The Path of Light
5-Day Kriya Yoga Retreat
July 10-14, 2023
The Assisi Institute
1400 North Winton Rd
Rochester, NY 14609
“The body of the average man is like a fifty-watt lamp, which cannot accommodate the billion watts of power roused by an excessive practice of Kriya. Through gradual and regular increase of the simple and foolproof methods of Kriya, man’s body becomes astrally transformed day by day, and is finally fitted to express the infinite potentials of cosmic energy, which constitutes the first materially active expression of Spirit.” Paramahansa Yogananda
A great light that has been given to the world. When understood and practiced, Kriya Yoga has the power to illuminate our minds, open our hearts, and bring us into deeper and deeper levels of Self and God Realization. While providing us with a pathway to our highest spiritual evolution, Kriya Yoga also teaches us how to live in the world with wisdom, courage, and grace, making it an ideal path for householders who can integrate its practices into any already existing religious paradigm.
You are warmly invited to participate in a five-day intensive retreat rooted in the principles and practices of Kriya Yoga as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda and Roy Eugene Davis. Together, we will explore Kriya Yoga philosophy, lifestyle, and meditation practices. Each day will also feature two group meditations, devotional chanting, and opportunities to take part in Hatha Yoga and Qi Gong classes. Kriya initiation will be offered to individuals who are sincerely committed to this path. The retreat promises to be inspirational, informative, and enlightening for newcomers as well as seasoned kriyabans seeking to deepen their practice. Please plan to join us!
Cost: This retreat is offered on a donation basis. Donations will be accepted at the time of the retreat.
Registration: Registration closes Friday, June 30th. To reserve your seat, please email Purnima at retreats@assisi-institute.org.
Housing and meals: There are many hotels available in the area, and a limited number of (non-air conditioned) rooms are available at The Assisi Institute at a price of $50 per night.
UPDATE as of 4/20/23: ALL OF THE ROOMS AT THE INSTITUTE HAVE BEEN RESERVED.
For those who stay with us, please note that we are strictly vegetarian. Our kitchen is available to store and cook food for simple meals. No meals will be provided; participants will be given ample time to find lunches and/or dinners off-campus.
Retreat Schedule
July 10-14, 2023
If you plan to attend the entire retreat, you must register by June 30th.
Monday
7:45 am: Doors unlocked, registration, coffee and tea available
9-10 am: Meditation
10-11:30 am: Presentation – Isha Das
11:30-1:30 pm: Lunch on your own
1:30-2 pm: Meditation
2-3:30 pm: Presentation – Ryan Kurczak
3:45-4:30 pm: Qi Gong
4:30pm: Free evening, dinner on your own
Tuesday
7:45 am: Doors unlocked; coffee and tea available
8-8:45 am: Yoga
9-10 am: Meditation
10-11:30 am: Presentation – Swami Nirvanananda
11:30-1:30 pm: Lunch on your own
1:30-2 pm: Meditation
2-3:30 pm: Presentation – Ryan
3:45-4:30 pm: Qi Gong
5-5:30 pm: Meditation
5:30-6:30 pm: Kirtan
6:30pm: Dinner on your own
Wednesday
7:45 am: Doors unlocked; coffee and tea available
8-8:45 am: Yoga
9-10 am: Meditation
10-11:30 am: Presentation – Swami
11:30-1:30 pm: Lunch on your own
1:30-2 pm: Meditation
2-3:30 pm: Presentation – Christianne
3:45-4:30 pm: Qi Gong
4:30 pm: Free time
7 pm: Kirtan – All are welcome!
Thursday
7:45 am: Doors unlocked; coffee and tea available
8-8:45 am: Yoga
9-10 am: Meditation
10-11:30 am: Presentation – Isha Das
11:30-1:30 pm: Lunch on your own
1:30-3 pm: Intro to the Kriya Technique – Ryan
3:30 pm: Initiation
5 pm: Dinner on your own
7 pm: Kriya Service with Swami
Friday
7:45 am: Doors unlocked; coffee and tea available
9-10 am: Meditation
10-11:30 am: Wrap-up and closing, questions
The Assisi Institute
1400 North Winton Rd
Rochester, NY 14609
Retreat directors:
Isha Das:
Craig Bullock (Isha Das) is an accomplished teacher, writer, lecturer, practicing psychotherapist, and spiritual director of The Assisi Institute in Rochester, New York. A former pastoral administrator at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Rochester, Isha Das earned graduate degrees in Religious Studies from the University of Notre Dame and Clinical Psychology from the University of Duquesne. His education includes extensive study in psychology, spirituality, mysticism, world religions, and yoga. He counts Richard Rohr among his life-long friends and mentors. Isha Das was made a minister and official Kriya Yoga teacher by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda.
Swami Nirvanananda:
Internationally-known musical and spiritual recording artist Swami Nirvanananda Saraswati will be joining us virtually (and in-person if possible) to lead devotional chanting. Merging the teachings of Kriya Yoga with the devotional aspect of Bhakti Yoga and the charitable path of Karma Yoga, Swami expresses unity in the diversity of many paths and religions which all lead to the same goal: Universal Love and Oneness With Spirit.
Ryan Kurczak:
Ryan Kurczak is an international meditation teacher in the Kriya Yoga tradition. He was taught and ordained to teach by a direct student of Paramahansa Yogananda, Roy Eugene Davis. Ryan has authored several books on meditation and spirituality and hosts “The Kriya Yoga Podcast,” a bimonthly podcast dedicated to meditation and yoga. He is the director of the 2-year Kriya Yoga Apprenticeship Program and regularly leads retreats in the US and abroad.
“Consider living to be a great adventure. Be interested in the possibilities of learning, doing, and accomplishing. Enthusiasm is evidence of your appreciation for life and living. Live with inspired purpose and empowering enthusiasm. You are an immortal, spiritual being; live as you are meant to live.”
Roy Eugene Davis