring and guided outings to explore our amazing paradise and meet its diverse, beautiful and talented people. Please contact Dhara to discuss these options.
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The Women's Welfare Department (WWD) was established in 1965 by the founder of Ananda Marga, Prabhat Rainjan Sarkar (Shrii P.R.Sarkar) especially to serve and create avenues for women to develop their full potentialities.
Since its inception, WWD has established branches in almost every part of the world and is fully managed by women.
Yoga nuns (Didis) provide instruction, counselling and personal guidance to women as they advance along the path of yoga.
Spiritual practitioners are encouraged to lead a sentient life (vegetarian diet, smoke, drug and alcohol free).
Unlike many traditional spiritual paths, in Ananda Marga, the nuns are as fully trained and qualified as the monks in imparting all the lessons of yoga and meditation.
WWD manages meditation & yoga centres, schools, children’s homes, medical clinics, youth hostels, short and long term disaster relief. All projects and centres of WWD are managed by yoga nuns and/or volunteers.
Should you wish, this training will facilitate volunteering in these projects around the world.
REGISTRATION AND COST
This month-long residential training is limited to 10-12 participants with the aim of providing an affordable and inclusive quality program.
The retreat cost is NZD $945
Group terms and discount available.
Fee covers your shared accomodation and food. Private accomodation options available.
Cancellation policy:
No refund after 15 October 2023.
We would love to make this retreat accessible for everyone and are charging the minimum possible. Aligned with our tradition, there is no cost applied to the teachers, but you may give a koha/dana/donation to help covering some of their costs.
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We are looking forward to hearing from you. Please contact Dhara for further information and for registering🦋
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