Life & Death full circle
Thursday 3 September & Saturday 5 September
6 pm - 8.30 pm, Thursday, 3 September
1 pm - 3.30 pm, Saturday, 5 September
The Life Centre, 86 Jervois Road, Herne Bay
$45 pp.
A Public Talk with Swami Yogakanti Saraswati
A conversation that invites us to live more fully by understanding one of life's greatest transitions
Death is one of the few experiences that touches every human life, yet it is often the conversation we avoid.
Whether we are caring for ageing parents, supporting someone through illness, navigating grief, contemplating our own mortality, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of life, these universal experiences invite us to pause and reflect on what truly matters.
Join internationally respected senior Yoga teacher and initiated swami, Swami Yogakanti Saraswati, for two special public gatherings exploring the timeless yogic understanding of life, death and conscious transition.
Drawing on more than four decades of dedicated spiritual practice within the Bihar Yoga tradition, and inspired by her recently published book Life and Death – Full Circle, Swami Yogakanti offers a compassionate and deeply practical perspective that brings wisdom, acceptance and hope to one of life's most profound subjects.
Rather than focusing on death alone, these sessions explore how understanding the natural cycle of life can help us live with greater presence, kindness, purpose and inner peace.
These events are open to everyone.
Whether you have a long-standing yoga practice or none at all, you are warmly invited.
They may be especially meaningful for:
Yoga and meditation practitioners
Healthcare professionals
Hospice and palliative care workers
Death doulas
Chaplains and spiritual care practitioners
Counsellors and therapists
Family members supporting loved ones
Anyone navigating grief or significant life change
Anyone curious about the deeper questions of life
No previous experience of yoga or meditation is required.
What to Expect
Each gathering offers a gentle balance of discussion, guided meditation, reflection and practical yogic wisdom in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Together we will explore themes such as:
Living with greater awareness and purpose
The yogic understanding of life, death and transition
Supporting ourselves and others through times of change, illness and loss
Working with fear, attachment, forgiveness and acceptance
Cultivating inner peace through meditation and self-reflection
Practical ways to prepare the mind and heart for life's natural transitions
Compassionate conversations around caring for those approaching the end of life
The sessions are interactive, allowing space for questions, shared reflections and discussion within a respectful and supportive atmosphere.
about Swami Yogakanti Saraswati
Swami Yogakanti Saraswati has devoted over forty years to the study, practice and teaching of yoga. Initiated into Poorna Sannyasa by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in 1980, she has lived and trained at the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger, India, since 1984.
She is widely respected for her warmth, humility and ability to communicate profound spiritual teachings with clarity, compassion and practicality.
Her latest publication, Life and Death – Full Circle, explores the journey of living and dying through the timeless wisdom of yoga, offering guidance that is both deeply spiritual and profoundly human.
Hari aum tat sat
Frequently asked questions
Teachers Training
What if I have already trained as a Yoga Teacher under a different style or emphasis?
No problem if you are prepared to bridge yourself into the Bihar Yoga methods & techniques and would like to deepen into more of the energetics of practice & lifestyle integration tools.
Joining a block of Pure Yoga courses either online or in person over a 6 - 12 mth period would prepare you for the training.
What if Im new to Yoga can I still do this training?
Yes, if you are sincere in your approach to learning Yoga & building towards personal practice integration then you can apply. Joining a Pure Yoga online or in person course over a period of 6 - 12 mths would be a good preparation.
What kind of background would I need to undertake this training?
Ideally you are familiar with the main methods and techniques of the Bihar Yoga Tradition. A classical yoga based system with an emphasis on cultivating a meditative awareness in practice and extending practice into sadhana & yogic lifestyle applications.
Joining a block of Pure Yoga courses either online or in person over a 6 - 12 mth period would prepare you for the training.
I've been practicing different styles of Yoga can I sign up for this training?
Yes, you can if you are able to bridge across to the Bihar Yoga methods & techniques for grounding into them. After completing 6 - 12 mths of courses & training with Pure Yoga you will be well prepared to join us.
General
Are the classes suitable for Beginners?
Yes, Pure Yoga offers local and online beginner yoga courses for those new to Yoga. Courses focus on building foundational skills in alignment and conscious breathing. Courses are designed for newcomers over a series of weeks which allows for individual attention and practices that build confidence, flexibility, mobility and strength. These courses will set you up to progress further into the Hatha system and to be able to continue at home if that is your goal. For entry level students the Restorative yoga and Yoga Nidra courses are the best fit.
What is included in the Yoga Classes?
Each class is holistic in nature including physical postures (Asana), guided breathing (Pranayama) & Meditation components. Pure Yoga is passionate about supporting people to integrate Yoga into daily life so shares tips and resources to help you build sustainable tools.
Does Pure Yoga offer Teachers Training?
Yes, Pure Yoga has been training teachers for the last 10 years in the classical based Hatha, Raja, Mantra, Bhakti Yoga systems, mentoring students and is currently the Program Advisor for Kawai Purapura Yoga School (RYS), 200 Hr & 500 Hr Programs.
Do you run Yoga classes outside of Auckland?
Yes, Pure Yoga travels to locations around NZ bringing speciality workshops, masterclasses & yogic lifestyle events to communities, Yoga studios & corporate settings.
Events & Retreats
What is involved in a one day workshop?
Pure Yoga offers a range of speciality workshops that provide the time and space for going deeper into different practice elements. Bihar Yoga is a very broad and comprehensive approach which seeks to integrate all aspects of our personality. A range of educational resources are provided and most days include plant based catered lunch and chai.
Some workshops are in collaboration with other Yoga Teachers with specialty areas of expertise like Sanskrit, mantra chanting or Ayurveda making these a premium experience for those who join us.
What is the length of the workshops, retreats and trainings?
The length of the workshops varies but most are either a day or half day long, usually 9 - 5 pm in various locations that are handpicked for their ambience, simplicity and connection with nature. You can also customise your own length in a collaboration with Pure Yoga.
The retreats tend to run from 3 - 5 days structured as a complete reset and get away time to focus on yourself and let go of tension and blockages. These are run at various locations in and around Auckland but sometimes the Bay of Plenty, Sth Island and places that offer sanctuary and peace.
The Yoga training for Teachers & steady practitioners is configured differently each year. Sometimes as weekend immersions or as a residential immersion. In 2025 this training will run over 7 months and includes 13 immersion days.
How will I know if I am suited to the workshop?
One of the unique aspects of Bihar Yoga is that it is highly adaptable and designed for every level of practitioner. In practical yoga sessions modifications and alternatives are provided. Pragyadhara will respond directly to your registration asking a few basic health and injury questions so options can be prepared in advance.
Mantra & Hatha Classes
What is involved in the Mantra & Hatha class?
The Early Bird Mantra & Hatha class is a unique fusion vibration, classical Hatha which works with the energy system. It is designed to awaken subtle energy and deepen your personal practice. Starting with mantra chanting, the class creates a potent vibrational field that clears mental clutter, uplifts your mood and mindset, and brings a sense of equilibrium for the day. This is followed by classical Hatha Yoga practices that work with its original intentions of this system for balancing ida and pingala nadis and awakening sushumna.
Who would this class appeal to?
For experienced practitioners and yoga teachers, this class offers a refreshing return to the traditional roots of Yoga. A space to refine inner focus, build energetic awareness, and reconnect with the intentions of the classical systems. It's especially valuable for those looking to integrate mantra, pranayama and subtle practices into their daily sadhana. Whether you're expanding your teaching toolkit or seeking to enrich your own inner work, this class provides a grounded, authentic, and enriching way to start your day.
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