Pounamu Blessings at Lake Rotopounamu
Pounamu Blessings at Lake Rotopounamu
Pounamus For Students
Before each Asia Pacific Yoga Teacher Training, we thoughtfully select a pounamu (greenstone) for every student who joins us. In Maori tradition, pounamu is far more than an adornment; it is a taonga (sacred treasure) believed to carry mana (life force), strength, protection, and wisdom. These stones are traditionally gifted rather than chosen for oneself, symbolising trust, connection, and the passing on of spiritual responsibility from one person to another.
We choose to bless these pounamu at Lake Rotopounamu, a place of deep spiritual significance nestled in the central North Island, about an hour from Taupo. The stillness of the lake and the surrounding native bush create a powerful setting for intention and reflection. With our students in mind, we offer a karakia (prayer) and gentle mantra chanting, infusing each stone with wishes for clarity, resilience, and a smooth yet transformative training journey.
In Maori culture, pounamu was traditionally carved into powerful symbols and worn by respected leaders and spiritual guardians. Some stones were believed to hold their own spirit, choosing their wearer rather than the other way around. Offered as a gift, the pounamu becomes a companion — a quiet reminder of strength, protection, and purpose. For our students, it serves as a tangible anchor throughout the training: a symbol of commitment, inner courage, and the deeper journey unfolding as they step into their path as yoga teachers.
Earth's Four Great Vortices
Lake Rotopounamu was chosen because of its spiritual significance on this Earth. There are four great vortices on the Earth body, two yang areas north of the equator which regulate the masculine elements of fire and air; and two yin centres in the southern feminine hemisphere which govern water and earth.
The second elemental vortex in the southern hemisphere is centred at Rotopounamu, a small sacred lake just south of Lake Taupo, in New Zealand. The natural flow for this spinner wheel is in an anti-clockwise direction.
Locally, Rotopounamu is the second chakra of the female mountain, Pihanga – consort to the male mountain Tongariro. The fruit created from the union of these two mountains emerges from Rotopounamu, and advances the adventure of life throughout the world.
According to Maori understanding, Rotopounamu is the lake of the second emerald stone. Green is symbolic of the heart. Worldwide, the first emerald stone is an archetype at Glastonbury Tor, and the second emerald stone defines the centre of the world water vortex. These two sacred site centres are antipodean to each other. If the Holy Grail is associated with one of these poles, then the Grail Net – the totality of all global ley lines activated – is initially raised from Rotopounamu.
Light is the quality worked with at Table Mountain. In the water vortex, the quality is love. Multiply the speed of light by itself, and you arrive at the velocity of love. The best use of light, worldwide, is to develop love and compassion. The best use for love is to expand the presence of everlasting life throughout the world.
Join Us on a Yoga Teacher Training
Asia Pacific Yoga is a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School that provides small group sized RYT 200 and RYT 300 Yoga Teacher Trainings in New Zealand and the Asia Pacific Region.
Check out our upcoming Yoga Teacher Trainings below.
Upcoming Yoga Teacher Trainings
200 Hour YTT, Mar 2026
9 - 27 Mar 2026
Taupo, New Zealand
Deepen your practice and graduate with an internationally recognised yoga teacher certification.
Train during Taupo’s stunning Autumn season, where golden landscapes create the perfect environment for deep immersion and personal transformation.
1 last off site space left!
200 Hour YTT, Apr 2026
20 Apr - 8 May 2026
Taupo, New Zealand
Turn your passion for yoga into a meaningful teaching pathway and gain your first internationally recognised certification.
Experience Taupo in Late Autumn where crisp air and golden light support focused learning and steady growth.
Hurry, only 2 spaces left!
Malaysia 200 Hour YTT
26 Jun - 2 Aug 2026
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We will be heading to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the first time to offer our established 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in a convenient 6 weekend format.
Warm weather and good food, what more can you ask for!
200 Hour YTT, Oct 2026
13 - 30 Oct 2026
Taupo, New Zealand
Do what you love for a living. Step into teaching with our internationally recognised yoga teacher certification.
Late spring in Taupo brings fresh energy and renewal — a beautiful time to begin a new chapter in your yoga journey.
Early bookings are already in.
200 Hour YTT, Nov 2026
16 Nov - 4 Dec 2025
Taupo, New Zealand
Complete your internationally recognised yoga teacher certification in a focused, small-group environment.
Summer in Taupo offers long days, warmth, and an uplifting environment to fully immerse in your training experience.
Book early to secure your spot.