Maui is a beautiful island in Hawaii, situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The Hawaiian Islands are renowned for their natural beauty and attract visitors worldwide who come to experience the unique landscapes and rich culture. They are part of the Los Angeles Region in the New York Sector.
After a considerable period without visits from Ácáryas, Ácárya Diiptimánánanda Avadhúta and Avadhútiká Ananda Acirá Ácáryá organized a meditation and adventure retreat on Maui Island from February 26 to March 3, 2025. They also connected with local Margiis on Maui and joined them for Dharma Cakra on Sunday, March 2. The family of Kṛṣṇa and Málatí hosted the Dharma Cakra in a small hall they have dedicated to spiritual practice. Dada Diiptimanananda sang three Prabhata Samgiita and Kiirtana, and Didi Ananda Acira gave a spiritual talk centered around a discourse by Shrii Shrii Anandamurti. She drew on the idea of the drop of water merging with the sea and again evaporating and raining and also shared some of her spiritual experiences, how Baba brought her to Ananda Marga, and how she became inspired to be an Acarya. Everyone appreciated the special spiritual vibrations in the meditation hall during the gathering.
Each day began with Paincajanya and individual practices, followed by yoga, breakfast, and special activities. On the second day, they visited the Road to Hana, a scenic drive leading to a beautiful black sand beach on the part of the island that features a rainforest receiving substantial rainfall annually. They were fortunate to have a sunny day and enjoyed noon meditation on the beach. Along the way, they also hiked to see stunning waterfalls.
On the third day, they embarked on a day trip to Haleakalā National Park and hiked to the summit of the Haleakalā volcano. The breathtaking landscape enchanted everyone, and they enjoyed noon meditation in a eucalyptus forest. Maui is home to many endangered species of birds, animals, and plants, and they delighted in the unique birdsong during their meditation.
On the fourth day, they took a boat excursion to experience the clear waters around Molokini Island, engaging in snorkeling and swimming among tropical fish. They also observed humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) during the journey. February and March are peak months for humpback whale activity in Maui’s waters, as these majestic creatures migrate to Hawaii to mate and give birth. They witnessed a mother with her calf and five males engaged in mating rituals. The trip concluded with swimming near the coast, where green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), locally known as honu, are commonly found. They observed these turtles and the vibrant coral reefs in the ocean.
Interested in Future Meditation and Adventure Retreats?
Our Meditation and Adventure Tours are specially designed for new Margiis and spiritually-minded participants who wish to combine deep inner practice with the beauty of nature and the joy of active living. These retreats are ideal for those who enjoy hiking, outdoor activities, and exploring spirituality in vibrant natural settings.
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Please contact Dada Diiptimanánanda via:
📩 Email: dada@meditationsteps.us
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We look forward to connecting with you and welcoming you to a future journey of spiritual growth, nature, and collective joy.
