Following a transformative ten-day visit from Nayaswami Shanti from Ananda Palo Alto in US, and her team, Kavita shares her reflections on the deep relaxation, community spirit, and spiritual momentum found during our recent retreats in Hamilton and Taupo.
We’ve just had the most wonderful ten days with Nayaswami Shanti and her team — Lakshmi, Kamaladevi, and Urmila. Endless conversations, so much laughter, fun outings: ocean and lake swims, nature walks, picnics. And woven through all of it were two retreats — a day retreat in Hamilton and a three‑day retreat in Taupo.
Living the Teachings of Dwapara Yuga
Both retreats were thoughtfully planned, centred around what it means to live well in Dwapara Yuga, the age of energy. What does it mean to be a disciple? Why is Kriya Yoga so right for this time? The concepts were subtle — attunement, devotion, intuition — yet more and more people are ready for this message as we move deeper into this new age.
Shanti has a beautiful way of involving everyone in meaningful service. She quickly recognised how capable the Ananda NZ team is and entrusted us with presenting talks, leading the sadhana, and offering music — of which there was plenty throughout the days.
Moments of Devotion
At one point, Shanti planned to play a recording of God, God, God, Master’s poem set to music by Swami Kriyananda. Then she realised our very own Shellee was willing and able to sing it. Julian filmed it on his phone. “It’s a bit shaky at the end,” he said, “but I was only just holding it together.” And the truth is, so were many of us.
An especially tender moment for me was when Kamaladevi asked my daughter, Veda, to co‑lead a dance during the evening concert. As a mother, it was deeply moving to see her serving and participating in this way. She’s a graceful dancer, and it was beautiful to watch her find, perhaps, a little niche for herself in Master’s mission.
Dawn at Lake Taupo
Our 6:30 a.m. Energisation Exercises with Julian were a delight. Under a sky still bright with stars, a sliver of the moon hung like a precious jewel over the lake. Julian led us with such ease and humour that there were smiles on every face, even if the morning air was still a little chilly.
We were also delighted to have friends from Australia join us. When someone asked for tips on building a spiritual community, I had a sudden realisation: Ananda New Zealand is no longer in its infancy. We have built something truly beautiful, and it is a joy to share our journey with those just beginning their own.
The Joy of Community
Even our free time was filled with “Hints of Joy.” A group of devotees visited Huka Falls, where the spectacular views were topped off by a fellow devotee generously buying ice cream for everyone.
For the first time at one of these retreats, I felt a sense of deep relaxation. When I shared this with Julian, he was thrilled — it confirmed for him that the many ways our NZ devotees were serving were working. We truly felt like a family moving toward a common goal: serving the mission of our Masters.
None of this would have been captured so beautifully without Bernie. He worked tirelessly behind the camera, recording talks, music, and taking photos. It is remarkable how he manages to listen so deeply while remaining so focused on his craft.
Thank you, friends, for making this retreat such a success — with your dynamic participation, your thoughtful service, and your presence.
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This article first appeared in our fortnightly newsletter, Hints of Joy. To receive more reflections like this, along with upcoming event details and spiritual inspiration directly in your inbox, subscribe to Hints of Joy here
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Enjoy every single day