Upcoming Events
All 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.
Friday Lakshmi and Divine Mercy
Fridays at noon we engage in three powerful devotional traditions, two from the East and one from the West.
Discipleship Group: First Community Meeting
Isha Das invites all initiated Kriyabans who feel called to participate in the re-established Discipleship Group to join us for the first of three community meetings this academic year.
This meeting will include a simple, prayerful ceremony to establish our intention to participate in Discipleship over the coming year. It is a time of prayerful meditation, reflection on the deeper dimensions of our Kriya teachings, and heartfelt conversation about the health, growth, and future of the Assisi Institute.
About the Discipleship Group
The Discipleship Group is open to all initiated Kriyabans who wish to go deeper into the teachings of our Gurus and who are committed to supporting the mission of The Assisi Institute. It reflects the ongoing movement away from a congregational model centered on one leader and toward a more deeply rooted community model, in which the long-term vitality of the mission is entrusted to committed Kriyabans under the leadership of an inspired teacher.
What Discipleship Includes
Attendance at three community meetings each year, along with participation in the summer retreat. Please be sure you can attend these meetings before committing to Discipleship.
A commitment to service: offering time and energy in a consistent way through ministry, building maintenance, or other support of the mission, serving as a conduit for the Guru’s grace.
A commitment to financial support through a pledge to the Assisi Institute.
This Year’s Meetings
Saturday, October 31, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Saturday, January 23, 2027, 9:00 a.m. to noon (updated from the original time)
Saturday, March 20, 2027, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Kriyabans who live outside the Rochester area are not required to attend in person. You are with us in spirit always, and you are most welcome to travel and stay with us if that works for you.
Questions?
Please contact Isha Das at bullyoga@icloud.com. If you are an initiated Kriyaban who did not receive the original letter sent August 20, please let Mary know at assisi.marymcfee@gmail.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.
Women’s Satsang with Shantima (November: Our Divine Mothers)
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 with Herb
Herb Tierney’s class includes teaching, meditation, and discussion. All men are welcome!
Cookies and Compline
Join Mary McFee at her home at 7:00 pm for cookies and conversation. At 8:00 we will carpool to Christ Church (downtown) and settle into the silence. At 9:00 pm, Schola Cantorum, comprised of Eastman School students and faculty, will sing the night-time prayer service of compline. The service ends by 9:30. If you like heavenly voices in a contemplative setting, this can be the perfect end to your day. Please email Mary (assisi.marymcfee@gmail.com) for more information or to RSVP.
Donations accepted at the church.
Limited to 10 people.
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.
A Sacred Milestone: An Evening Of Gratitude
On November 14th at 6 pm, gather with us for an evening of thanksgiving as we celebrate the milestone of paying off our mortgage. What we have attained through the generosity of your time, talent and treasure is more than a place; it is a living expression of faith, devotion, and love!
During this evening together, we will enjoy meditation, a reflection from Isha Das, a picture show on the history of the Assisi Institute, and a mortgage burning ceremony. Following, you will also have an opportunity to inquire and learn more about our Endowment Fund Campaign. We will end with refreshments and conversation. Please join us!
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.
Spiritual Book Circle (October 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.
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!
Saturday Evening Prayer and Potluck (October 2026)
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.
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!
Cookies and Compline
Join Mary McFee at her home at 7:00 pm for cookies and conversation. At 8:00 we will carpool to Christ Church (downtown) and settle into the silence. At 9:00 pm, Schola Cantorum, comprised of Eastman School students and faculty, will sing the night-time prayer service of compline. The service ends by 9:30. If you like heavenly voices in a contemplative setting, this can be the perfect end to your day. Please email Mary (assisi.marymcfee@gmail.com) for more information or to RSVP.
Donations accepted at the church.
Limited to 10 people.
Invoking the Goddess: A Sacred Chant Concert
Invoking the Goddess: Sacred Chant Concert with Sheela Bringi & Elden Kelly
Join us for an evening of sacred music and chanting in celebration of the Goddess, right before Navarātri — the nine nights in celebration of Her. Leading the music are two renowned touring musicians: rāga harpist, vocalist, and bansuri flautist Sheela Bringi and world-fusion guitar virtuoso Elden Kelly, who bring both deep skill and heart to every note.
The evening moves through meditative call-and-response chant (kīrtan), sublime North Indian musical modes (rāga), and songs in Indian languages in praise of the Goddess. A pioneer of the "rāga harp," Sheela accompanies her own voice on a 36-string harp tuned to rāgas. Her Hindustani-inflected vocals and bansuri flute— shaped by her training under bansuri legend G.S. Sachdev — meet Elden's guitar playing, which draws on flamenco, jazz, blues, and Indian traditions.
Together, Sheela and Elden bridge East and West in an offering to the Goddess.
Sheela Bringi — voice, rāga harp, bansuri flute, harmonium
Elden Kelly — fretted & fretless guitar
"...a captivating synthesis of East and West with Sheela’s exceptional voice soaring above all else. Sublime!" - Light of Consciousness Magazine
"Sheela Bringi...conveying her deep spiritual love in a way that even the most secular listener can relate to." - Yoga Journal
"His illuminated guitar playing, hauntingly pure singing, and expansive songwriting are all on the same quest of metaphysical discovery, in which he includes us, the lucky listeners." — Dominique Eade
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!
An Evening with St. Francis
Join us for a special evening honoring the spirit of St. Francis as we gather in the days surrounding his feast day. The evening will open with a meditation, followed by a Francis-centered talk from Isha Das. We will then witness a sacred moment in the life of our community as several members take their swami vows. The evening will close with fellowship and refreshments.
Whether you've been part of the Assisi community for years or are just discovering it, all are welcome. Come as you are.
Women’s Satsang with Shantima (October: Exploring The Vessel of Kindness)
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.
Spiritual Book Circle (September 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.
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!
Saturday Evening Prayer and Potluck (September 2026)
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.
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!