Welcome!
The Sri Chinmoy Centre of Christchurch offers a variety of sports and cultural activities, learn to meditate programmes and concerts. It offers a uniquely modern and holistic approach to self-development, introducing meditation and a dynamic lifestyle into our contemporary world.
Meditation Workshops & Inspirational Events
Next Meditation Evening Course
Option 5: Four Sessions – Tuesday 20, Thursday 23, Tuesday 28 February, 1 March from 6:00pm to 7.30pm
Next Meditation Weekend Workshop
Option 6: Two Sessions – Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February from 10.30am to 1.30pm
Upcoming Presentations
You are the Universe
A multimedia presentation exploring the last 25 years of scientific advances in understanding the evolution of the Universe and the elements we are all composed of. This parallels what has intuitively been known throughout human history by mystics and spiritually enlightened people. How do we inspire ourselves and the adults and children we work with to comprehend the meaning of humanity’s link to all that is? Presented by Professor Philip Snow Gang, Ph.D., M.Ed, Consultant, educator of teachers, and former Montessori school head.
Friday 27 January, 6.00pmM to 7.30pm
Poetry of Illumination
Throughout history the poet-seers have attempted to express the infinite through language. This workshop discusses how meditation can bring us closer to that point of expression within us, and also how spiritual poetry can open doors to our own inner worlds.
Friday 9 March, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Past Events
Nutrition and Vegetarianism: Monday 16 January from 6:00pm to 8.00pm
Are you interested in a healthier diet but don't know where to start? Are you a stranger to your kitchen because of time constraints, lack of energy, or feeling intimidated? Are you interested in learning about a vegetarian lifestyle including raw foods and easy preparation tips? Eating can also be considered a practice in which we seek universal balance. Taught by The Lotus-Heart vegetarian restaurant chefs. Tuition is free. Vegetarian meal cost is $12.00.
Spiritual Films
Challenging Impossibility: Friday 20 January from 6:30pm to 7.00pm
What role can inner peace play in life? Can it help us combat age, fatigue and depression?
Peace advocate and spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy believed it could. In fact, he had so much faith in the power of inner peace that he dedicated his life to inspiring others that a truly peaceful world starts by each one of us developing peace within.
Sri Chinmoy defied all notions of age being a barrier to physical development. At the age of 76 he set personal bests in a number of lifts, not measured in the tens or hundreds of pounds, but in the thousands.
Challenging Impossibility illustrates that one should never give up, that we can write and rewrite our history through inspired enthusiasm and a faith in our inmost capacities.
This 28-minute short film features bodybuilding and strength legends Bill Pearl, Frank Zane, Hugo Girard, Mike Katz and Dan Lurie as well as nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis and also features appearances by Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Sting and Susan Sarandon.
2011 | 28 min | Short Documentary | First aired at 2011 Tribeca Film Festival, New York
Directed by: Sanjay Rawal and Natabara Rollosson | www.challengingimpossibility.com
Concert: Music and Mantra
Enjoy the soul-stirring melodies of composer and spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy, performed by his students. From the pure sounds of Bengal and English plainchant to dynamic musical arrangements, the evening will offer a diverse selection of music and mantra, inundating listeners with a heightened sense of inner tranquility and well-being.
Thursday 19 January, 7.30 to 9.00pm
Chinese Calligraphy Workshop
Join us for a fun and interactive meditation exercise using the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy. Many believe this art to benefit the body, mind and soul. As a form of meditation it is thought to promote concentration, relaxation and longevity. Learn the first simple steps to calligraphy and enjoy the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. All art materials supplied.
Saturday 21 Jan, 10.30AM to 12.00 noon
Bhajans
A bhajan is a devotional song. Great importance is attributed to the singing of bhajans in Bhakti Yoga (loving devotion), the act by which we feel closer to our true self. The bhajans performed in this evening’s concert are composed by Sri Chinmoy and performed by his students. Enjoy a musical and visual feast with candle lighting and Indian decorations. Includes audience participation and light refreshments.
Sunday 22 January, 5.00pM to 6.00pm
Admission is free to all events but registration is required. Please phone 377-1327.
Venue: The Lotus-Heart and Sri Chinmoy Centre at 363 St Asaph Street (between Fitzgerald and Barbadoes)
About Meditation Workshops
Meditation is a life-skill that will open you to the greater possibilities of life. Any aspect of your day-to-day activities will be enhanced by regular meditation - even if it is just for a few minutes each day. We are very happy to offer a winter series of meditation workshops that will introduce you to a range of techniques and skills such as clearing the mind, simple breathing exercises, the value of mantra and music, creative visualisation and step-by-step guidelines to establishing your meditation practise at home.