Life at Anahata

MISSION STATEMENT

To inspire the development of the whole being by providing a supportive environment for SATYANANDA YOGA® education and a high quality yogic experience. To do this we aspire to be aware, present and connected to the higher source.

LIFE AT ANAHATA

Anahata Yoga Retreat is the only integral residential yoga retreat in New Zealand, and it is a fully affiliated SATYANANDA YOGA® centre. Based on Ashram principles, Anahata is an inspiring & supportive yogic environment. It is a dynamic environment as well, as guests and residents come and go for different lengths of stays – from one night to several years. Everyone is welcome regardless of age, background or level of yoga experience.

At Anahata, yoga is more than physical exercise, it is a way of being, a way of living, an attitude with life and towards life, a yogic lifestyle. Yoga provides the tools to live a balanced, grounded, and more centred life. These potentials dwell within you. Discover a stronger foundation of your self, renewed energy, and a broader perspective of possibilities for your life.

At Anahata we live, share and teach the yogic lifestyle. Our integral approach provides inspiration to enrich your life as well as valuable skills to take away & incorporate into your day-to-day activities. The benefits can be experienced on a mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual level.

The Satyananda Yoga tradition draws on many paths of yoga, such as Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga, as well as practices developed by Swami Satyananda, such as Satyananda Yoga Nidra™. For information of these different paths see the branches of yoga page. All modalities are not for everyone, but through exposure to many different approaches, each individual can experience a wholistic range of options suited to their body, mind and lifestyle.

Anahata offers varying levels of immersion in yogic lifestyle and training for individuals and groups. People may come for:

• A relaxed stay to recharge their batteries
• For a retreat to learn about or deepen their understanding and experience of yoga
• For personalised health or lifestyle consultations
• For in-depth, long-term training

We encourage guests to participate in the daily activities with Anahata residents. Some of the activities that residents perform as part of their Karma Yoga include cooking, gardening, chopping wood, building and office work.

Our facilities accommodate up to 16 guests at a time, with extra space available for tent sites. Families and children are welcome to visit Anahata, however due to limited facilities, we encourage families to bring a tent or stay in our private guesthouse, Chakra, which will give you more privacy.

Please understand that some scheduled sessions are not appropriate for younger children, and it is important to be mindful of other guests’ experiences. Parents or guardians are responsible for their children at all times.

Three healthy, nutritious vegetarian meals (organic as much as possible) and a morning and afternoon tea are provided daily. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notification. Click here for more information on the food at Anahata. Click here for information on a Yogic Diet.

The yoga room, located in a straw bale yurt, can be used for your personal practice or meditation when not in use for private sessions or scheduled programmes.

Our weekly schedule includes a range of practices, including: Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga, Satyananda Yoga Nidra, Meditation and Mouna. Click here for more information.

ACTIVITIES

Anahata is situated in the midst of native beech forest 1 kilometer from the Western border of Abel Tasman National Park. During free time, you may like to:

• Immerse yourself in nature
• Walk to the waterfall
• Enjoy a book from our yoga library
• Receive personal guidance from our resident Swamis
• Meet like-minded people
• Work alongside retreat residents
• Use the tranquil surroundings for your own practice
• Use the musical instruments
• Learn to sing a kirtan (chant)
• Learn to cook ashram-style
• Colour in or create Yantras (geometrical patterns)

ASHRAM PRINCIPLES

Anahata Yoga Retreat is based on the principles of an Ashram or “place of work”. We strive to provide an environment for growth and personal development by maintaining a healthy and balanced atmosphere.

Please come prepared for a yogic life style. Our routine is simple but well tried and tested in retreat centers and ashrams around the world. Everyone is invited to participate in our daily morning circle at 8.15am after which there are classes, free time or Karma Yoga (optional for guests).

Karma Yoga is an integral yogic practice and discipline described as “mindfulness meditation through action”. Karma Yoga is ideally practiced in mouna or silence and provides an opportunity to examine one’s mind, emotions, and action as well as contributing to Anahata Yoga Retreat.

While Karma Yoga is beneficial for everyone, it is optional for guests as we recognize differing levels of need. You are welcome to participate in karma yoga activities or you may choose to have some quiet time to relax and recharge your batteries. Anahata Yoga Retreat is a great place to contemplate and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Golden Bay.

A rostered cook prepares all meals. We have a closed kitchen. No private cooking is permitted.

The practice of Mouna or silence occurs from 9pm-8.15am in order to give space for the mind to turn inwards and to go deeper into witnessing your thoughts and feelings. External silence will eventually lead to inner awakening.

THE MEANING OF THE WORD 'ANAHATA'

Anahata is the fourth chakra or energy centre according to the Yogic and Tantric (Shakta) traditions. In Sanskrit the word anahata means “un-struck” or “unbeaten” and is related to the heartbeat, unbroken rhythm and the soundless sound.

Anahata is often called the “heart” centre, symbolizing the qualities of compassion, acceptance, universal love, selflessness and devotion that are associated with the awakening of this centre. These qualities are central to our purpose and inspire our attitudes and actions here at Anahata Yoga Retreat.

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