Yoga Conference Timetable

Caitlin is the founder and director of Prema Yoga, currently teaching classes, workshops & retreats. Caitlin attended her first Yoga class in Australia at the age of 19 and found the benefits astounding. She studied the path of Raja Yoga with Swami Durgananda of Samata Yoga, receiving initiation & her teachers training. She continued study with the Sufi Order International of Hazrat Inayat Khan and at Wellpark College of Natural Therapies, gaining Dip.Yoga. She has a deep love of all aspects of Yoga and life, continuing to study with great teachers and schools of Yoga. She presents these very deep and amazing teachings in a simple and practical manner. Prema Yoga, Prema meaning love and Yoga meaning union invites all to experience the Unity of Love. In her presence you will sweat, glow and bliss out!

Caitlin will present Prema Yoga a dynamic flowing class of asana, pranayama, relaxation and meditation.

 

 Daniel Batten is a senior teacher of the Art of Living course, a course based on the powerful Sudarshan Kriya breathing practice. This yogic technique has been found through independent research to significantly reduce stress hormones, combat depression, reduce anxiety and increase factors associated with well-being, increased mental clarity and even leadership capability.

This was certainly Daniel’s experience. In the year after he began the regular practice, he co-founded the hi-tech company Biomatters,which today exports into 65 nations worldwide. He has gone on to become a highly respected corporate trainer and also somewhat of a TV personality who you may recognize from quirky dancing lead role in a certain Instant Kiwi ad. Daniel says “There is nothing unique about me. I had no training in business, no qualification to be CEO of a company, no confidence to train senior executives in corporations, and certainly no business dancing ! It was 100% down to the energy, confidence and ability to manage my own negative emotions that I gained through doing a simple breathing practice. He is a dynamic workshop facilitator who does all Art of Living teaching on a voluntary basis as part of a personal commitment to make seva a way of life.

John Ogilvie, founder and director of Byron Yoga Centre, has been teaching yoga for over twenty-five years and developed the Byron Yoga Centre teacher training courses. He encourages a light heartedness in our approach to yoga and to ourselves. John teaches regular classes as part of the Byron Yoga Centre’s studio weekly timetable. His classes are both challenging and dynamic, and integrate the different yoga styles of Iyengar and Ashtanga, as well as the softer Sivananda and Satyananda practices of yoga and the energy principles of Aikido.

Martina has practised yoga for over 15 years and has been teaching for more than 10 years. Her first experience of yoga was in 1991 at Stress Less Yoga Centre, where she attended for four years and completed a one-year Yoga Teacher Training Programme. Since 2001 Martina has been teaching at the Yoga Academy, where she completed apprenticeships in Hatha Yoga in 2002 and Ashtanga Yoga in 2004. In October 2008 she became an Experienced Yoga Alliance 500hours Registered Teacher (E500 T500).

She travels regularly to India where she studies in Mysore at the K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI). In February 2009, KPJAYI authorised her to teach the primary series as set out by the Institute and in June/July 2010 she completed their Level 1 Teacher Training. Martina came to yoga from a heritage in gymnastics and is a Naturopath specialising in massage therapy, she finds this background enhances her work as a yoga teacher.

Dr Pooja Maddella is the Assistant Head of Faculty for Yoga at Wellpark College of Natural Therapies. She is recipient of “Tutor of the year 2010 NZ” (NZAPEP) for Excellence in teaching and facilitating Yoga Philosophy, Practice and therapy in tertiary education, “Yogini Award” and “National Women Excellence Award 2009” for her contribution in the field of Yoga and Yoga therapy. Her expertise in sculpting the mind and the body through the traditional practice of Yoga has transformed numerous students in their personal journey, academic and professional development. She graduated in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS) from NTR University of Health Sciences, post graduate Diploma in Yoga & Naturopathy from Gujarat Ayurved University, and also holds a Diploma in Physiotherapy from India. Her research profile includes she is involved as supervisor for student research Projects in Gujarat Ayurved university. Pooja also works for Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and other community health education projects which are well received and much appreciated by both the ministries. Also Registered as E-RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance and sees her role as promoting Indian Traditional Art of Yoga and Naturopathy to the western world.

Vincent Bolletta has been teaching and practicing yoga for 17 years and has been involved with the health and fitness industry for the last 19 years. His area of interest lies in structural rehabilitation and integration using the methodology of Yoga asanas and Pranayama. Vincent’s initiation and training to Yoga was in England 1991 with mentor and friend Steve Sharp. Arriving back to New Zealand Vincent continued his studies with a two year teacher training course under Mike Byron-McKay and The New Zealand School of Yoga.

Vincent has been training with Gary Kraftsow and The American Viniyoga Institute. He regularly travels overseas to encompass different traditions and thoughts on Yoga. Vincent’s own practice is about bringing to life the multi dimensional properties of healing that a Yoga practice can offer.

Vincent is also the founder and director of Yogashala. A yoga studio that is dedicated to making yoga accessible to all. He runs private sessions and groups classes. Vincent is also an ambassador for Lululemon.

Integrated Yoga: Yoga practice can take many forms depending on the inclination, needs and personality of the practitioner. The aim is to cater for all learning styles and abilities so that the most effective approach can be developed. The class structure is based upon an “integrated practice” where Asana (postures) Pranayama (Breath work) Mantra (sound) and Meditation can be incorporated within a single session. The foundation of an integrated practice revolves around adaptation and observation.

Elandra Kirsten Meredith was an acclaimed film actress in London when she began studying yoga with Antion, the director of the first 3HO Kundalini Yoga Centre and Ashram in London. Encouraged by his example she abandoned her career in the entertainment field and committed herself to full time disciplined practice of group consciousness sadhana, study and practice for what was to be 17 years.

After an extraordinary miracle instant healing on her broken ankle (proven by X-rays) she was inspired to train in 33 healing modalities, created her own healing modality and program and was invited to travel the world teaching how miracle healing is possible. Her vast experience in the field includes over 40 years Yoga teaching as well as 25 years international professional experience in five healing Centres.

Antion, born in London, is a ‘60s rock star, sound healer, multicultural musician, world-class guitarist, singer, recording artist, Hawaiian chanter, master of sacred Sikh Kirtan, and international teacher of Naad Yoga, sacred voice and Vocal Empowerment. At the age of 16 he was a professional musician playing guitar with such totemic figures as Dusty Springfield and Rod Stewart; later he became lead guitarist with Eric Burdon and the Animals. In 1970 he began the study of Kundalini Yoga and Naad Yoga, the Yoga of Sacred Sound.  After mastering the ragas of Sikh Sacred Music (Gurbani Kirtan) in 1979 he became the first Westerner to be invited to sing in the Golden Temple, Amritsar, and the most sacred shrine of the Sikhs. In 1993 he and Elandra were called to Hawaii to live close to the ‘aina, the sacred land where they studied Hawaiian Chant and Healing.

“You both radiate so much love, joy & light – which is why so many people are drawn to be in your presence – the unspoken energy exchange is enough without the wonderful teachings you are sharing with us here in Aotearoa”.

Antion & Elandra Meredith have been married and teaching together internationally for four decades. They were directors of the San Diego California Kundalini Yoga Centre and Ashram from 1977 to 1991. After 21 years in California they transitioned to Hawaii for 16 years of immersion in healing shamanism incorporating ancient wisdom and the power of Aloha into their music and teachings. They are now based on the Hibiscus Coast, New Zealand.

Karla has practiced yoga since 1994 and completed a three-year teacher training apprenticeship at The Auckland Yoga Academy in 2002. She taught Hatha Yoga at The Yoga Academy from 2000-2008. In 2005, she completed a comprehensive advanced teacher training with Donna Farhi. Since then, she has assisted Donna on various intensives and Teacher Trainings in New Zealand and Australia.

In more recent years, as well as teaching weekly classes Karla has co-facilitated weekend retreats at Mana and  taught specialised workshops. Including annual Sunday afternoon restorative events as fundraisers for Tibetan children living in India.

In 2009 she travelled extensively through India, then Nepal where she taught Yoga and English in Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. Karla is inspired to share the practice of yoga in a simple and safe way to enhance everyday life.

Jane and Theo Oneness Trainers / Teachers for Oneness University India have been sharing Deeksha in New Zealand for the last 10 years. They are used as vehicles where they give transformative Blessings to Awaken individuals through the power of the Deeksha Phenomenon.

Exploring the art of Non Violent Communication – Ahimsa

Susie Spiller (Anantadevi) is an Ashram trained yoga teacher. Having completed all three levels,she then went on to study Satyananda yoga and is now  also an accredited Satyananda teacher.  She is also a trainer of Non Violent Communication. Also known as Compassionate Communication, which  teaches Ahimsa (Non Violence), the first yama, one of the ethical pricinciples of yoga.

She has studied with many trainers including Marshal Roseburg the founder of NVC and draws particularly from the work of Robert Gonzales. Looking deeply into the consciousness of NVC offering far more than a compassionate way of communicating, but a spiritual path that fosters a new way of being in the world. Anantadevi encourgaes evolving the essential nature with wisdom grace and humour .

“The power of Ahimsa is greater than the power of the intellect. It is easy to develop the intellect, but it is difficult to purify and develop the heart. The practice of Ahimsa develops the heart in a wonderful manner.” 

 The practice of Ahimsa will eventually culminate in the realization of unity and oneness of life, or Advaitic (non-dual) Consciousness. The Yogi then enjoys the highest peace, bliss and immortality”.

Swami Sivananda

Swami Muktidharmananda Saraswati is an inspiring speaker and teacher who has dedicated his life to yoga. He shares a deeply experiential and practical understanding of yoga, having begun his spiritual journey as a young man in his native Colombia, before spending 16 years in India living directly withYoga Master Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati. He lectures throughout the world and imparts more than 40 years of yoga practice. His main purpose is to inspire and uplift humanity.

Satyananda Yoga combines classical hatha, raja, karma, bhakti, jnana, mantra, kriya, kundalini and other branches of yoga based on the ancient philosophies of Samkhya, Vedanta and Sannyasa.

The yoga he teaches is a practical, scientific and balanced approach to the modern human being. Swami Muktidharma uses ancient yogic techniques, which foster an expansion of awareness and life improvement.

During his time in India, he received direct training in all aspects of yoga science (meditation, postures, breathing techniques, service to the villagers and most importantly creating a flexible mind.) He taught yoga throughout India, including stress management courses for Indians, conducted research into the affects of yoga on body and mind, built houses for the villagers and had many other mind expanding experiences.

From India to New Zealand: Swami Muktidharma left the ashram in 1996 and began travelling and teaching internationally. He has based himself in Golden Bay with his partner Swami Karma Karuna and their daughter Atma Sundari. They are cofounders of Anahata Yoga Retreatand are connected with a web of people internationally sharing a practical holistic approach to yoga.

A scientific approach: He approaches yoga from a scientific point of view to bring it into the 21st century in a valid way. Swami Muktidharma uses yoga techniques to treat asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, high blood pressure, diabetes and other psychosomatic diseases.

Spiritual Approach: He also teaches yoga to spiritual aspirants as a spiritual practice and for people to achieve deep relaxation.

Yoga & Children: Swami Muktidharma believes that if children are introduced to yoga at a young age, we will have a more balanced society.

There are few people around who have lived the life of a traditional yogi – living in Himalayan caves with advanced yogis and traveling with sadhus. Many of us have read stories about Himalayan masters or seen glimpses during visits to India, but most have never experienced it. It is a hard life and only serious yogis are accepted into this inner circle. Shantimurti has lived that life. He has spent extend periods with highly accomplished yogis and seen many wonders.In yoga, experience is everything and Shantimurti has lots of it. He has managed a number of ashrams over the last 35 years and seen many of the unusual situations that sometimes come with advanced yoga practice. He has trained many sannyasins, yoga teachers and students.

Shantimurti loves to share his wisdom whether it is about the finer aspects of chakras, asanas, pranayama, or stories about the people he has met; famous teachers like the Dalai Lama or Swami Muktananda or the many unknown but exceptional yogis that he has met along the way. He also has many interesting stories about his time with his guru – Paramahansa Satyananda of the Bihar School of Yoga, India – who initiated him into sannyasa in 1976.

Shantimurti is a leader among yogis and is passionate about sharing yoga with the world. He lives at the Ohui Retreat Centre in the Coromandel and travels teaching yoga in Auckland and internationally. He is registered with Yoga Alliance as an experienced yoga teacher (E-RYT 500).

Karin represents Yoga Aotearoa/ IYTA NZ. She has been a member of IYTA for nearly 25years, and has been teaching since 2001.

Besides yoga, she also teach tai chi and group fitness, specialising in working with the mature to senior age group.
She works at AUT University with the ‘never2old’ active ageing programme and teaches private classes at various North Shore locations as her own business Bays Yoga & Fitness.

 

Yoga continues to be Sannyasi Yogamani’s life’s path, after humble beginnings more than 30 years ago. After extensive training here in New Zealand her studies continued at the Satyananda Academy Australia, where she received a Diploma in Satyananda Yoga Training. Along the way she made regular pilgrimages to India, the home and heart of Satyananda Yoga. She feels honoured to be teaching and working alongside other teachers from around the world. The Manipura Yoga Centre has established a strong community in Auckland, thanks to the help and support of the other Centre’s in New Zealand. It is a place of blessing and sharing, a place to deepen one’s understanding of yoga, as a lifestyle, not only as a set of Asanas.

Dr  Sridhar Maddella is the head of faculty for Yoga and Medical Sciences at Wellpark College BNat and Yogic Science / Post Graduate Dip Naturopathy and Yoga / Dip of Physiotherapy

Initially educated in India, Sridhar has continued his passion for learning here in New Zealand and is a keen proponent of integration for health and well-being, utilising yoga for its holistic approach to healing. Sridhar also advocates mind-body medicine and identifies the mind as a central cause of imbalance and consequently the cause of disease.

Recent research has indicated that long-term yoga participants have significantly gained bone density, which can be attributed to the effects of muscles working against gravity.

“Yoga pits one group of muscles against another, exerting many times the force of gravity” experts have said. “That increases the stress on bones, and the bones react by thickening.”

Neal has been practicing Yoga for thirteen years and teaching since 2003. He sees Yoga as a map showing us the way to return home to a place of peace and a relaxed heart-centred openness in each moment. Neal’s teaching focuses on refining natural movement and alignment principles and learning to embody these principles in a way that takes our spiritual practice into our everyday lives.
He is a Senior Associate Teacher with world renown teacher Donna Farhi and has assisted Donna on her Advanced Teacher Training Program. Neal is also an experienced Holistic and Thai massage therapist (he regularly teaches bodywork workshops in New Zealand) and accomplished musician, living and teaching on Waiheke Island, New Zealand.
He brings to his classes an open heart and enjoys creating a warm and inviting space in which to learn, play and practice Yoga.

KYANZ was established in 2004 to share the information and teachings of Kriya Yoga in New Zealand. It is a charitable trust which offers regular meditations for Kriya Initiates and ongoing events including annual Initiation into Kriya Yoga and retreats with Kriya Yoga masters.

What is Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga is an ancient and powerful system of yogic meditation, practiced for many centuries under the guidance of trained teachers. Practically-speaking, it is a blend of pranayama (breath control), meditation and yoga stretches. Most people are familiar with Kriya Yoga through the well-known book ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Paramahamsa Yogananda.

In the middle of the 19th century an elusive and mysterious Master Mahavatar Babaji brought this technique to the world through the lineage of Masters Sri Lahiri Mahasaya, Swami Shriyukteswar, Swamy Sri Bhupendranath Sanyal, Paramahamsa Yogananda, Swami Sri Satyananda and Sri Paramahamsa Hariharananda. Today this lineage is continued by Sri Paramahamsa Prajnanananda (pictured).

Kriya Yoga approaches the study of the Self with a sense of reflection and introspection so that the spiritual traveller may understand the conditions of his / her mind, because the ever-changing mind is the biggest barrier to calmness and self-realization. Kriya Yoga is the ancient path of Soul-culture and spiritual life.

The significance of breath has been known to human civilizations by realized souls for thousands of years. In the teachings of Kriya Yoga we are taught how mind and breath are correlated: We are what our mind is and our mind is what our breath is. The life of the entire creation is breath, the life force of the entire creation is God Himself and breath integrates the body and soul.

Without proper breathing process, disintegration starts. The physical body starts diverging away from the soul, which is a form of death. Not only the breath, but also its quality or type, or the way each inhalation and exhalation is undertaken, is important to the evolutionary process of becoming a human being. Through breath control one can get calmness and inner peace.

In the authentic Kriya technique, one gradually regulates the breathing pattern. Meditation is the means of achieving the state of ceasing physical and mental activities completely. You can master breathing so that life will be regulated and balanced.

The word Yoga comes from the root yuj. It has 32 meanings in Sanskrit, but the most appropriate here is to unite. The union of the individual Self with the Cosmic Self, the child of God with God, the Father. Therefore, the body with the Soul is Yoga.
Kriya Yoga is a supreme science of Self-realisation and scientific technique of action with constant God-consciousness, which ultimately leads to realisation – going beyond the body, mind, intellect, thought, and even the world, to Soul-consciousness.
To perceive the Soul in every breath, in every moment, in every action, in everything and every being is Kriya Yoga. By the practice of Kriya Yoga meditation, one aspires to lead a life of divine consciousness, which ultimately brings love, purity and joy.

“Breath control is self-control. Breath mastery is self-mastery. Breathlessness is deathlessness”

Carolyne Taplin:   Carolyne, a born teacher and joyful dancer, began her dancing life at the age of age five.  Now a Nia Blue Belt instructor and 5 Stages Apprentice, she loves sharing the freedom within the form and the yin-yang balance of this incredible blend of creative wisdom, martial arts, precision and dance arts, expression and healing arts.

and Sally Cook:  Sally has a background in healing from many modalities including massage, counselling and life coaching.  She is a Nia Blue Belt Teacher and Apprentice Nia 5 Stages Teacher who is passionate about allowing others to follow their own path to self discovery and healing.  Finding and sharing the Joy of Nia has been a highlight of her life so far.

 

A True Love Story

What: Lovers Walk – a Poetic Journey in Eight Scenes

Where : Whare Kahikatea, Kawai Purapura, 14 Mills Ln, Albany, Auckland

When : 28th April, 10pm – part of Kawai Purapura International Yoga Conference and Festival

Who: Siri Embla and Gus Simonovic

 

April 2010, wandering around Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre with his camera, photographer and a poet Gus Simonovic met a dancer/actress Siri Embla and their personal and creative lives took a sharp turn.

From the start of their romantic endeavour, Gus and Siri have creatively mixed their on-stage and off-stage relationship by producing and performing intimate, miniature performance pieces. They called them “Walks”.

Gus’s poem would trigger choreography for a impromptu dance; or Siri’s dance would initiate words and sounds.  That led to an artistic experimentation and exploration of human relationships and especially – the most mysterious and beautiful one – LOVE.

Their “Lovers Walk” started here in Kawai Purapura, and in 2011 the resulting show – a fusion of music, poetry, video, theatre and dance – has taken them to perform at the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  Says Siri:  “Lovers Walk will brighten colours in your own love-kaleidoscope while telling you a story that you know as if was your own.”

Gus and Siri teamed up with top local and international musicians and visual artists involved with Printable Reality – an organisation committed to poetry and the spoken word – and went on creating what would become their contemporary multimedia performance – “Lovers Walk – a Poetic Journey in Eight Scenes”.

They amalgamated the range of feelings associated with the “L” word into a visually and meaningfully moving stage journey, starting from their own amorous interactions and looking closer into the universal experiences of pleasure, longing, attachment, seduction, loss, expectation, marriage, break-ups, belonging, romance, sex, togetherness, loneliness.

“Aroha, acquaintance, romance, affection, devotion, liaison – the show is about love in all its forms,” says Gus.

Now, 2 years after their serendipitous meeting, having toured in Europe, and fresh from the New Zeland Fringe Festival in Wellington – they are back walking through Albany bush again. As a part of Kawai Purapura International Yoga Conference and Festival they share the journey for one night only at Whare Kahikatea on 28th April.

Lovers Walk:  a short (yet infinite) odyssey, lived, written, created and choreographed by dancer Siri Embla and poet Gus Simonovic, with video material by visual artist Peter Brierley-Millman and music by Jo Blankenburg (piano), Dubtext’s Gareth Priceless (guitar, electronica) and Kotaro Nishishita (classical guitar).

For more info contact:  gus@printablereality.com

www.printablereality.com

www.loverswalkshow.wordpress.com

soundtrack: printablereality.bandcamp.com

Swami Durgananda is the Spiritual leader of Samata Yoga. She is a modern woman with an ancient job. She is a Guru who is also a mother, grandmother and now a widow. She is a business woman, whose business is yoga and devotion to God. She is in this world but not of it.
She spans and unites the past and present; the sublime and mundane; chela and friend.

In 1974, she relocated from Australia to India and she settled her young family down in New Delhi. There she met His Holiness Neelkanth Maharaj. As his student she began her instruction into Raj yoga that was to last over 15 years.

Eventually, she was initiated into the lineage of Samata Samashti Dharma. At her final initiation she was given the title of Swami Durgananda or as we know her Durga Swami. At this time she was asked to take the teachings to the West.

Her innate knowledge, the guidance of Maharaj and her destiny have given Swami a profound understanding of the universe and human condition. By nature a gifted healer, she is also qualified in a range of healing modalities and is a member of the World Natural Medicine Foundation.S he has suffered and survived many major illnesses and has used her knowledge of yoga alongside Western medicine as a means of healing herself and others.

Swami Durgananda has brought Smamta yoga to the west, primarily as a healing balancing yoga of mind and body.

Laurie Ross is an accomplished performer and teacher of the internationally recognized songs and Dances of Universal Peace (over 400 to choose from). She has been a creative spiritual dancer for over 25 years and co-ordinator of the West Auckland Peace Group in 1982-1985.  From 1989-1993 she was co-ordinator of the Environmental and Peace Centre in Auckland. She has always been drawn to the idea of ‘Peace through the  Arts.’

Workshop 1 What is Nia?

An introduction to some of the Principles of Nia, a lifestyle practice which enables you to have a deeper connection to and awareness of your body.  A full Nia class is included.  No previous movement, athletic or dance experience necessary.

Workshop 2    Nia and the Nine Movement Forms

Feel the essence of the nine different movement forms which make up the core of Nia.  Experiment with 3 Dance Arts: Jazz, Duncan and Modern,  3 Martial Arts: Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do and Aikido, and 3 Healing Arts: Yoga, the work of Moshe Feldenkrais and the Alexander Technique.  A full Nia class is included.  No previous movement, athletic or dance experience necessary.

“I continue to be astounded by our body’s ability to self-heal with just five minutes of this daly practice.  I will do it forever.”  -Debbie Rosas

Workshop 3    Freedance the Nia Way

Do you find yourself always moving the same ways  when you dance?  Find the freedom within to really dance freely.  Move out of tendencies and movement patterns and into new and exciting ways of moving your physical body.  A full Nia class is included.  No previous movement, athletic or dance experience necessary.

“I continue to be astounded by our body’s ability to self-heal with just five minutes of this daly practice.  I will do it forever.”  -Debbie Rosas

Workshop 4    Nia 5 Stages Workshop and class

Deepen your awareness of your physical body as you explore your body’s way of moving through the 5 Stages of human development: Embryonic, Creeping, Crawling, Standing, Walking.   We will then focus on a particular part of the body, learn more about its form and function before we focus on moving that body part through the 5 Stages.

“I continue to be astounded by our body’s ability to self-heal with just five minutes of this daly practice.  I will do it forever.”  -Debbie Rosas

Siobhan Harvey - poetry - Siobhan’s works include the poetry collection, Lost Relatives and book of literary criticism, Words Chosen Carefully: New Zealand Writers in Discussion.

 

 

 

 

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Michael Botur – poetry - Michael has been published in Landfall, Poetry New Zealand, JAAM, Takahe, Bravado, Catalyst, Prima Storia, Weaponizer, Deep South and other intellectual publications. While his favourite is fiction, he will be performing poetry at the Yoga Festival.

 

 

 

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Rosetta Allan (poetry)

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Robert Edwards (poetry)

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Jeremy Roberts (poetry)

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Callum Gentlemen – poetry – Callum Gentleman plays with words, plays with his voice, plays gigs, promotes gigs, goes to gigs, loves gigs.

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Siri and Hannah - The White Wall ensemble –  reflecting on the environment – creating kinetic sculptures, naturally incorporating the vibrant yogic atmosphere.

Rani Hassan – (Bengali music and song)

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Sarah Premratna Spence – spiritual music and chanting - Premratna shares sacred songs and chants in the medium of voice and guitar/harmonium. Songs are in the style of ‘inspirational folk’, with sanskrit melted into some to uplift on a different level. With a pure soaring soprano voice, this music is another good reason to pause in the midst of busy life.

 

 

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Emma Skellern – (music and singing)

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Ron and Saray Riddell (poetry and music – English and Spanish)

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Michelle Dicinoski – poetry – Michelle’s poetry and creative non-fiction have appeared in journals, newspapers and anthologies including The Best Australian Poems, The Australian Literary Review, andMeanjin. Michelle has a PhD in creative writing and was awarded an Australia Council grant to fund a new work of creative non-fiction. She will be reading from Electricity for Beginners.

 

 

 

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Gus Simonovic - poetry - Gus is suspected to be in Auckland, writing and performing his poetry in broken but delightful English. He is a driving force behind the “Printable Reality” project, which is committed to raising the profile of performance poetry and supporting spoken word artists.

 

 

 

 

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Jerry Beale (poetry)

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Siri and Hannah - The White Wall ensemble –  reflecting on the environment – creating kinetic sculptures, naturally incorporating the vibrant yogic atmosphere.

Laurie Ross has been a teacher of the sacred songs and circle ‘Dances of Universal Peace’ since 1993. This internationally recognised repertoire of dances provide people with a simple way to affirm universal spirituality in the community and throughout the world. This can be a meditative practice or a celebration of peace through the joyful connection of circle dancing in gratitude for all the blessings of this life and of the Earth.Dances of Univesal PeaceJoin our dances of the heart… Experience the joy of singing and dancing simple melodies and steps. Uplifting and joyful, meditative and deep, the Dances use sacred chants and simple movements from many spiritual traditions.

Sasha and Natarani

Brought up in West Auckland, the pair have a strong affinity with the area, and were proud to be appointed Waitakere City Musical Ambassadors in 2001 by Mayor Bob Harvey. Since then they have been engaged by the Waitakere City Council for functions, events and library openings.

Natarani plays in the Waitakere City Orchestra (next performance 9 April at Glen Eden Playhouse), and Heartstrings gave their most recent of many performances in the area in the Lopdell House Concert Series on 27 March 2005. The pair were very well-received at their performance with the Auckland Philharmonia on 13 March at the new Villa Maria vineyard in 2005.

Sasha and Natarani also have a strong sense of heritage, and carrying on a musical tradition that has been handed down to them. “My most influential teacher was Emile Bibobie, who lived in Huia for many years,” says Sasha. “He was from Belgium, but was taught in England by the father of the famous guitarist John Williams. Emile’s portrait hangs in my studio. He died peacefully in 1994, and I sat with him for three hours just before he passed away, and played him every song he had taught me.”

Natarani was hugely inspired by the Russian cello school of Alexander Ivashkin, an outstanding international cellist and exponent aof Russian music.

Sasha graduated from University of Auckland, and Natarani got her Masters degree at Canterbury University, studying under acclaimed cellist, Alexander Ivashkin. Both then traveled and studied overseas, before meeting up in Titirangi, and marrying in 2002 on the beach at Huia.

“We are very fortunate to be able to make a living from music. Music is our life. Not the sex, drugs and rock’n’roll version, though. For us its love, healthy living, caring for the environment, and spreading the gift of music. We often bring all of these together when we play to help causes such as the anti-GE and peace movements,” says Sasha.

Natarani and Sasha are a husband and wife team who have become an accomplished professional musical duo called ‘Heartstrings’ over the last six years. They performed their first concert together at the Pumphouse, Takapuna in 1999 went on to establish the Heartstrings classical duo in 2001 and were married a year later.

Heartstrings perform for weddings, concerts, funerals, festivals and corporate functions. They also teach music in schools and personal tuition from their music studio in West Auckland.

Natarani and Sasha were appointed Waitakere ‘Cultural Ambassadors of Music’ by the Mayor Bob Harvey to recognise their dedicated contribution to enriching the cultural life of the people in Waitakere City.

Natarani holds a Master of Music Degree in cello and a Postgraduate Certificate from Trinity College London. She is a certified Suzuki teacher and has played in a wide range of musical groups and orchestras including Waitakere Orchestra.

Sasha completed his Diploma of Music at Auckland University and has studied with classical guitar masters in Venezuela and Canada. He has been performing as a solo artist for ten years. Sasha has also produced a C.D. of his original songs.

‘Heartstrings’ perform for weddings, concerts and corporate functions. They teach music in schools as well as personal tuition at their music studio in Titirangi.

Sika’s highly amusing stories help carry us into the world of vision and power. For this reason, Sika is passionate about sharing his music with children, to inspire them with a vision of hope for now and the future.

Sika’s highly amusing stories help carry us into the world of vision and power. For this reason, Sika is passionate about sharing his music with children, to inspire them with a vision of hope for now and the future.

Integrating all the elements of Yoga

In this workshop John will focus on the integration of inversions and back bending sequences. John encourages you to go to your potential, supporting and helping you to deepen your practice by expertly progressing through posture variations. Suitable for all levels, John always provides options so no student will be left out or unchallenged while encouraging you with knowledge and humour.

Yamas and Niyamas:

the first two limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and how to apply them to yoga and life

This workshop covers the five different Yamas and Niyamas of the Ashtanga Yoga system in practical ways that will help people cope more effectively with life’s daily challenges.

Havan – Fire Ceremony

Ancient Vedic fire ceremonies utilize the elements, offerings and sacred mantras in a ritual setting, thus combining earth, fire, water, air and ether to invoke and connect with nature and the cosmic energies. The Havan will be led by Swami Muktidharma (NZ Acharya)
Cultivate a relationship with the subtle aspects of your being and experience a yoga practice for harmonizing, purification and healing.

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Mande is the founder of City Yoga. Her remarkable teaching ability and creative approach to yoga, movement and health have made her one of the most sought after fitness consultants in New Zealand. Mande’s enthusiastic and positive approach to life and fitness is motivational.

Mande has spent more than 2 decades expanding the horizons of health and fitness for people of all ages and fitness levels. Her many yoga trips to India, Europe and the US have given her depth and understanding of yoga. Early in Mande’s career she gained an Iyengar Teaching Certification and since then has diversified into many of the Hatha yoga styles.

Mande maintains a very practical and hands-on teaching approach that can be easily incorporated into every day life. Her students come from all walks of life and are inspired by the passion and devotion that she brings to her classes. After 2 decades of creating fitness and health trends, Mande remains one of the industry’s brightest innovators.

Sufi Master and Mystic David Less has been teaching meditation and inner practice for 45 years. He is recognized globally as a teacher of harmonious living, health, meditation and personal transformation. He is a highly esteemed Senior Teacher in the Sufi Order International and was a close student of Pir Vilayat the founder of The Sufi Order International. David is the International Head of the Universal Worship which is an interfaith organization which was founded in Paris in 1920 by the great mystic, Hazrat Inayat Khan. Universal Worship is an avenue for the harmonious celebration of all of the faiths of humanity without cultural or religious bias. He has studied in depth, the worlds religions with many highly esteemed spiritual leaders and healers of the 20th century. David has practiced Sufism for all of his adult life and travels around the world sharing practices of sound, light and breath to uplift the spirit.
He is a founding member of the Abrahamic Reunion, a unique group of well-respected spiritual leaders in the Holy Land and beyond, acting as a living example of harmony among the world’s religions.He has taught meditation at the UN, Harvard, and The Parliament of World Religions.David loves to share with all seekers and especially loves to share with young adults.

Premratna (Sarah Spence) discovered yoga when living in Canada being introduced to the broad spectrum of yoga, firstly by attending asana classes. This has led to several periods living full-time at ashrams learning about yogic lifestyle in Canada and Australia. Here in Aotearoa, she teaches Satyananda Yoga (TM) at Manipura Yoga Centre and shares kirtan (joyful chanting) regularly. She teaches yoga in the tradition of Swami Sivananda Radha (little known in NZ) who was the first western woman initiated into the Sanyas order of renunciation. Premratna is a founding member of the kirtan band Shakti and offers a variety of workshops such as kirtan and nada yoga as well as Hidden Language Yoga and Sacred Dance.

Don’t miss Prem Prayojan’s vibrant, heart-warming, informative and transformative discourse.

Prem Prayojan (born 1969 U.K.) is a teacher specializing in the tradition of Bhakti Yoga – the yoga of devotion. With over twenty-five years experience, Prem Prayojan has translated and published several Sanskrit classics, such as Brahma Samhita, Gita Govinda and Ujjvala-nilamani, along with medieval and contemporary commentaries by his divine preceptors. He is currently Director of Education at the acclaimed Sri Gaura Narayana Sanskrit College, Vrndavan, India. Along with academic research, he stresses the importance of daily devotional practices, and also guides pilgrims on annual tours to the most important sites of historical, cultural and religious significance in the Himalayas and throughout the Indian subcontinent. Due to high demand, he has circled the planet 23 times on his intensive international seminar tours. When asked about the secret of his success, Prem Prayojan lays all credit at the feet of his illustrious teachers, the late Srila Gaura Govinda Swami and Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami, whose unconditional affection and diligent endeavours have crafted a unique gift for the benefit of the whole world.

Steve White’s yoga journey started in the late 70′s when everyone was illuminated by BKS Iyengar’s amazing oracle book “Light on Yoga”. In the late 90’s he embraced K Pattabhi Jois’s Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and finally found his path when a friend invited him to join a Shiva Rea Yoga Flow Retreat in Greece in 2005. He is a Registered 200 hr Yoga Alliance Teacher but has gone on to complete over 550 hours of Teacher Training mainly in Ubud, Los Angeles, Santorini, Fiji and Costa Rica. He is continually amazed at how much he doesn’t know. His honoured personal gurus are Mark Whitwell, Shiva Rea, Daniel Aaron, Edward Clark, Simon Borg-Olivier, Kathy Budig and Emil Wendel… his deities are Ganesha, Shiva and Lakshmi. Steve discovered the Yoga Sanctuary in 2009 and liked it so much that he bought into it in 2010.  He describes his style as “moving meditation with breath and a smile” or more seriously as Krishnamacharya Prana Vinyasa (Flow) but he honours all styles and all teachers of Yoga.

Enhance your kinesthetic, or felt experience of spinal awareness and alignment. Learn simple and effective techniques to self reference clear and safe alignment based on breath, gravity, organs and bones. Learn how to cultivate effortless effort and self renewal in practice. We will focus on a few key postures, tadasana (mountain pose) adho mukha svanasana (downward facing dog pose), virabhadrasana (warrior 1 and 2 pose) and marichyasana (sitting lateral twist, or sage pose)

This class may be useful for beginners through to experienced students, and students of all traditions.

Restorative yoga practice is a retreat into breath, ease and rest. A powerful and simple yoga practice to nourish and calm the nervous system, enhance breathing , circulation and digestion. The practice of restorative yoga is an effective antidote to high levels of stress and fratigue. Both Karla and Neal specialize in restorative yoga and are excited to share some of the essential postures in depth.

Arvinderfee will be teaching how organic yoga can be when it is moved into dance. During this hour we will be exploring a sequence of poses that connect us to our inner energy. Creating repeating patterns of movement we will explore dance moves, celebrating our strengths and finishing with a nurturing relaxation and meditation.

The spiritual name given to Fiona Blankley (Fee) in 2008 through Kundalini Yoga is Arvinder, which means ‘the lotus flower and represents a flower that has its roots deep in the mud but blosoms in the most beautiful way’ it is through teaching yoga, meditation and dance that Arvinderfee continues to fulfil this purpose.

Emigrated to New Zealand Arvinderfee is a practiced yogi of many years, trained in Kundalini Yoga with Har Hari Kaur through the Amrit Nam Sarovar School accreditation through (IKYTA) International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association and Shakti Dance teacher training undertaken in Italy by the founder Sara Avtar Olivier.

Her passion for movement and yoga has brought about a union that she loves to share. She is the first teacher to bring Shakti Dance to the Southern Hemisphere.

Fascial Fitness and Yoga

This workshop will focus on a body-mindful approach to the new fascial research that has important implications for our elasticity in a yoga practice as well as for core strength and injury recovery. This class will be of immense value for practitioners of yoga, pilates, fitness, tai ji and other approaches to embodied wellness. This new structural body-mindfulness will also help you to integrate your movement art into the postures and movements of your daily life.

You will learn and explore the anatomy of yoga – new fascial research & what this means for dedicated practitioners of yoga. You will learn how to develop elasticity, resilience and injury recovery skills in relation to yoga and exercise and the important effect of gravity and our postures & movement on the connective tissue system.

Based in New Zealand, Sol is an internationally recognized teacher and presen-ter of body-mind education, Structural Integration and Tai Ji who combines a body-mindful, individualized approach to working with yoga and other arts of movement awareness. Sol began his embodiment practice with yoga in 1971 and has been teaching tai ji, a moving yoga for over 30 years. Sol is a co-founder of Mana Retreat in NZ, a Structural Integration trainer, Movement Coach, Psychotherapist and an eternal student of the dynamic body. Over the last 35 years Sol has developed his unique perspectives and approach to posture, body conditioning, rehabilitation and powerful movement. He leads yoga and tai ji retreats in Europe and New Zealand with Carrie Tuke from UK.

A workshop introducing psycho-therapeutic skills for yoga teachers, & anyone interested in their own embodiment.

The body is our tool for greater awareness and understanding. It contains all the wisdom we need in our development as full human beings. This wisdom is often hidden in the “unconscious” and not available to our “ordinary” state of mind.

Mindfulness, a heightened state of awareness where one observes responses that are most often automatic, is used to develop further awareness and insight. This approach explores the interface of the meditative attitude, therapy and yoga.

The content of this workshop is largely inspired by the work of Ron Kurtz and the Hakomi method and augmented by Sol’s 25 years of experience in somatic therapies. This class will introduce principles and basic techniques that anyone who works with the body will find invaluable.

Sol Petersen has a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education and Psychology. He is a graduate of the Hakomi Experiential Psychology Training and practices Body Psychotherapy, Structural Integration, Watsu and Craniosacral therapy. One of Sol’s greatest passions is the development of a truly integrative body therapy. He lives in Coromandel, New Zealand and teaches internationally.

Mind-Body Integration  (Saturday 11:15-12:45pm in Prema)

“Yoga is not only about stretching the body; it is about flexibility of the mind.”

 Yoga is often understood as being synonymous with physical exercise, but this is only one aspect. The aim of an integral approach is to develop and balance all aspects of one’s being – body, mind, emotions and psyche – leading the practitioner towards a more harmonious state of being.   Experience a meditation technique integrating the male (Shiva or consciousness) and female (Shakti or energy) aspects of body and mind.

Satyananda Yoga is an internationally renowned system of yoga developed by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, a modern yoga master. Widely regarded as ‘integral’ yoga, Satyananda Yoga encompasses all the major branches of yoga, including hatha, karma, bhakti, jnana and raja yogas.

Mantra – the Healing Power of Sound Vibration  (Saturday 2-3:30pm Prema)

“Mantras are vibrations that do not have a literal meaning or association. Rather they are sounds produced from vibrations with particular frequencies that activate a part of the brain, the energy, the chakras and the consciousness.” – Swami Niranjanananda

If you shoot a dense cloud, the vibration of this sound travels as waves altering the molecular structure of the cloud, producing rain. In the same way, mantras are specific sounds, found by ancient researchers that are able to alter, modify or increase the energy field of the body, mind and psyche. Experience techniques for healing, relaxation and integration of the human experience.

Yoga Nidra – Psychic Sleep  (Sunday 11:15-12:45 in Shanti)

The mind is the most perfect super computer and it has an inbox where it stores all the information received through the senses. It is constantly overloaded with all kinds of impressions from over stimulation of modern day lifestyle. SATYANANDA YOGA NIDRA™ is a guided deep relaxation. It is a simple but powerful technique that has a profound and deeply relaxing effect on the human system and has been scientifically proven to be a preventative and curative tool to counteract psychosomatic diseases. If practiced regularly, it serves as a means for exploring the deep mind and unlocking our spiritual potential.

Tattwas – Yoga and the 5 elements  (Sunday 2-3:30pm in Prema)

Explore the yogic view of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether). Tantra states that the macrocosmos is inherent in the microcosmos and so the human being is also composed of those five elements. The elements have a direct effect on our body structure and influence our personality, mind and emotions.  As the predominance and balance of the elements change, their mirror is seen in the body, mind and total health.  Cultivate a relationship with the subtle aspects of your being and experience a yoga practice to balance, purify and harmonize the elements.

Karin is giving a short talk followed by an interactive program based on posture and balance and body awareness. Her style of yoga and tai chi is quite gentle, and it is best suited for mature adults ( although any other age group is also fine). Quite a few of her clients have also health issues like arthritis, osteoporosis etc.

Yoga therapeutic lifestyle management

Research shows that Yoga is having significant role in improving quality of life

Learn the foundational therapeutic principles of yoga and their application in daily life to improve the quality of life. (Includes simple practical yogic skills to manage daily health issues)

Learn just how easy it is to integrate yoga techniques and physical postures (asanas) into your life to combat ageing, injury and degenerative conditions such as arthritis.

You’ll also learn:
· Why yoga can offer a unified and holistic approach to bone and body health
· The critical relationship between muscles, connective tissue and bone health
· Recognise the connection and conflict between spine health and spinal flexibility
· How to compare and contrast the appropriate techniques and poses useful in bone health

Daniel and Nonita will lead an interactive session where people get the chance to experience firsthand the tendencies of the mind, and then experience the power of two different breathing processes, their effect on the mind, and their ability to create that rare, yet sought after combination, of “relaxed alertness”. He will walk people through what people can do after leaving the session for themselves to maintain that state, so it is not only a one-off experience, but becomes a part of life.

Cindy has been teaching Naam Yoga Therapies, Perfect Balance classes and workshops as well as practicing Harmonium and Reflexology in New York City, where she has been living since 1998. She returned to New Zealand in 2011 to share these wonderful practices in the South Pacific. Among the many modalities she draws from are Naam Yoga Therapies Levels I, II and III, Naam Yoga Pre-Natal, Kundalini Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Klein Technique, Reflexology, the Harmonyum Healing System, Universal Kabbalah & Contemporary Dance.  Cindy is committed to helping students create a space for spirit, allowing the inner and higher voice to be heard and honored so that life may flow with ease and grace.

Nilamani has spent over 12 years studying and teaching yoga disciplines including Hatha Yoga and is a certified Naam Yoga teacher. She is dedicated to the sharing of this yoga and the wisdom of its founder Dr. Joseph Michael Levry (also known by his spiritual name Gurunam). Gurunam touched Nilamani’s heart when they met in London 16 years ago and his unwavering love, divine wisdom and support to all remains the foundation of her practice, which has brought joy, love, light and wellness into her life. She is devoted to sharing this practice with anyone seeking to walk the path of abundant health, personal wellbeing and who wish to uplift their contribution to the wellbeing of others.

Naam Yoga is a new mind body fitness practice that is changing lives.

Naam Yoga works with the power of the word. It is a complete science and yogic practice that works with sound, movement and breath to restore the flow of vital energy throughout the entire body. It is an invaluable self-healing technology that balances the brain, the glandular, digestive and nervous systems. Allowing people to experience vibrant health and well being. Naam Yoga soothes your mind, body and soul – it is an unprecedented fusion of the practice of yoga with the wisdom and light of Universal Kabbalah, harmonizing one with the universe and the wisdom of this age. It helps you realize your full potential and reach your aspirations in life.

We will be focusing on the Surya Namaskras (Sun Salutations) of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga,
and the different ways they can be experienced.
The presentation will include practice in all different methods of this practice, discussion of their differences and benefits and include a detailed handout to take home.
This presentation is suitable for all levels from those new to Yoga or Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga to teachers.

Meditation Q&A

Where is the bliss? What is the goal? Is mind over matter for real? How do I start? How much should I do? What should I meditate on? How will it help me? Is it dangerous?

Meditation is an essential part of yoga. The benefits of meditation range from improved health and relaxation through to the attainment of higher states of consciousness. Meditation practices can be extremely simple and easy, or abstract and difficult. An experienced teacher can help you find the practice that suits you best.

Shantimurti has been practicing and teaching meditation for 40 years. Bring any questions you may have.

Hatha Yoga and the Awakening of Kundalini

Kundalini is described as a sleeping, dormant potential force in the human organism. It is one of the components of the subtle body, which consists of nadis (energy channels), chakras (psychic centres), prana (subtle energy), and bindu (drops of essence).

Through meditation and practices like Hatha Yoga, the kundalini is awakened and can rise up through the central channel that rises up the spine. The progress of kundalini through the different chakras leads to different levels of awakening and mystical experience, until the kundalini finally reaches the top of the head, sahasrara chakra, producing an extremely profound mystical experience that is said to be indescribable.

Shantimurti has been teaching and practicing Hatha Yoga and doing kundalini practices since the early 1970s. He has a tremendous amount of experience in this field.

Nonita is an Art of Living facilitator. She has been with the organisation for the past 10 years and is passionate about spreading smiles while eliminating stress. Working in a legal environment, taking care of a family and committing to volunteering activity can be challenging, but she attributes her enthusiasm and energy to the breathing practice (Sudarshan Kriya) she does daily.

She has a commitment to serving the community and has been involved with the Refugee and Migrant Settlement Services to help rehabilitate refugee families into the New Zealand culture. She has raised funds for the Blood Foundation through Shave for a cure.

Nonita has been doing yoga for a number of years and decided to offer classes in the community as she believes, “The time has now come when people want to move from meditation to meditation and what better way than yoga”. She has been leading a weekly yoga session at New Lynn Community Centre for over a year with great success.

Deeksha is a neurobiological process that deepens and enlivens ones own spiritual path. Many have shared their experiences of profound revelations and insights where the oneness of everything is experienced as a living thing. There is nothing to analyze or understand. It is not a puzzle to be solved. It is a mystery to be experienced – to be believed. Deeksha is a very Ancient, Sacred Divine Energy that has the power to Awaken You into the fabric of your existence.

Oneness is a force in consciousness that transcends all religions, all cultures, class based and national barriers, thus unifying people in the experience of one divinity, one humanity, one suffering, one love and one consciousness. We have a destiny to create – a state of consciousness that is Oneness with All That Is… “Sri Amma Bhagavan”

At the conference Jane and Theo will give a brief intro, do a Kundalini Yoga meditation followed by the Oneness Meditation / Eye Deeksha.

The Kriya Yoga Association of New Zealand will be presenting a talk on ‘Kriya Yoga Initiation & the path to immortality’. They will explain what Kriya Yoga is and show a film by the current head of the Kriya Yoga Institute, Paramahamsa Prajnanananda.

Living Love Kundalini Yoga: Experiencing the Sacred Union Within

Living Love Kundalini Yoga (LLKY) classes with Antion and Elandra are unique in the world of yoga in that they use live music to enhance what is already a highly healing and empowering yoga experience. The power of asana in conjunction with pranayama, chant and live sacred song inspires the awakening of the Kundalini (Divine Feminine) within. Each class is a priceless experience, inviting a joyous and fun inner exploration of super-consciousness and super-health within the pineal, chakras, organs and meridians. The sublime sound of Antion’s live music, Sanskrit-based chant and Hawaiian songs of love, healing and blessing supports participants to manifest their own direct connection to Source. Their 40 year marriage, teaching experience and commitment to the Divine within themselves and each other brings to their classes a Living Love as expressed by one student: “You both radiate so much love, joy & light – which is why so many people are drawn to be in your presence – the unspoken energy exchange is enough without the wonderful teachings you are sharing with us here in Aotearoa.”

Naad Yoga, the Yoga of Sound: Spiritual Empowerment through Sacred Voice

Naad Yoga Sacred voice enables you to experience the power of chanting Naam, the Sacred Names of the Divine. We will learn how to make this practice a part of our everyday lives and use it to supercharge our health and consciousness. Antion’s 40 year teaching, powerful musicianship, multicultural sound mastery, voice coaching, sound healing and practice of Sacred Voice has given him a unique perspective to help those who wish to heal and evolve by nurturing and developing Sacred Voice within.
4. For Dances of Universal Peace for both the slot under the willow and the slot in the glade/plains please replace Natarani and Sasha with Anna Parker, Premanand and ally.

Schirin Diba is a Mystical Dancer. Since she was a little girl, she found not only creative expression in dance, it evolved into a deeply satisfying spiritual practice. She has studied various traditional and ethnic dance forms- mainly Ballet and Belly Dance- as well as Yoga, Tantric and Shamanic practices.Schirin finds joy and purpose in sharing the beauty and benefits of dance with her global community.

Narayan lives the life of a true Troubadour. His passion for music has inspired him to travel through India, Central Asia and the Middle East for almost two decades now. His musical interests span from traditional, cultural to devotional expressions such as Sufi music and poetry. Narayan has a deep connection with string instruments such as the Oud and Jira. He stays true to the authenticity of the songs by singing in their original languages such as Persian, Turkish, Hebrew and Hindi. Narayan regularly performs solo and in collaboration with other musicians.

Sufi Music and Dance performance with Schirin and Narayan

Mystical Belly Dance workshop with Schirin Diba

Join us for an experience of creative expression, awakened senses and activated Kundalini. Dance is a tantric art form, ready to be unleashed. Together, we explore sacred shapes as well as the subtle energies arising with the dance. Beautiful music and fun are guaranteed!

Shakti

Shakti are a vibrant and talented group of female musicians who sing sacred mantras of the Divine Mother from all spiritual traditions and earth cultures. Their music connects the listener deeply with feminine qualities inherent within themselves (regardless of gender) and is both uplifting and joyous.

Sambodhi Prem & Sandipa

A soft contemplative concert – a quiet space of presence for people to reflect.
The music of Sambodhi Prem & Sandipa transports you to deeper parts of yourself through the beauty of music.
Music can deepen the experience of yoga for those on the path of asana. In our experience music can support an opening of the energy pathways and a deepening of the understanding of the inner aspect of yoga, one’s subjectivity.

What people say:

‘Sambodhi and Sandipa are a wonderful couple who play stunning soul music from the heart.
For me they sound like a sacred version of Simon and Garfunkel. If you haven’t heard them play before be prepared to go on a journey. You’ll experience a free flowing sound meditation that will leave you feeling deeply energised ready to fly.’

To hear their music go to their website:

sacredconcerts.com

Robyn Sutherland

Robyn has been working in the music industry in New Zealand since 1980 & has played solo & with well known performers like Rick Bryant, Karen Hunter, the Paua Fritters & Midge Marsden as both bassist & singer.
She has been a bass player and singer on the covers band circuit in her home town of Dunedin for over 15 years playing in rock/pop groups and in duos. Bump and Grind featuring Mark Blandford and Matt Hall and Alien Antics also featuring Matt Hall, were the last bands in Dunedin Robyn played with before moving to Auckland. Mark Blandford and Matt Hall now play with The Elevators in Christchurch where they have a residency 6 nights a week at Mickey Finn’s Irish Pub in Hereford St. If you are in Christchurch and appreciate well played rock music with good harmonies and scorching guitar you should check them out!
She has played at corporate functions, weddings & funerals, on TV, national tours – performed at pubs, clubs, theme dinners, restaurants & garden parties. She’s also played festivals like Sweetwaters, Mountain Rock & WOMAD & at various food & wine festivals.

Multi-Dimensional guitar player, smooth soulful vocalist, writer of unique songs.
Dylan Wade is a performing musician with many years of musical experience up his sleeve. His guitar playing and style is so diverse and skilled that it can fit into many musical genres, and his own compositions do exactly that. Combining catchy rhythmic percussive feels with insightful uplifting lyrics, from subtle intricate sweet finger picking instrumentals to roots powered funky grooves, it will take you on a musical journey. Infusing new age soul into blues, reggae, folk, funk, jazz, with a stream of consciousness ever-fresh vocal delivery that is truly inspired and comes from Aotearoa-New Zealand.
Dylan has performed and toured extensively both around N.Z and overseas, playing in many different venues in the U.S.A, Holland, Japan, Finland, Australia and of course N.Z., and in festivals such as High Sierra festival (U.S.A), Oregon country Fair (U.S.A), Prana music festival (N.Z.).