A day filled with inspiring talks, uplifting conversations and spiritual connections

Saturday 25 May 2024, Starts at 1.00pm . Optional Indian banquet and/or overnight stay with Sunday programme

Saturday Programme Only: Your Contribution – $30

Saturday Programme with Banquet – $60

Saturday and Sunday Programme (includes banquet, overnight stay, Sunday breakfast and lunch) – $250

Venue: Clearways, 54 Clearway Rise, off Airport Road

In a world facing increasing challenges, many of us yearn for a more hopeful future. Spiritual and intentional communities are emerging as a powerful force for positive change, offering a way to create a better way of living together.

“Environment is stronger than will power.”

“A small harmonious group here may inspire other ideal communities over the earth.”

PAramhansa Yogananda, author Autobiography of a Yogi

Unplug from the world and join us for a special day inspired by the vision of Paramhansa Yogananda and his disciple Swami Kriyananda. Swami Kriyananda founded Ananda, a global spiritual movement, based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, dedicated to helping individuals live in joy through meditation, yoga philosophy, community, and selfless service.

Everyone is welcome to join this programme, regardless of your spiritual experience or background. This event has something worthwhile to offer everyone, regardless of whether your goals are personal development, a feeling of community, or just a day of rest and relaxation.

Throughout the afternoon you will: 

Gain valuable insights from Nayaswami Pranaba’s inspiring talk: Building a Better Future – How Spiritual/Intentional Communities Can Lead the Way. Nayaswami Pranaba lives at Ananda Village, a spiritual community in California.

Explore Spirituality in a Supportive Setting: Join intimate small group workshops to delve into a variety of spiritual topics.

Discover the power of Kriya Yoga, an ancient meditation technique for accelerating spiritual growth and experiencing inner peace. 

Learn simple yet powerful techniques to harness the body’s life energy for greater health, vitality, and well-being. 

Explore the subtle energy centers of the body, gaining insights into how they influence your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. 

Gain practical tools and spiritual guidance for raising happy, balanced children in today’s complex world. 

Discover the power of affirmations to create positive change

Enjoy uplifting music of Swami Kriyananda and Paramhansa Yogananda 

Experience the profound peace of a guided meditation session and chanting

Savor a delicious afternoon tea and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals 

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of rural Waikato with ample green spaces 

Cap off your day with a delicious vegetarian banquet 

Event Schedule:

  • 1.00pm: Meet and Greet
  • 1.15pm: Uplifting Music
  • 1.30pm: Keynote talk Spiritual Communities for a Better Future, by Nayaswami Pranaba
  • 3.00pm: Afternoon tea
  • 3.30 – 5.30pm Small group workshops with various teachers
  • 5.30pm Energisation Exercises
  • 5.50 – 6.30pm Guided Meditation and chanting
  • 6.30pm Banquet

Additional Overnight Stay and Sunday Programme (Optional)

Extend your stay and join us for our Sunday Morning Programme. You can stay overnight with accommodation available onsite.

Sunday 26 May
Morning Programme

  • 6.30am – 8.30am Morning Sadhana (Energisation Exercises, Chanting, Meditation)
  • 8.30am BREAKFAST
  • 9.30am Fire and Purification Ceremony
  • 10.00am Meditation, Chanting and Music
  • 10.30am Inspirational Talk by Guest Teacher Nayaswami Pranaba
  • 11.00am Festival of Light
  • 11.30am Closing circle
  • 12.00pm Lunch, pack-up and depart

Accommodation

You will enjoy the comfort of your own private room, with a double bed, a modern shower, and a toilet. Plus, a handy kitchenette with a fridge and microwave that allows you to prepare light meals or snacks at your leisure.

Saturday Programme Only: Your Contribution – $30

Saturday Programme with Banquet – $60

Saturday and Sunday Programme (includes banquet, overnight stay, Sunday breakfast and lunch) – $250.

All proceeds go to Ananda New Zealand, a Charitable Trust and are used for growing and sharing the works of Paramhansa Yogananda and his disciple Swami Kriyananda.

We offer ample scholarships to ensure that anyone who is interested can participate in our programmes. Please enquire using the form below.

For more events with our guest teachers click here

Workshop Presenters

Nayaswami Pranaba is a highly experienced Ananda minister with 50+ years of meditation practice and 44+ years teaching meditation and yoga. He's established Ananda Centres internationally and held leadership roles within Ananda, including directing their Yoga Teacher Training, managing The Expanding Light Retreat, and overseeing the Living Discipleship Course. He now focuses on Ananda's outreach ministry.

Nurtured by her grandfather's spiritual example, Kavita's lifelong interest in spirituality deepened after encountering Paramhansa Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi in her youth. She embraced the path of Kriya Yoga, an ancient meditation technique that uses breath control (pranayama) and energy control to awaken the body's subtle energies and cultivate spiritual growth. For 30 years, she has been a dedicated meditator. Inspired to share these transformative teachings, she left a career as a chartered accountant to found Ananda in New Zealand. Through Kriya Yoga, Kavita offers an inspiring example of spiritual practice integrated with a loving family life with two grown children.

Nayaswami Sagar resides in the Ananda Monastery at Ananda Village, California. Sagar served Ananda’s work in India for seven years and currently teaches online and in-person classes on a variety of topics including meditation, karma and reincarnation, the yogic teachings of Jesus, and more.

Born into a family of Kriya Yogis, Sagar read the Autobiography of a Yogi at the young age of seven and has ever since been an avid student of Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings.

Shellee's journey to meditation began as she sought solutions for health challenges. The transformative practice now guides her parenting philosophy and her work as an early childhood educator. A parent of grown children, Shellee brings over 7 years of meditation experience and a wealth of personal insight to her workshops. A firm believer in the power of nature play, she is dedicated to helping parents cultivate well-rounded, balanced children equipped to thrive in today's world.

After many years trying to find fulfillment and solutions in all aspects of life, Julian discovered the path and teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. Despite reaching the peak of his athletic career, he discovered that worldly achievements alone cannot provide lasting fulfillment. Now, Julian shares these transformative teachings with others. 

Karen, a corporate manager and mother of two, sought a better way to manage stress. Through six years of dedicated meditation practice, she overcame unhealthy habits and discovered a more balanced and fulfilling life. Now, inspired by her own transformation, she finds joy in serving others through the meditation community and through creativity, music and art.

FAQs

What is Kriya Yoga?

Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditation technique that quickly accelerates spiritual growth. It works with energy and breath control, or pranayama. It is part of a comprehensive spiritual path, which includes additional meditation practices along with right living. It was popularised in the West by Paramhansa Yogananda through his signature book Autobiography of a Yogi.

Who is Paramhansa Yogananda?

Paramhansa Yogananda is a renowned spiritual teacher who introduced Kriya Yoga to the West. He authored the classic Autobiography of a Yogi. which continues to inspire millions worldwide on their spiritual journeys.

Do I need any prior experience with Kriya Yoga or meditation to attend?

No prior experience is necessary! This event is open to everyone, regardless of their spiritual background or experience level.

What will the small group workshops be like?

The small group workshops will offer a deeper exploration of specific topics related to spirituality, personal growth and Kriya Yoga. Each workshop will be led by an experienced teacher and will provide opportunities for interactive learning and discussion.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

You don’t need to bring anything! We’ll provide everything you need for a fulfilling experience.

Is there parking available at the venue?

Yes, there is ample free parking available at the venue.

I have a question that’s not listed here. How can I get in touch?

For any questions not answered in this FAQ section, please don’t hesitate to contact us or complete the form below

Comments or questions are welcome.

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This is an Ananda Sangha of New Zealand event marketed by the Narrows Retreat