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.
Spring Retreat 2026: Making Contact
Making Contact: The Art, Science, and Spirituality of Meditation as Taught by Paramahansa Yogananda and the Christian Mystics
March 21, 2026, 10 am to 3 pm
We live in an age of anxiety: Change is occurring at the speed of light, divisiveness rules the day, and violence of all kinds confronts us daily.
We all desire to be centered in what is solid and lasting, and we all aspire to live lives that are meaningful, peaceful and joyful. We also long to live from a place of conscious contact with God, our Creator. For this reason, a meditation practice, rooted in the ancient wisdom of our ancestors and verified by modern science, is crucial to our sanity, our health, and our spiritual evolution. Truly, meditation is life changing.
In this spirit, I warmly invite you to join me at The Assisi Institute for our Spring Equinox Retreat on March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
During this time, we will come together in our sacred temple, guided by the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and the Christian mystical tradition. Participants will maintain silence throughout the retreat in order to deepen their meditative experience. The day will include teaching and group meditations as well as time for private meditation and journaling.
Together, we will learn:
…that if you can breathe, you can meditate
…the scientifically proven, positive effects of a mediation practice
…how meditation integrates the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of our humanity
…simple, effective meditation techniques appropriate for everyone, including mantras from the Yogic, Christian, and Jewish traditions including OM and Hung Sau.
…an introduction to Centering Prayer
…how meditation will bring us into conscious contact with God and open us to divine guidance and protection
We are also very pleased to offer optional, additional support. Johnny Gallus, a teacher at The Assisi Institute, will offer a follow-up Zoom session to answer questions and offer helpful suggestions to deepen your meditation practice. The date for this Zoom session will be announced at the retreat.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned meditator, we are confident this course will be a blessing to you. If you are interested in being initiated into Kriya Yoga at a later date, this process will help to prepare you for that auspicious event.
Details:
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 10 am to 3 pm (Lunch, 12 - 1 pm)
Lunch: Please bring your own vegetarian lunch. We have a refrigerator and a microwave for your use. We will provide a snack table with coffee and tea throughout the day.
Cost: This retreat will be donation-based, with a suggested donation of $100. You may donate ahead of time here OR on the day of the retreat.
*There will be no remote participation for this day; however, the recording will be available for a donation as part of another online class later this year.
Please join us for what promises to be a hopeful, stimulating, and deeply enjoyable experience. We look forward to welcoming you!
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!
Kirtan with Bruce McLellan and Friends
If you would like to extend your equinox day, join us for Kirtan with Bruce McLellan and Friends at 7 pm after our evening prayer and Vegetarian Potluck.
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 (March 2026)
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.
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.
Lent at Assisi (Ends)
As we approach the season of Lent, you are invited into a shared time of reflection, simplicity, and renewal. This year, the Assisi Institute community will be observing a once-weekly Lenten fast on the six Fridays of the Lenten season—February 20 and 27, and March 6, 13, 20, and 27. We hope you will join us in whatever ways are right for you!
The theme for this year’s fast will be forgiveness - forgiveness of self and others.
Each week, we will take up this practice together through whatever form of fasting feels sincere and sustainable: from non-essential food, from distractions, from habits that keep the heart burdened, and/or from ways of thinking that no longer serve us. We will look for opportunities to make amends with those we may have difficulties with and we will walk together towards peace.
Friday's Living Grace will focus on this topic throughout Lent. If you would like to receive these Friday messages in your email, sign up for Living Grace here. The messages will also appear on The Assisi Institute Facebook page. Supplemental encouragement will also be posted on the Friends Who Like Assisi Institute Facebook page. You are welcome to share your experiences there. This fast is open to all who feel called to participate.
We hope you will join us!
With our love,
Swami Dayamananda and Johnny Gallus
For more information, please email Johnny at jpgallus@gmail.com.
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 (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.
Good Friday Service
Our Good Friday Service will be at 2 pm on April 3. The temple will be open for silent meditation beginning at noon, and the service will start at 2. During this service, Isha Das will invite us on a journey into the Easter story. Please join us.
Women’s Satsang with Shantima (April: The Games Are Up!)
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: A Day in the Spiritual Life)
Herb Tierney’s class includes teaching, meditation, and discussion. All men are welcome!
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.
A Weekend with Asha: Liberating Attitudes for Success on the Spiritual Path
A year ago, we welcomed Asha and members of the Ananda community to Assisi for a rare East Coast visit. It was a weekend of love, joy, learning, and connection. We are thrilled to welcome Asha back this year! She brings us her profound yet practical teaching, her deep love of her teacher, Swami Kriyananda, and her guru Yogananda, and her joyful presence.
People around the world grow spiritually through Asha's videos, live appearances, and books. A very large component of Asha's teaching is the question-and-answer segments at the end of each presentation. She offers wisdom that is personal, practical, and helpful for everyone. Each presentation also includes music and meditation. We encourage you to get to know her online and through her website, ashajoy.org.
See the photos from our 2025 Weekend with Asha here.
This year's weekend retreat is entitled Liberating Attitudes for Success on the Spiritual Path. Asha explains, "Attitude is the single most important thing you have to develop on the spiritual path. No matter how many practices you do, if you don't have the right attitudes, those practices won't give you the results you are looking for."
All are welcome to join us!
The daily schedule for the weekend is as follows (end times may vary):
*Friday evening, April 10, 7 to 9 pm.
*Saturday morning, April 11, 10 - noon
* Lunch break 12 - 2 pm (Bring a lunch or go out)
* Saturday afternoon, 2 - 4 pm
* Saturday Evening, (a dialogue with Asha and Isha Das) 7 - 9 pm
* Sunday morning, April 12, 10 - noon
Accommodations for our out-of-town guests:
Unfortunately, all rooms at The Assisi Institute are spoken for. Knowing that hotel prices can be exorbitant, we encourage everyone to search for options early.
Meals:
All retreatants are welcome for tea, coffee, and snacks in our fellowship room throughout the weekend. Saturday lunch and dinner are not provided, but there will be ample time to go out or to bring your own (vegetarian only). A microwave and refrigerator are available for your use. All are invited to use our spacious living room and to enjoy browsing in our Blessing Shop.
Cost:
This special weekend is donation-funded. At the time of the retreat, we ask you to be as generous as you can.
Sign Up:
Because Asha seldom comes to the East Coast, we expect many visitors. Our capacity is limited, so you will want to sign up immediately.
To guarantee your seat, please complete BOTH of the following steps:
We look forward to another weekend enjoying the rare opportunity to welcome Asha to the east coast and our spiritual home.
“You can’t always choose your circumstances, but you can choose your consciousness.”
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!
Spiritual Book Circle (April 2026)
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.
A Morning for Initiated Kriyabans
Please join us for an uplifting, in-person morning in our temple. Isha Das will lead us in meditation, and there will be teaching, support, and time for sharing.
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!
Spiritual Practice for Men (March: A Day in the Spiritual Life)
Herb Tierney’s class includes teaching, meditation, and discussion. All men are welcome!
Women’s Satsang with Shantima (March: Let go and let God)
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.
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.
Spiritual Book Circle (February)
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.
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 (February)
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!
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Lent at Assisi (Begins)
As we approach the season of Lent, you are invited into a shared time of reflection, simplicity, and renewal. This year, the Assisi Institute community will be observing a once-weekly Lenten fast on the six Fridays of the Lenten season—February 20 and 27, and March 6, 13, 20, and 27. We hope you will join us in whatever ways are right for you!
The theme for this year’s fast will be forgiveness - forgiveness of self and others.
Each week, we will take up this practice together through whatever form of fasting feels sincere and sustainable: from non-essential food, from distractions, from habits that keep the heart burdened, and/or from ways of thinking that no longer serve us. We will look for opportunities to make amends with those we may have difficulties with and we will walk together towards peace.
Friday's Living Grace will focus on this topic throughout Lent. If you would like to receive these Friday messages in your email, sign up for Living Grace here. The messages will also appear on The Assisi Institute Facebook page. Supplemental encouragement will also be posted on the Friends Who Like Assisi Institute Facebook page. You are welcome to share your experiences there. This fast is open to all who feel called to participate.
We hope you will join us!
With our love,
Swami Dayamananda and Johnny Gallus
For more information, please email Johnny at jpgallus@gmail.com.
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.
Ash Wednesday Service
Join us to begin the holy season of Lent tomorrow evening at 6 pm. Our short (35 minutes) service will include a brief talk from Isha Das, prayer, music, and the tradition of ashes.
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!
Tommy and Charu: A Night of Love (SOLD OUT)
SOLD OUT
We were thrilled when our good friend Tommy Gravino appeared at Carnegie Hall this year with Charu Suri. Now Tommy is generously bringing Charu and other musicians to our spiritual home for a memorable concert of world-class music, with a warm-up by Megan Hook and Bruce McClellan.
CHARU is a pianist and composer who has brought Indian classical music into her work, featuring pieces designed to complement different emotions and different times of day. She has appeared at Carnegie Hall five times and plays for sold-out audiences worldwide. Charu has been nominated for a Grammy in 2026! The winners will be announced February 1, just before she arrives to be with us.
This concert is sure to bring many visitors to our doors, so plan to get your tickets early! This evening would make a perfect Valentine's outing. Tickets will also be available at the door until we sell out.
There will also be a reception following the concert.
Visit Charu's website here to learn more about her.
There will be no paper or electronic tickets, but we will check ticket holders in at the door.
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.
Spiritual Book Circle (January)
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.
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.