MISSION STATEMENT

To inspire the development of the whole being by providing a supportive environment for yoga education and a high quality yogic experience. See our full mission statement

LIFE AT ANAHATA

Anahata Yoga Retreat, New Zealand is situated in the midst of native beech forest with spectacular ocean views bordering the Abel Tasman National Park. It is a residential eco-­yoga retreat using alternative power, composting toilets, eco buildings and nutritious organic vegetarian meals.

Anahata Yoga Retreat is a supportive, inspiring and dynamic environment that welcomes everyone regardless of age, background and level of yoga experience. We live, share and teach the yogic principles.

Our integral approach provides inspiration to enrich your life as well as valuable skills to bring into your day­to­day activities. It is draws from the traditional branches of yoga such as Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti & Mantra Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga and Yoga Nidra. The benefits can be experienced on a mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual level. All guests are invited to participate in the variety of activities.

Find out about the different levels of immersion and training for individuals and groups on Retreat Options and about our daily schedule and other activity options

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.

Our tradition draws on many paths of yoga, such as Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga. For information on 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 30 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 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, 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/Teachers
• 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, which is traditionally a place dedicated to personal transformation through regularity of yogic practice and self­enquiry with the support of a community of aspirants.

The rhythmic environment helps an individual to find more clarity and peace as well as form healthy habits and bring yoga into daily life. An ashram provides the foundation for self growth and development of inner potential.

The resident community practices acceptance, compassion and equanimity in the different activities in life, through the yogic principles of karma yoga ­ meditation in action and Seva ­ selfless service. All visitors are welcome to join in these practices.

KARMA YOGA

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.

Karma Yoga is beneficial for everyone, and as we recognize differing levels of need, there are different Karma Yoga hours depending on your stay. 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 8:30pm-8.30am 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, symbolising 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.