Sacred Earth — 132 Lone Kauri Road, New Zealand

A yoga and meditation retreat on Auckland's wild west coast, in Karekare

Sacred Earth sits at 132 Lone Kauri Road in Karekare, West Auckland, a place the Waitakere Ranges set apart from the city. Its own pages describe spectacular coastal views, rock pools and waterfalls, wild rainforest trails and black-sand beaches, all reachable on foot from eco-friendly houses overlooking the ocean. The stated aim is for the natural world to open people to what the centre calls the hidden beauty of their inner being. The land holds two anchors. One is Savitri Temple, a meditation temple suited to yoga, where regular programmes of yoga, meditation, chanting and spiritual discourse take place. The other is Te Pou Rerenga Wairua, a sacred pillar crafted from ancient wood at Sacred Earth by Matua Louis Kereopa. It was made to honour the links between the land, the elements and the wairua that join the natural and spiritual worlds, and the centre says it speaks to its purpose: restoring the living connection between heaven and earth, spirit and nature. The teaching leans on the Himalayan yoga tradition. The community says it takes inspiration from the Rishi communities of the Himalayan Vedantic tradition, who lived in step with the tides of nature. Its values are given in both te reo Maori and Sanskrit pairings: Aroha/Prema for love, Pono/Satya for truth, Mahi Tika/Dharma for right action, Whakamarietanga/Ahimsa for non-violence, Rangimarie/Shanti for peace. The weekly rhythm is practical. The schedule has listed Kriya Yoga classes under the title Prioritise Your Evolution, which open with pranayama and move through asana, kriya and a short meditation. It has also listed a chakra series, evening yoga and meditation, kirtan, a pranayama and devotional song circle, and Budo self-defence classes. Newer offerings include The Call of the Heart, a workshop series in the Himalayan Yoga Tradition, and Light in the Forest, a one or two day workshop on the healing plants of Aotearoa's forests. Pilgrimages to Arunachala, Kailash and Shivaling are also offered under India Sacred Journey. People can also live here. A residential community has grown around yoga, meditation and environmental awareness, with residential places and volunteer roles opening up from time to time. Reiki, bodywork and massage are available by treatment.

Traditions: Himalayan Yoga Tradition, Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, Kirtan, Reiki

Programs: Prioritise Your Evolution - Weekly Kriya Yoga Class, Chakras - Centres of Consciousness, The Call of the Heart, Light in the Forest, India Sacred Journey, Yoga + Meditation, Kirtan, Budo Self Defence