Delvin Smedley, an Auckland-born Kiwi, has long felt a deep connection to Indian culture and spirituality. Recently, she returned from a transformative trip to India, and in an exclusive interview with The Indian News editor Yugal Parashar, she shared the details of her journey and how her practice of Sahaja Yoga has shaped her life.
Delvin, a key account manager in Auckland with a background in engineering, has always been drawn to India. “One of the most significant aspects of my life has been my practice of Sahaja Yoga meditation, which I’ve been doing for nearly 30 years,” she explained. This practice has allowed her to connect with Indian culture, and over the years, she has visited India several times to deepen that bond.
This recent journey was particularly meaningful. “I felt a strong calling to visit the source of the Ganga River, in a place called Devprayag,” she shared. “I spent time in a small village practicing Sahaja Yoga and had the opportunity to bathe in the sacred Ganga. It was such a serene and beautiful experience.”
After her time in Devprayag, Delvin travelled to Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest spiritual gatherings on the planet. “I stayed at a Sahaja Yoga camp with about 100 other practitioners,” she said. “We invited people to join us in meditation, and every day we bathed in the Ganga, which was incredibly refreshing and spiritually uplifting.”
What struck Delvin most was how well-organized the Kumbh Mela was. “Despite the vast crowds, the event had thousands of bathing huts, ample portable toilets, and plenty of lighting. There was a strong security presence, with an army of volunteers ensuring everyone’s safety. I felt completely at ease amidst the crowds,” she recalled.
Though there have been mixed reviews about the Kumbh Mela’s organization, Delvin’s experience was overwhelmingly positive. “I’m aware that a tragic stampede occurred after I left, which was heartbreaking,” she acknowledged. “But during my time there, the event was managed well. The crowds were peaceful and respectful, and security was always visible. One soldier even approached me and said, ‘If you need anything, just let me know,’ which made me feel safe and cared for.”
India’s ancient history and spiritual depth have always captivated Delvin. “India is the world’s oldest continuous culture, and there’s so much wisdom to be gained from it,” she explained. “Sanskrit holds a special place for me. Though I’m not fluent in Hindi, I enjoy trying to pronounce the words—it’s a way of connecting with something timeless.”
Having practiced Sahaja Yoga for three decades, Delvin has experienced a significant transformation in her life. “It’s been truly transformative,” she said. “Like many young Kiwis, I was once living a typical lifestyle—going to pubs and enjoying a fast-paced life. But discovering Sahaja Yoga in my 20s was a turning point. It awakened my inner energy, the kundalini, and helped me observe my thoughts without being overwhelmed by them. It’s given me a deeper connection to myself and the world around me.”
Delvin is passionate about encouraging others to explore their own inner potential through meditation. “I’d encourage anyone to give Sahaja Yoga a try,” she shared. “We offer free classes in Auckland—no commitment required.
Meditation isn’t about following strict rules; it’s about discovering the incredible potential within yourself. Just ten minutes in the morning and evening can make a huge difference. The beauty of Sahaja Yoga is that it’s natural and easy.”
Her message is simple but powerful: “I want to encourage people to explore their inner selves. Whether through meditation, travel, or by connecting with different cultures, there’s so much beauty to experience, both within and around us. It’s all about finding peace and fulfilment.”
-as told to Yugal Parashar
