BIO Maria Mariotti

Maria is a project manager, spiritual teacher, and founder dedicated to reawakening sacred community values around life, death, and dying. With a background in engineering, management, and consultancy, her soul-searching journey began after leaving corporate life to travel the world with her growing family. Her three children were born across three continents, as she and her husband immersed themselves in Mayan, yogic, and shamanic practices.

Since settling in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2009, Maria has continued to deepen her spiritual path through Advaita Vedanta, becoming a disciple of Swami Shankara Tilaka and receiving the sacred yajnopavita as a Vedic priestess. Her daily practice includes meditation, philosophy, and tantric fire ceremonies (havan). Her Vedic spiritual name, Rakshakari Tilakasuta Devidasa, reflects her commitment to spiritual service and truth.

Maria is the founder of Conscious Kid Ltd and Playfully Ltd, and currently serves as Project Manager and Community Liaison for the Compassionate Communities – Honohono Tātou Katoa initiative. Her work centers on reindigenising approaches to death, reorienting healthcare with compassion, and cultivating death literacy rooted in love, connection, and reverence.