Volunteering at Mana: A Journey of Heart, Service & Connection
It’s been our joy over the years to host volunteers from across the world. For them, Mana often becomes a home, a community, and a space for personal transformation.
Meet Paavas and Marina – a beautiful couple who have been volunteering here for the last four months. They have become an integral part of the daily rhythm of the centre, generously offering their natural leadership, heartfelt kindness, and gentle compassion to welcome and support new arrivals.
Now, Paavas and Marina share a glimpse into their journey and what it means to be volunteers at Mana.
“Being a volunteer at Mana comes with an enormous sense of purpose and fulfillment”
Hear from Paavas and Marina on their experience at Mana
Kia Ora, Namaste and Priviet! We are Paavas and Marina, we come from the city of lakes in India Udaipur. After getting married we both decided to move to New Zealand – Land of the Nature! Marina is from Russia and we both first met in Himalayan Ladakh. We enjoy kindness, love and life of service.
What brought you both to Mana?
Mana was meant to be! It was recommended by our friend from Auckland who had adored the land and place when they were at Mana for a retreat. When we first started reading and watching videos about the idea and formation of Mana as a spiritual temple, it made us interested even more in it. In our search for a purpose, we received a gift of Mana!
What has your experience been like volunteering here so far?
Being a volunteer at Mana comes with an enormous sense of purpose and fulfillment. It offers a sense of belief in your giving and brings the idealogy of karma yog to affect.We have enjoyed our time in the kitchen and garden experimenting with different cuisines and ingredients. It has been worth a while for us to be able to bring the most organic and freshest vegetables from the garden to mouth watering and colourful tasty meals.
What has been your highlights as volunteers?
Morning meditation circles at Mana are probably the most favourite highlight of ours. The feeling of acceptance and family are unique here. Moreover, Getting to experience a retreat centre function smoothly and the hard work that goes in from our team in sync is a huge learning for us. One of the highlights for us was when Paavas was asked to make a masala tea( Chai with spices and fresh ginger) by a yoga teacher Rachael Hunter who was leading a retreat at Mana and how it reminded her of India. Food and tastebuds can transcend space and time. It is my belief.
What would you say to someone who’s considering volunteering here for the first time?
Take the opportunity with immense responsibility and attention. Let the Tara Mountain lead you to the path of service and may you find the joy in giving and receiving. Be humble and amazing things are about to happen for you! Trust the process and accept the calling.
What do you think people can gain from volunteering here at Mana?
An amazing opportunity to be part of the talented team that makes it all happen! Mana offers a good mix of work and time off and to be able to share the beauty of the land and its resources , the walks on land and Sauna among many other offerings. Lifelong friendships and gifts of communal yoga, meditation and dances. Most of all a community!
What is Mana to you in three words?
Trust, Service and Devotion.
I would like to share my Dal Tadka ( Fry) recipe with you. It is a 3 step process- Soaking and cleaning then cooking dal and final fry before serving. For this we would take Toor or Pigeon peas, you may choose to use yellow split pea. Split pigeon peas also known as toor dal or arhar dal is the most common lentil used to make this dal tadka in India. You can choose any lentil available.
- For the purpose of 2 servings we shall Start by washing 3 times with water 1 cup lentils(Dal) and then soaking it in water for 2 hours with a pinch of salt.
- While we wait for the above process we can chop 1 medium red onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 inch chopped ginger,2 small chopped green chill.
- Now start by removing the water from the Dal and frying it in 2 table spoon(tbs) oil or Ghee 1 tbs cumin seeds, wait for 10 seconds and then add onions stir for 1 minute and then add chopped garlic to it.
- Now goes the half inch chopped ginger and 2 green chilli. Add 1 tbs Turmeric and Coriander powder and 1/2 tbs red chilli powder.
- Add your dal now to the pot with 3 cups of water to it, let it boil at high heat for 15 minutes and then medium heat for 15 minutes.
- Once your dal is cooked soft you can add 1 more cup of hot water to it and turn of the heat.
- Tadka/Frying – Finally in 1 tbs ghee or butter add 1 tbs cumin seeds, pinch of Asafoetida, 4 curry leaves, 1 tbs crushed Kasturi Methi( Dry Fenugreek leaves), 1 dry red chilli or 1/2 tbs dried chilli seeds with 1/2 inch chopped ginger and chopped tomato( optional) and now mix this concoction to your pot with Dal.
- Stir and serve with some freshly chopped coriander leaves on top. You Dal Tadka ( Fry)is ready to be eaten with cumin fried White Basmati Rice.
Volunteer at Mana
Volunteering at Mana is a unique experience that blends mindful work, community living, and moments of quiet reflection.
Why Come to Mana as a Volunteer?
- To live and work in a caring and supportive environment where everyone can grow in their unique way
- To nourish oneself with wholesome food & living
- To inspire conscious living, self exploration and unity in diversity
- To engage in a family culture and contribute to the community
- To connect to a deep sense of life & human potential with like-minded people
Apply to become a volunteer here.
