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Breaking the Cycle of Taha Tinana (Physical Cravings) - Day 11
Breaking the Cycle of Taha Tinana (Physical Cravings)
In te ao Māori (the Māori worldview), humans are seen as beings of both taha tinana (the physical realm) and taha wairua (the spiritual realm). A balance between these aspects is essential for well-being. When we focus solely on satisfying … View moreBreaking the Cycle of Taha Tinana (Physical Cravings)
In te ao Māori (the Māori worldview), humans are seen as beings of both taha tinana (the physical realm) and taha wairua (the spiritual realm). A balance between these aspects is essential for well-being. When we focus solely on satisfying our physical cravings—kai (food), moe (rest), hiahia (desires), and mataku (fear)—we risk losing our connection to wairuatanga (spirituality) and mauri (life force).
The Story of Tūmaro and the Sacred Rākau (Tree)
Once, a man named Tūmaro roamed the vast ngahere (forest) in search of a better life. He was tired, hungry, and filled with uncertainty about his future. As the sun blazed above him, he cried out to the atua (gods), seeking their guidance.
Hearing his plea, Tāne Mahuta, the atua of the forests, sent him a gift: a rākau manaaki (sacred tree) with the power to grant wishes. Exhausted, Tūmaro lay beneath the tree, and his first wish was for moe (rest). The tree immediately granted his desire, providing a cool shade, soft moss, and a gentle breeze that lulled him into a deep sleep.
When he awoke, his puku (stomach) growled with hunger. Without thinking, he wished for kai, and the tree responded with an abundance of delicious hākari (feast). He devoured it greedily, thanking no one for the gift.
Feeling satisfied, his mind wandered to hiahia (desire). Tūmaro wished for a companion to bring him pleasure and ease his loneliness. The tree granted this wish too, and soon he became absorbed in his desires, forgetting his original prayer to the atua.
As the day turned to night, Tūmaro became aware of the darkening ngahere and the distant calls of kēhua (spirits). Fear crept into his mind, and he thought, “What if a wild beast comes to attack me?” As soon as the thought arose, the sacred tree granted it—a kurī ngaro (ferocious beast) appeared and devoured him.
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The Lesson of Tūmaro
The kaumātua (elders) who shared this story taught that Tūmaro’s downfall was not caused by the rākau manaaki but by his own lack of balance. By giving in entirely to taha tinana (physical cravings) without nurturing his taha wairua (spiritual self), he created a cycle that led to his destruction.
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Values Reflected in the Story
1. Whanaungatanga (Connection): Tūmaro failed to acknowledge the atua and his connection to the world around him. Gratitude and mindfulness strengthen our relationships with others and with te taiao (the environment).
2. Wairuatanga (Spirituality): The story reminds us that taha wairua must be nurtured alongside taha tinana. Practices such as karakia (prayers) and aroha ki te Atua (love for the gods) maintain spiritual balance.
3. Manaakitanga (Respect and Care): Instead of respecting the sacred gift of the tree, Tūmaro became consumed by his personal desires, neglecting the importance of moderation and care.
4. Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship): The sacred tree symbolises the resources of Papatūānuku (Earth Mother), which must be used responsibly, with gratitude and care.
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Moral of the Story
The story of Tūmaro teaches us that balance is the key to a fulfilling life. Pursuing the needs of taha tinana without acknowledging taha wairua leads to imbalance and harm. To thrive, we must practice gratitude, moderation, and mindfulness. As values remind us, nurturing our spiritual connection ensures harmony within ourselves, our whānau, and the wider world.
In Tūmaro’s story, the sacred rākau served not only as a gift but also as a reminder of the power of our intentions and the need to honor both physical and spiritual well-being.
Product recalls - November 2024
Here are some items that have been recalled during October/November. Click on the blue title to learn more details about the recalled product.
Food recalls:
Equal brand European Dark Chocolate
Mrs Rogers spices - Butter Chicken, Curry Powder and Garam Masala
Bin Inn brand Ground Fennel
… View moreHere are some items that have been recalled during October/November. Click on the blue title to learn more details about the recalled product.
Food recalls:
Equal brand European Dark Chocolate
Mrs Rogers spices - Butter Chicken, Curry Powder and Garam Masala
Bin Inn brand Ground Fennel
Classic Taste Fennel Powder
Jongga Kimchi
Pure Delish Grain-ola
Homemade Baker Muffin Batter Banana Choc-Chip
Hellers Shaved Roast Chicken
My Food Bag middle eastern spice blend and All The Flavour dukkah
Gilmours Jalapeno flavour corn chips
Product recalls:
Goldair panel heaters
Boost Lab skin cleanser
Canyon E-bike batteries
Panasonic power supply adapter
Kids blanket hoodies
SCA lithium battery
Noxen Kids hooded towel
Kids rubber duckies
Justyling/YesBobbleheads custom Neon sign
Brompton T Line bike
We hope this update was helpful to you and your whānau.
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Meditation Introductory
A four-part progressive course introducing the essentials of meditation and a wide canvas of differing methods to get you underway. The accent is on guided practice, with several progressive meditations each evening.
Guest teacher Jogyata spent many years under the guidance of the late Indian … View moreA four-part progressive course introducing the essentials of meditation and a wide canvas of differing methods to get you underway. The accent is on guided practice, with several progressive meditations each evening.
Guest teacher Jogyata spent many years under the guidance of the late Indian spiritual master Sri Chinmoy, and brings a wealth of practical experience, personal stories and insights to share. His w/shops are known for their encouragement, inspiration and simplicity.
When: Consecutive Tues Nov 26; Dec 3, 10, 17;
7pm – 8:30pm
Where: 89 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden. Cnr of the Dominion Rd/Tawari Street.
Registration is encouraged to ensure seating space – simply text your name/contact details to Jogyata: 0221887432.
RE: Hosting a FREE inspirational talk by Harita Davies
Kia Ora
I would like to introduce you to Harita Davies, our national record holder in 3100-Mile race.
Harita is the only New Zealand woman to ever attempt and complete the world's longest certified running race, the 3100-Mile race (94km for 52 days and 28 pairs of running shoes!) The … View moreKia Ora
I would like to introduce you to Harita Davies, our national record holder in 3100-Mile race.
Harita is the only New Zealand woman to ever attempt and complete the world's longest certified running race, the 3100-Mile race (94km for 52 days and 28 pairs of running shoes!) The Self-Transcendence 3,100-Mile Race, described as “The Mount Everest of Ultramarathons” by the New York Times, requires competitors to maintain an average of 60 miles a day, amounting to over two marathons every day for 52 days!
Each year, contestants are drawn to the 3100-mile ultra for often inner reasons. Testing their physical and mental limits, with a curiosity about human potential itself. The race promises personal growth and self-discovery. Participants come from around the world to shatter their perceived limitations and discover a deeper sense of self. Only six women have ever completed the 3100-mile distance since its inception in 1997.
Please listen to Harita's many interviews with RNZ - www.rnz.co.nz...
Watch a trailer about the award-winning documentary covering the 3100 Mile Race -
www.youtube.com...
Accompanying her will be Preetidutta Thorpe, ultra marathon runner and a former Olympic-level contender in sailing who has just completed the Everest Marathon last year.
For Harita, meditation is the ultimate game changer in her running. This holistic approach cultivates peak performance and nurtures a deeper sense of well-being, She believes that caring for our own sense of peace is one of the most powerful contributions we can make to creating a better and more peaceful world.
Kindly get in touch if you would like to have Harita talk to your school/class about her experience and share a few simple practical meditation techniques to cope with stress, improve focus and cultivate resilience. The duration and depth of the subject matter can be tailored to suit.
Harita, now living in the US, and will be back in Auckland on Wednesday 12 February.
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss any possibilities for inspiring your school community to take the first step.
Warmest regards,
Durba Lee Preetidutta Thorpe
Mobile: 0220 653 719 Mobile: 0220 814 727
Sri Chinmoy Centre
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.5% 1st December
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17.6% A week before Christmas
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33% Whenever you wish
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
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The Story of Tahu and the Sacred Visitor - Day 10
In a small kāinga (village) nestled by the ngahere (forest), lived an elderly woman named Tahu. She was a simple kuia (elder), devoted to the atua and known for her aroha (love and compassion). Though she lived humbly, Tahu’s heart was rich with kindness and her hands were always busy caring for… View moreIn a small kāinga (village) nestled by the ngahere (forest), lived an elderly woman named Tahu. She was a simple kuia (elder), devoted to the atua and known for her aroha (love and compassion). Though she lived humbly, Tahu’s heart was rich with kindness and her hands were always busy caring for others in her community.
One night, Tahu had a vision during her karakia (prayers). The atua spoke to her, saying that a great rangatira (chief) on a sacred journey would one day visit her home. This visitor would be a symbol of mana (prestige) and the spirit of aroha. Tahu woke with a sense of purpose and spent her days preparing for this rangatira’s arrival.
She tidied her whare (home) and tended to her māra (garden), ensuring everything was in perfect condition. Each day, she gathered the freshest kumara and sweetest berries from the ngahere, tasting them carefully to ensure they were fit for her guest. Although her people sometimes laughed at her efforts, saying, “Tahu, why prepare so much for someone who might never come?” she remained steadfast in her devotion.
One day, the great rangatira, Tāwhirimātea, arrived at her humble whare with his companion. Tahu’s heart swelled with joy as she welcomed them, offering water and the food she had so carefully prepared.
However, one of Tāwhirimātea’s companions noticed Tahu tasting the berries before offering them. He frowned and whispered, “It is disrespectful to offer food that has already been tasted.”
But Tāwhirimātea smiled and replied, “You judge her actions, but I understand her intentions. Tahu is not tasting out of disrespect—she is ensuring that only the sweetest and best berries are served. It is her aroha that makes this kai truly sacred.” He ate the berries with gratitude, blessing Tahu for her kindness.
The atua smiled upon Tahu, and the mana of her aroha inspired her whānau to live with the same compassion and care for others.
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Moral of the Story
This story teaches that acts of aroha (love and compassion), no matter how humble, hold the greatest mana. True kindness is not measured by wealth or grandeur but by the heart and intention behind our actions. Like Tahu, we are reminded to serve others with sincerity and respect, knowing that aroha strengthens the bonds of whānau and community.
Brand new. Vodafone HG659 modem
This is brand new, still in the box.
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Location is Mt Eden, Auckland- Dominion Rd/Valley Rd area
The Influence of the Whānau - Day 9
In a small Māori pā (village) nestled beside a flowing river, a young boy named Rangi lived with his whānau. Rangi was curious and adventurous, always exploring the ngahere (forest) and listening to the stories of his kaumātua (elders). The kaumātua would often remind him, “He waka eke … View moreIn a small Māori pā (village) nestled beside a flowing river, a young boy named Rangi lived with his whānau. Rangi was curious and adventurous, always exploring the ngahere (forest) and listening to the stories of his kaumātua (elders). The kaumātua would often remind him, “He waka eke noa”—we are all in this together, and our actions affect the collective.
Rangi's best friend, Manu, was a clever boy but sometimes made poor choices. Manu had recently begun spending time with a group of older boys from another pā who were known for their reckless behavior. They would waste kai (food), leave rubbish in the ngahere, and even disturb the sacred awa (river) by throwing stones at eels.
One day, Manu invited Rangi to join the group, saying, “Come on, Rangi! They’re fun, and they won’t hurt anyone. We’re just having a good time!” Unsure, Rangi agreed, feeling pressure to fit in.
The group’s leader, Matiu, proposed a game: they would sneak into the kaumātua's kumara patch at night and take some for a "feast." Rangi hesitated. He remembered the kaumātua saying how much work went into growing the kumara, with karakia (prayers) and care for the soil. But he stayed silent, feeling outnumbered.
That night, the group raided the garden. As they laughed and ate the stolen kumara by the fire, Rangi felt uneasy. He realized that this was not who he wanted to be. When he saw Manu’s joy in impressing Matiu, Rangi felt torn but remained quiet.
The next morning, the kaumātua discovered the missing kumara and the trampled garden. They called the entire pā together, expressing sadness, not anger. “Our ancestors teach us that the whenua (land) provides for all of us, but only if we treat it with respect,” said one elder. “When we harm the whenua, we harm ourselves.”
Rangi’s heart sank. That evening, he confessed to the kaumātua and his whānau, explaining everything. To his surprise, they did not scold him harshly. Instead, they said, “He tangata tītoki, he tangata rākau—a person is like a tree; they grow straight when supported by others. You must choose companions who uphold the values of your whānau and whenua.”
Rangi decided to distance himself from Manu’s new group and instead spent time with those who respected the land and upheld the teachings of their ancestors. Over time, he encouraged Manu to rejoin him, and together they worked to rebuild the kumara patch, learning from the kaumātua.
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Moral
This story highlights the importance of right company and like-mindedness. It shows that no one is inherently bad, but the influence of others and the situations we choose can lead us astray. Surrounding ourselves with those who uphold values like respect, care, and collective well-being ensures a life of balance and harmony.
Ka mua, ka muri — by learning from the past, we can walk into the future.
Our community open food pantry
Hi all,
Poli from Grey Lynn Community Church - 550 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn. Can we please work together to find the person that took the two sliding doors of our food pantry. It happened twice now. This food pantry is for our community and just want to thanks our local business esp bakery shops and… View moreHi all,
Poli from Grey Lynn Community Church - 550 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn. Can we please work together to find the person that took the two sliding doors of our food pantry. It happened twice now. This food pantry is for our community and just want to thanks our local business esp bakery shops and individuals who out of their beautiful hearts donate. But obviously someone out there is trying to ruin something that we collectively want to do for our people. Please if you see someone act suspiciously maybe ring the police or call me on 027 531 9914.
Thanks everyone
The Greater Atua - Day 8
In Māori culture, atua refers to spiritual beings, ancestors, or gods that embody and oversee the forces of nature and the universe. Atua can represent elements like the sea, forests, sky, or even concepts such as peace or war. They are often linked to whakapapa (genealogy) and are seen as … View moreIn Māori culture, atua refers to spiritual beings, ancestors, or gods that embody and oversee the forces of nature and the universe. Atua can represent elements like the sea, forests, sky, or even concepts such as peace or war. They are often linked to whakapapa (genealogy) and are seen as guardians and kaitiaki (caretakers) of their respective domains.
For example:
Tāne-mahuta: Atua of the forests and birds.
Tangaroa: Atua of the sea and marine life.
Ranginui: Atua of the sky (Sky Father).
Papatūānuku: The Earth Mother.
Hine-nui-te-pō: Atua of death and the underworld.
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In the sacred realms of Te Ao Māori, Tāne-mahuta (the atua of forests and birds) and Tangaroa (the atua of the sea) once had a disagreement. Each believed their mana (prestige) and influence over the natural world made them the greatest among the atua. Their debate grew heated, and to settle the matter, Io Matua Kore, the supreme being, appeared in the form of an unending pou (pillar).
Io proclaimed, "Whoever can reach either the top or the base of this pou will prove their greatness." Tāne-mahuta transformed into a hawk, soaring high into the skies to find the top, while Tangaroa shifted into a great taniwha and dove deep into the ocean to find the base.
Days turned into nights, and neither Tāne-mahuta nor Tangaroa could find the end of the pou. Tāne-mahuta’s wings grew tired as he flew higher and higher, and Tangaroa's strength waned as he swam deeper and deeper into the dark, cold depths of the moana (ocean). Eventually, both returned to the base of the pou, exhausted but determined to share their experiences.
Tāne-mahuta, embodying his role as kaitiaki (guardian), spoke the truth. "No matter how far I flew, I could not see the top of the pou. Its height is beyond comprehension, just as Io's wisdom and power are limitless."
Tangaroa, however, in his eagerness to prove his superiority, falsely claimed that he had touched the bottom of the pou. To support his claim, he called upon a kahawai (a fish) to nod in agreement. Io, knowing the truth, rebuked Tangaroa for his dishonesty and the kahawai for blindly supporting a lie.
As a result of his deceit, Tangaroa was told that while he would continue to command the respect of the seas, the realm of the skies and land would belong to Tāne-mahuta. The kahawai was cursed to be hunted endlessly by birds and humans alike, a reminder of the cost of blind allegiance to falsehoods. Tāne-mahuta, for his honesty and humility, was praised, and his forests and birds would be revered across the land.
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Moral of the Story
The story teaches us that truth and humility are greater than pride and deception. Greatness comes not from self-proclaimed superiority but from being steadfast in honesty and embracing one’s role as a kaitiaki. It also serves as a reminder that blindly following falsehoods can lead to consequences, just as the kahawai learned. In the Māori world, living with integrity and honouring the interconnectedness of all atua ensures balance and harmony in life.
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Persistence and Attention to Detail (Day 7)
In the serene village of Te Ao Marama, a young Māori student named Aroha was studying engineering at a renowned university in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Aroha was a dedicated learner, carrying with her the aspirations of her whānau (family) and iwi (tribe). She approached her studies with the same … View moreIn the serene village of Te Ao Marama, a young Māori student named Aroha was studying engineering at a renowned university in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Aroha was a dedicated learner, carrying with her the aspirations of her whānau (family) and iwi (tribe). She approached her studies with the same principles her tūpuna (ancestors) had lived by: manaakitanga (care and respect for others), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and a commitment to excellence.
Aroha had consistently achieved high marks in her studies, always earning recognition for her hard work. But when her third-year semester results were published, Aroha was disheartened to see her grades fall to a whakamanawa noa (average pass). One course, in particular, had received unusually low marks, and she couldn’t understand why.
Instead of reacting in frustration, Aroha reflected on the teachings of her kaumātua (elders): "Kia mau ki te tūmanako” — hold on to hope. She sought advice from her peers, who told her to let it go and move forward. They warned her that challenging the system could be risky and might even result in worse outcomes.
Aroha, however, trusted her instincts. She remembered how her tupuna would pause to think carefully before making important decisions. She went to the local marae for karakia (prayer) and spent time in quiet contemplation, asking for guidance. While reflecting, she recalled that during the exam, she had used extra paper to explain her calculations. A thought struck her: what if the additional pages hadn’t been reviewed?
With renewed determination, Aroha submitted a formal request for a recount (re - totaling of her marks). She included a note explaining that she had attached extra pages and asked the examiners to check whether they had been accounted for.
When the recount results came back, her suspicion proved correct—the additional pages containing key parts of her answers had been overlooked. Her recalculated score not only restored her distinction but also placed her among the top students in her class.
Aroha shared the news with her whānau, who celebrated her perseverance. But she also took a moment to thank her professors for their work and acknowledge the importance of the process.
Moral of the Story
This story reflects the principles of whakamanawa (perseverance) and aro nui (attention to detail). Aroha’s success came not only from her hard work but from her willingness to trust her instincts, reflect thoughtfully, and act with respect for the academic system.
Her journey also highlights manaakitanga—the importance of showing gratitude and care for others, even when seeking justice for oneself. For Aroha, her achievement was not just a personal victory but a way to honour her tūpuna and demonstrate how Māori values can guide success in all aspects of life.
Do Your Duty & Be Quiet - Day 6
Apologies for the delay, busy morning. Here is today's one :)
In a small rural town in the heart of New Zealand, there was a local washer named Hemi, who worked hard washing the laundry for the people in the community. He owned a well-behaved dog called Kahu and a sturdy old horse named … View moreApologies for the delay, busy morning. Here is today's one :)
In a small rural town in the heart of New Zealand, there was a local washer named Hemi, who worked hard washing the laundry for the people in the community. He owned a well-behaved dog called Kahu and a sturdy old horse named Tahi.
Every day, Hemi would load Tahi with heavy bundles of dirty laundry and make the long trek down to the river to wash it. The river, known as the Whanganui, was a calm and peaceful place where Hemi could get the washing done while Tahi grazed nearby. After washing the clothes, Hemi would hang them on the riverbank to dry under the sun.
Once the clothes were dry enough, Hemi would load them onto Tahi’s back and head back to his home. There, he would hang the clothes on the lines outside to dry even further before folding them and returning them to the owners in the town.
Kahu, the dog, had a different role. While Hemi worked on the laundry, Kahu would patrol the property and keep an eye out for any would-be thieves or anyone trying to steal the clothes as they dried. Kahu would bark loudly at any suspicious person, ensuring the laundry was safe.
Hemi’s job was to wash the clothes with care and attention to detail, while Tahi’s job was to carry the heavy load to and from the river. Kahu’s task was simply to guard the laundry while it dried. Hemi made sure to feed Tahi and Kahu for their hard work. However, he had a tendency to favour Tahi more because, after all, Tahi was the one doing the heavy lifting. Kahu, on the other hand, only had to bark from time to time, so Hemi fed Kahu a little less than he fed Tahi.
Kahu, feeling neglected and underfed, grew increasingly irritated. One evening, as Hemi was asleep after a long day of work, a thief crept into the yard to steal some of the drying clothes. Kahu saw the thief, but instead of barking as usual, he decided to keep quiet in retaliation for the lack of food and attention. Tahi, on the other hand, saw the thief too, and began to bray loudly, trying to alert Hemi.
But Hemi was sound asleep, and the braying of the horse only annoyed him. In his frustration, Hemi rushed outside and, in the dark, mistook Tahi’s braying for a nuisance. He lashed out at Tahi in anger, thinking the horse was causing trouble. Tragically, in his fury, Hemi struck Tahi so hard that the old horse collapsed and died.
The next morning, Hemi was devastated. He found the clothes had been stolen, and his beloved Tahi was dead. Kahu, still hungry and upset, hadn’t barked as he should have. Hemi now realized the true cost of his actions: by not feeding Kahu properly, he had neglected his duty as a master and created a situation where everyone suffered. The townspeople no longer trusted him, and he had lost the loyalty of his dog, as well as the service of his hardworking horse.
Moral of the Story:
In life, everyone has their role and responsibility. Just as a horse is meant to carry loads and a dog is meant to guard, it’s important to recognize and respect the contributions of others. If you neglect those who help you, or fail to fulfill your own responsibilities, you risk upsetting the balance and causing harm. Do your duty with care, treat others with fairness, and don’t interfere with roles that don’t belong to you. When everyone does their part quietly and without complaint, things will run smoothly, and you’ll avoid unnecessary troubles.
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