Upcoming Events
All are welcome
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Sanskrit Class with Marla Pelletier
Deepen your pronunciation of Sanskrit mantras with an embodied experience of chanting the Sanskrit alphabet. Each class will improve your understanding of the sounds. Great for chant lovers, yoga teachers, and those who love to learn new languages.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Spiritual Book Circle (April)
On the fourth Monday of the month, community members enjoy a time of quiet, meaningful conversation on Zoom. After a few moments of silence, we take turns sharing our thoughts and experiences and then responding to each other. We are basing our time together on the book The Wisdom of No Escape by Pema Chodron. We read a few short chapters ahead of time each month.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Annual Shopping and Self-Care Day
Our annual Shopping and Self-Care Day is coming up on May 3 from noon to 5:00 pm, just in time to treat or shop for your favorite mom. There will be new and familiar vendors including jewelry design by Stephanie Jane and Wholistic Herbals by Samantha. Practitioners this year will offer reiki, acupuncture, hand massage, angel readings, and pedi care. These will be a $5 minimum donation per service. Steph will offer one of her popular make-and-take art projects.
Come join the fun, and bring a friend! For more information, text Muktima at 585-734-9232 or email RagDoll915@yahoo.com.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Spiritual Book Circle (May)
On the fourth Monday of the month, community members enjoy a time of quiet, meaningful conversation on Zoom. After a few moments of silence, we take turns sharing our thoughts and experiences and then responding to each other. We are basing our time together on the book The Wisdom of No Escape by Pema Chodron. We read a few short chapters ahead of time each month.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Kriya Yoga Immersion: The Path of Enlightened Transformation
Please join us for a five-day immersive retreat at The Assisi Institute in Rochester, NY exploring the teachings of Kriya Yoga, July 14–18, 2025.
Pre-registration is now open, with limited spots available. Our beloved teachers include Isha Das, Ryan Kurczak, Swami Nirvanananda, and Gāyatrī (Judith Listte).
In these transformative times, Kriya Yoga—as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda and Roy Eugene Davis—offers a time-tested path to explore our spiritual path and divine consciousness. Through this sacred practice, we discover greater grace, understanding, and serenity in our daily lives. Our annual Kriya Yoga Immersion creates a supportive space where you can deepen your wisdom while connecting with fellow spiritual seekers.
Our Retreat Teachers
Kriya Yoga is not an escape from ourselves or the world—rather, it is a process that empowers us to live from a place of radical truthfulness, enlightened wisdom, and transcendental peace. As this inner transformation unfolds, we naturally become agents of healing in the world.
Kriya Yoga is an ideal path for everyday people, as it can be integrated into daily life and harmonizes with any religious tradition. During the Summer Retreat, in the transformative and sacred vibration of our temple and our gurus, we will explore Kriya Yoga philosophy, lifestyle, and meditation practices.
Each day will feature two group meditations, devotional chanting, and opportunities to practice Hatha Yoga and Qi Gong. Swami Nirvanananda will offer evening kirtans alongside other devotional musicians throughout the week. For those sincerely committed to this path, Kriya initiation will be offered at the retreat's conclusion. Whether you're new to the practice or a seasoned Kriyaban seeking to deepen your journey, this retreat promises to be inspirational, informative, and enlightening. Please plan to join us!
Areas of Focus
In-depth teachings about Kriya Yoga which are accessible to both beginners and seasoned practitioners.
How Kriya Yoga impacts the body in all stages of life
The intersection of Kriya Yoga and Astrology
Different ways of being a yogi in the modern world.
How Kriya Yoga works with our biological nervous system and our spiritual nervous (chakra) system.
How to work with our deeply-held pain and trauma.
Event Details
Date: July 14–18, 2025
Location: The Assisi Institute in Rochester, NY
How to register (please keep in mind that there are limited spots available):
Please pay the $10 registration fee (if you cannot pay this fee, please let us know and it will be waived).
Fill out this form. More information will be sent closer to the event.
Cost: This retreat is made possible through participant contributions. Donations will be accepted at the time of the retreat.
Accommodations: The Holiday Inn and Suites in Webster (about a 15-minute drive from Assisi) is offering a reduced group rate of $122 per night. This offer will expire on June 13. More information will come shortly to those who register.
Meals: Coffee, tea, and snacks are available throughout the day. No meals will be provided; participants will be given ample time to have lunch and/or dinner. You are most welcome to bring your own meals each day. We have a refrigerator and microwave available. Please note that we are strictly vegetarian and meat is not allowed in our building.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Mary at assisi.marymcfee@gmail.com.
Teacher Bios
Isha Das (Craig Bullock): 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 Nirvananda: 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.
Gāyatrī | Judith Listte: A dedicated Yoga practitioner for over 20 years, she was also a Physical Education teacher at the University of Córdoba, Argentina. A Kriyaban since 2010, she collaborates with the KYS center (Savona) to spread the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, organizing seminars across Italy. In 2016, she obtained her Yoga Teacher certification with a therapeutic focus at SITY Milan, studying under Sn. Trigunananda in the Satyananda method and the Bihar School of Yoga (BSY). She continues her training at the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger, India. Specialized in Yoga for Women (fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause), she follows the teachings of Uma Dinsmore-Tuli and Dr. Barbara Woehler. Passionate about Vedic sciences, she deepens her knowledge of Jyotiṣa at the "Yoga delle Stelle" Academy with Prema Kumar Das. She is the founder of the Triguṇa Cultural Association in Catania, where she leads weekly Pilates, Yoga, and Meditation classes to promote a conscious lifestyle. Additionally, Triguṇa organizes an annual residential Kriyā Yoga seminar and offers specialized training in Prenatal Yoga and Yoga Nidrā.
Jasmine Moran: Jasmine began her journey into Qigong through YOQI®, a global qigong training organization. Having completed two years of training, she is now an associate Qigong instructor who continues her advanced studies with YOQI®. Jasmine’s classes provide a structured framework for tapping into “qi” - universal life force - while promoting harmony with the natural rhythms of life. Her seasonal approach to Qigong (“chee-gong”) complements the energy and dynamics at play in nature in order to maintain physical, mental, and emotional balance. She became a full time Qigong instructor and assistant with Kriya Yoga Online in 2023. She travels nationally and internationally with her partner, Ryan Kurczak, offering Qigong sessions at Kriya Yoga Meditation retreats.
Good Friday Service
Our Good Friday Service will be at 2 pm on April 18.
The temple will be open for silent meditation beginning at noon, and the service will start at 2.
During this service, we meditate on the Passion of Jesus, honor the cross by kneeling before it if we choose, hear reflections from Isha Das, and hold the suffering of Jesus and the whole world in prayer. Please join us.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Holy Thursday Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Saturday Evening Prayer and Potluck (April)
Join this warm smaller community for evening prayer (5 - 5:30), and then enjoy a vegetarian potluck dinner and conversation. Most months, there will be an additional activity to enjoy. This is a great way to get to know us! If you have questions, please email Muktima here.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Women’s Satsang with Shantima (April Theme: Teresa of Avila)
Our beloved Swami Shantima brings us her rich spirituality, decades of teaching experience, and knowledge of mysticism each month at Women’s Satsang. During the gathering, Shantima shares her special love and understanding of a woman’s spiritual journey along with meditation and a sacred ritual. Join her and a welcoming group of women for connection and wisdom in our temple.
Spiritual Practice for Men (April Theme: Science Meets Spirit)
Herb Tierney’s class includes teaching, meditation, and discussion. All men are welcome!
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
A Weekend with Asha: Discovering God in Everyday Life.
We are thrilled to welcome Asha to the Assisi Institute for our spring weekend retreat, March 28 - 30. Because she seldom visits the east coast, this is a rare opportunity to experience Asha’s joyful presence and profound yet practical teachings. Her deep love of her teacher, Swami Kriyananda, and her guru, Yogananda, are part of everything she does.
Asha came to the Kriya Yoga tradition through Yogananda's direct disciple Kriyananda as a college student at Stanford in 1969. As one of the founding members of the Ananda community in Palo Alto, she served as counselor, teacher, and secretary to Swami Kriyananda.
Today, people around the world grow spiritually through her videos, live appearances, recordings, and books. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with her work!
Asha's warm and clear teaching may begin with a general topic or question, yet her answers encompass so much more. Her inspired, in-the-moment responses keep her audience attentive and receptive, as she answers questions like…
How can I overcome negative thoughts?
How do I not take things personally?
How can I cope with family members who do not understand my spiritual path?
Do I need to worry about karma?
What is the most important thing I need to remember in my spiritual life?
Food and Refreshments
All retreatants are welcome for tea, coffee, and snacks in our fellowship room throughout the retreat.
Lunch and dinner are not provided, but there will be ample time to go out. All are invited to use our spacious living room and to enjoy browsing in our Blessing Shop.
“You can’t always choose your circumstances, but you can choose your consciousness.”
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service with Asha
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Spiritual Book Circle (March)
On the fourth Monday of the month, community members enjoy a time of quiet, meaningful conversation on Zoom. After a few moments of silence, we take turns sharing our thoughts and experiences and then responding to each other. We are basing our time together on the book The Wisdom of No Escape by Pema Chodron. We read a few short chapters ahead of time each month.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Love & Labor
Come join us for a morning of community and fun on March 22 as we prepare our home for Asha's retreat. We will meditate for about half an hour at 9 am, and then get to work until about noon or as long as you can stay.
This is a great way to get to know our building and each other! No need to register; just come with your hands and heart. We will supply all necessary supplies.
See you there!
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Saturday Evening Prayer and Potluck (March)
Join this warm smaller community for evening prayer (5 - 5:30), and then enjoy a vegetarian potluck dinner and conversation. Most months, there will be an additional activity to enjoy. This is a great way to get to know us! If you have questions, please email Muktima here.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Thursday Kriya Yoga Service
Our Kriya service features prayer which includes the saints and sages of all traditions, readings from Paramahansa Yogananda and the Bible, a time of guided and silent meditation, and an inspiring talk.
Rosary and Reflection
Join this friendly small group for a one-decade rosary, a brief spiritual reading and shared thoughts, followed by Yogananda's Healing Prayers - all in 30 minutes!
Women’s Satsang with Shantima (March Theme: Power & Grace, The Art of Hilma af Klint)
Our beloved Swami Shantima brings us her rich spirituality, decades of teaching experience, and knowledge of mysticism each month at Women’s Satsang. During the gathering, Shantima shares her special love and understanding of a woman’s spiritual journey along with meditation and a sacred ritual. Join her and a welcoming group of women for connection and wisdom in our temple.