Summer Yoga Buffet Series – Chakras: Unlock Your Inner Power
2026-01-31 14:30 - 19:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
Join Swami Karma Karuna for a series of Summer Yoga Buffets…

ONLINE OPTION ALSO AVAILABLE
The Yoga Buffet at Anahata Yoga Retreat offers a diverse range of workshops designed to enrich your yoga practice and personal growth journey. Each session includes a blend of theory, yoga, breathwork, and meditation tailored to an inspiring theme, along with tea, fruit, and evening rituals. Join into a healing fire ceremony, heart opening kirtan, and an optional sauna experience. This holistic approach provides an opportunity to explore different aspects of yoga, fostering nourishment, focus, emotional harmony, deep rest, and renewed energy.
Themes

January 17th: Nourish & Focus: A New Year Renewal
January 31st: Chakras: Unlock Your Inner Power
February 21st: Emotional Harmony & Bhakti Bliss
March 7th: Yoga Nidra: Deep Rest & Renewal
March 21st: Pranayama & Mudras: Energize with Breath

Chakras: Unlock Your Inner Power
Workshop Description: Explore how chakras relate to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, relationships, and life path in a workshop that delves into the psychology and traditional symbolism of chakras, featuring Hatha Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation to enhance your connection to your energy centers, gain self-knowledge, achieve balance, and feel empowered.
The Schedule

Full Yoga Buffet 2:30-7pm $40
Theory, Yoga, Breathwork and Meditation Class related to the theme
Includes Tea, Fruit and Evening Rituals
Yoga Workshop Only 2:30-4:30pm $25
Theory, Yoga, Breathwork and Meditation Class related to the theme
Online Yoga Workshop 2:30-4:30pm $20
Theory, Yoga, Breathwork and Meditation Class related to the theme
Evening Rituals Only 5-7pm $20
Healing Fire Ceremony, Kirtan
BONUS: Optional Sauna – If staying for a sauna, bring water bottle and a snack with you.
BOOK HERE
Please arrive 15 mins early as practices start on time.

Teacher

Swami Karma Karuna Saraswati is an engaging, intuitive yoga and meditation teacher, inspirational speaker, writer and IAYT certified Yoga Therapist with 30 years of experience in the yoga field including significant training in Nepal and India and ongoing training in the ashram with her teachers.
She is also certified by Yoga Alliance and is a senior teacher of Yoga Australia/New Zealand. A Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communications with a minor in Psychology determined an early interest in working with groups and individuals. Swami Karma Karuna specialises in a range or areas such as Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga, Prana, Chakras, Yoga Psychology and Women’s Health. She is also a co-founder and director of Anahata Yoga Retreat, New Zealand and travels throughout the world, leading workshops, training yoga teachers, presenting at international events, guiding spiritual sadhana retreats and offering therapeutic one to one yoga sessions.
Swami Karma Karuna is passionate about sharing an authentic and down to earth approach, weaving together the ancient practices with a touch of psychology and brain science aimed at motivating people to live their yoga here and now.

Private Sessions

Lovefest 2026 - Golden Bay with Swami Karma Karuna
2026-02-13 - 2026-02-15
Swami Karma Karuna will be presenting at Lovefest Golden Bay held at the Tui Events Park in Wainui Bay.
Lovefest is returning this coming summer, a celebration of connection to nature, music, and magic in the magnificent heart of Golden Bay. Our vibrant festival comes alive in the soul-nourishing calm of the Tui Events Park, surrounded by the Abel Tasman National Park, near an amazing beach for swimming.
Lovefest is about Love for self, community, and planet earth. A multigenerational clear heart-centered village where— children, teens, elders, and everyone in between. A place where dance, music, creativity, healing, and connection come alive.

At Lovefest you are immersed in a mix of live music around the fire and on stage, holistic, relational and embodiment workshops, DJs & Conscious Dance, cultural performances and a whole lot of fun, magic, and surprises.
For more info on the festival & to book tickets click here
More info on Swami Karma Karuna’s offering to come soon! Hope to see you there.

Embracing Menopause GB 3.0 ... from pause to power
2026-03-01 10:00 - 16:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
Join Inna Alex, Rita Scholten & Swami Karma Karuna for this workshop.
Discover new ways to relate to and navigate this chapter of your womanhood. Empower your unique journey with deepening your understanding of what is moving within you at this time through this interactive, educational and nourishing day workshop.
For women from peri-menopause into and through menopause, around the ages of 35-60… anyone is welcome!
The Schedule
10.00 Arrive & Welcome
10.15 – 11.15 Session 1a* – Yogic support for the menopausal years – with Karma Karuna
11.15 – 11.30 Short Break
11.30 – 12.45 Session 1b* – Yoga practice to support menopause – with Karma Karuna
12.45 – 1.45 Lunch
1.45 – 3.15 Session 2* – Menopause and how to be in your cocoon before the new butterfly self emerges – with Rita Scholten
3.15-3.30 Short Break
3.30-4.00 Closing Circle
Session Details
Sessions 1a & 1b: Yoga for supporting menopause
The morning sessions will cover theory and practice.
Session 1a focusses on the nervous system and menopause, the importance of sleep and nervous system regulation to support the menopause transition. Includes time for questions and answers to meet your unique needs.
In session 1b, we will practice a series of practical yoga movements, breathing, mindfulness and self care techniques to manage a variety of menopause symptoms that may arise during this life change such as digestive issues, joint stiffness, headaches, changes to the skin, emotions, weight gain and insulin resistance and more. No previous yoga experience required.
Swami Karma Karuna Saraswati is an experienced yoga and meditation teacher, inspirational speaker, writer and IAYT-certified Yoga Therapist with over 30 years of experience. She also holds a certificate in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy and specializes in stress management, restorative practices, yoga psychology and women’s health. Her approach blends traditional practices with psychological insights and brain science.
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Session 2: Menopause and how to be in your cocoon before the new butterfly self emerges: These are the pre and menopausal years where a reversal is happening from the teenage years. Again wings are spreading yet this time through a longer period as many life stages are purified, brought to the mirror and the sword. After many years a whole new human being has emerged. This is an interactive exploration guided by Rita Scholten.
Teacher

Swami Karma Karuna Saraswati is an engaging, intuitive yoga and meditation teacher, inspirational speaker, writer and IAYT certified Yoga Therapist with 30 years of experience in the yoga field including significant training in Nepal and India and ongoing training in the ashram with her teachers.
She is also certified by Yoga Alliance and is a senior teacher of Yoga Australia/New Zealand. A Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communications with a minor in Psychology determined an early interest in working with groups and individuals. Swami Karma Karuna specialises in a range or areas such as Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga, Prana, Chakras, Yoga Psychology and Women’s Health. She is also a co-founder and director of Anahata Yoga Retreat, New Zealand and travels throughout the world, leading workshops, training yoga teachers, presenting at international events, guiding spiritual sadhana retreats and offering therapeutic one to one yoga sessions.
Swami Karma Karuna is passionate about sharing an authentic and down to earth approach, weaving together the ancient practices with a touch of psychology and brain science aimed at motivating people to live their yoga here and now.

Private Sessions

100 hour - Yoga Nidra Training
2026-04-03 15:00 - 2026-04-12 10:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
Join Swami Karma Karuna for this Yoga Nidra Training held at Anahata Yoga Retreat.
Swami Karma Karuna will be supported by Simon Lee and Lucy Elizabeth for this 100-hour residential training. This 10 day residential training offers a comprehensive exploration of Yoga Nidra, the science of conscious relaxation and expanded awareness.
Rooted in the ancient yogic tradition and supported by modern neuroscience, Yoga Nidra guides the body into deep rest while maintaining a state of relaxed alertness. Research shows that regular practice helps balance the nervous system, regulate hormones, improve sleep and support emotional healing.
During this immersion, we’ll explore the theory, guided practice and teaching methodology of Yoga Nidra, integrating both classical wisdom and modern scientific understanding.
Furthermore, there is a 6 week online component to be completed after the commencement of the 10 day in person immersion.
Additional Information

Investment
Shared Accommodation: NZD $2,980
Camping / Van: NZD $2,580
Accommodation is limited (8 shared indoor spots available and 4-10 camping or van spots available). Both options include meals, training materials and full participation in the course + online components, assessments and accreditation.
Free courtesy pick up will be available from Takaka to Anahata Yoga Retreat.
There is one partial scholarship available for this training, please email education@anahata-retreat.org.nz for further information and find out about the application process.
If you’re feeling called to join this course, please read through and complete all details in our booking form here
Teacher

Swami Karma Karuna Saraswati is an engaging, intuitive yoga and meditation teacher, inspirational speaker, writer and IAYT certified Yoga Therapist with 30 years of experience in the yoga field including significant training in Nepal and India and ongoing training in the ashram with her teachers.
She is also certified by Yoga Alliance and is a senior teacher of Yoga Australia/New Zealand. A Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communications with a minor in Psychology determined an early interest in working with groups and individuals. Swami Karma Karuna specialises in a range or areas such as Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga, Prana, Chakras, Yoga Psychology and Women’s Health. She is also a co-founder and director of Anahata Yoga Retreat, New Zealand and travels throughout the world, leading workshops, training yoga teachers, presenting at international events, guiding spiritual sadhana retreats and offering therapeutic one to one yoga sessions.
Swami Karma Karuna is passionate about sharing an authentic and down to earth approach, weaving together the ancient practices with a touch of psychology and brain science aimed at motivating people to live their yoga here and now.

Private Sessions

European Tour 2026
2026-08-01 00:00 - 2026-10-31 23:59 (Pacific/Auckland)
Swami Karma Karuna returns to Europe this NZ Winter for another European Summer Tour.
Details are still being finalised but we can confirm events so far in Norway, Spain, Poland, Germany & Greece.
We will announce more event details here as soon as they become available. Alternatively, you can sign up to our Newsletter here and be sure to hear about this and other Anahata news, straight into your mailbox. For more info about our Connecting to your Inner Light: A Journey through Chakra, Mantra & Prana – NORWAY 2026

Connecting to your Inner Light: A Journey through Chakra, Mantra & Prana - NORWAY 2026
2026-08-01 16:30 - 2026-08-08 14:30 (Europe/Oslo)
Join Swami Karma Karuna at the stunning Dharma Mountain Retreat in Norway
Embark on a transformative journey that integrates the profound practices of Mantra and Bhakti Yoga with the exploration of chakras and prana. This retreat offers a unique opportunity to delve into the science and art of mantra, harmoniously woven with Hatha Yoga and Pranayama. Experience the power of mantra as a channel to uplift and direct emotions through the heart-opening practices of Bhakti Yoga.
Nestled amidst breathtaking trees, mountains, and rivers, Dharma Mountain provides the perfect backdrop for your personal transformation, only two hours from Oslo. Join us for a journey of self-discovery, healing, and spiritual growth in a beautiful natural setting. There are many beautiful places to sit in the gardens, by the pond, in the trees or enjoy a sauna.
The Retreat
Engage in a variety of meditative practices, including sitting, writing, and walking meditations and times of silence to deepen the connection to your inner light. The retreat will provide both theoretical insights, the science of the breath and mantra as well as practical lifestyle applications to support your journey.
“Why Mantras? The body is nothing but compressed energy, and this energy responds to vibrations. This energy is so subtle and sensitive that any thought, idea or emotion can alter its nature…..There are certain mantras which can vibrate the energies of the body at certain frequencies and ranges…to demagnetise the energies of the body, strengthen them and to awaken their creative qualities” – Swami Niranjanananda

Chakra
Immerse yourself in the study and practice of Asana, Pranayama, Mudras, Bandhas, and Meditation techniques. This retreat weaves together the theory and techniques to experience your Chakras and Prana, by exploring the nervous system, breath, vibration, energy flows, and lifestyle applications. It offers a unique opportunity to integrate ancient wisdom with modern understanding where you will discover new ways to channel your energy, elevate your consciousness, and connect with your true essence.
Whether you’re seeking personal growth, spiritual insight, inspiration for teaching or simply a moment of tranquility, this retreat provides the perfect environment for transformation. Join us in this sacred space to rejuvenate your spirit and embrace the light within.

Mudra
Delve into the world of Mudras, gestures that express particular states of consciousness and energy. Learn how to consciously use Mudras to influence mental and emotional states, enhance health and wellbeing, and awaken, balance, and redirect Prana.

Prana Practices
The key to the ‘knowledge of prana’ is it’s applications into daily life, learning to use our energy consciously, conserve and build it. Explore the science behind the breath, the importance of the relaxation response and its connection to our physical, mental and energetic experiences.
Experience the transformative practice of Prana Nidra to enhance the flow of energy within your body. Learn techniques to conserve and direct Prana, promoting healthy organs, an optimal endocrine system, balanced weight, and mental and emotional clarity. Daily classes will include Pranayama practices to support your wellbeing.

Yantra Practices
Geometrical forms influence the mind working beyond the intellect. Yantras can be used in meditations, sometimes together with the focus on Mantra, Prana and/or Chakra to connect and harmonize the whole body.

Mantra Practices
Discover the profound effects of sound vibration on the body and mind. Explore how ancient rishis and yogis used specific vibrations to influence their physical and energetic states. Engage in Nada Yoga, the Yoga of Sound and Bhakti Yoga practices, like kirtan, to support management of emotions and mind, open the heartland the flows of Prana within.
“Kirtan is not religious chanting, nor is it just singing one word many times. It is part of Nada Yoga, the yoga of sound in which you produce sound waves and follow them with your awareness.” – Swami Satyananda

The retreat includes:

Hatha Yoga with Chakra and Mantra Integration: Explore the depths of your practice with guided sessions that harmonize body, mind, and spirit.
Meditative Practices: Engage in Mantra, Yantra, Chakra, and Prana meditations to awaken and balance your inner energies.
Bhakti Yoga: Delve into the heart of devotion with insights into Bhakti yoga, Kirtan and Nada Yoga practices.
Creative Meditations: Experience walking meditation, silence, and other creative practices to cultivate presence and mindfulness.
Community and Connection: Gather with like-minded individuals, sharing experiences and building lasting connections.
Practical Tools for Daily Life: Learn practical techniques to integrate mantra practice into pranayama and everyday living.
Restorative Yoga: Rest and Nurture Your body and mind through yoga

Additional Information
Food
Food is vegetarian with some egg and dairy, it is possible to cater for vegans and allergies. Three meals a day is included in the price and Dharma Mountain can cater for intolerances and allergies, just let us know what your needs are when signing up.

Accomodation
Accommodation is in shared cabins with two or three bedrooms and in some of the cabins there is an open loft that can be an extra bedroom. Each cabin has a small kitchen area and one bathroom with a shower.
You can also choose more privacy and contact with nature by sleeping in a tent or campervan. You can bring your own tent and sleeping gear or choose Dharma Mountains glamping tent with some furniture and a bed.
Price depends on type of accommodation chosen.
Early Bird available until 30th August 2025 & further discount available from those traveling from outside of Norway.

Teacher
Main teacher for the retreat is Swami Karma Karuna Saraswati. She is an engaging, intuitive yoga and meditation teacher, inspirational speaker, writer and IAYT certified Yoga Therapist with 30 years of experience. She has been trained in the Bihar Yoga traditional system and visits India to spend time with her spiritual guides yearly.
Swami Karma Karuna is a co-founder and director of Anahata Yoga Retreat, New Zealand, a Residential yoga retreat offering and integral yogic lifestyle.
She also travels throughout the world leading workshops, training yoga teachers, presenting at international events, guiding spiritual sadhana retreats and offering one to one yoga and lifestyle sessions. Private Sessions Assistant Teacher:
Silje Sridharana Indreeide runs Anahata Yoga and is the assistant teacher for the retreat. Since her teens she has been passionate about how to find inner peace. Yoga and meditation met that need and she has been practicing since she first went to India as a 20-year old. She has studied 1 year at Yogalærerskolen i Norge, 6 years apprenticeship with Yggdrasil Yogaskole and has her teacher training from Bihar School of Yoga, the Rikhia Ashram. Silje also studied medicine for 1 1/2 years. Silje has 20 years experience teaching yoga and meditation, the last 12 full time. Silje makes the podcast: Anahata -kortreist yoga
