Upcoming Events

All are welcome

Women’s Satsang with Shantima (May: Seeing with the Heart)
May
2
The Assisi Institute

Women’s Satsang with Shantima (May: Seeing with the Heart)

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.

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A Morning for Initiated Kriyabans
Jun
13

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. 

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An Afternoon and Evening with Bob Sima
Jun
20

An Afternoon and Evening with Bob Sima

Bob is so honored to return to The Assisi Institute!

This year, Bob brings us a workshop from 10 am to noon (vegetarian potluck to follow), 1:1 sessions with Bob from 1 to 6 pm, and a concert from 7 to 9 pm.

WORKSHOP: The Sacred Masculine Activation from 10am to 12pm

This immersive 2-hour workshop for men and women is a guided journey through the four primary masculine archetypes: King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover. The workshop will include a blend of live music, breathwork, mantra, and meditative/shamanic journeying.

For Men:

Reclaim grounded, integrated masculine power. Learn to lead with clarity, act with purpose, feel without shutting down, and hold unfragmented strength. Connect the head, heart, and gut.

For Women:

Restore balance with the masculine within. Cultivate healthy boundaries, clear direction, and inner stability and deepen trust, receptivity, and connection in relationships. Step into a powerful experience where these ancient archetypes are no longer ideas but living forces awakened within you.

A-TUNE-MENT SESSIONS WITH BOB: Bob will offer 5 one-on-one A-Tune-Ment Sessions following the workshop. His sessions offer a blend of coaching, reflection, guidance, meditation, and live music. When the talking ends, Bob selects 2-3 of his original songs to anchor your discoveries. Close your eyes, go inward, and allow the session to alchemize while the songs take you from your head to your heart for lasting healing.

CONCERT: Consciousness in Concert from 7 to 9pm

About Bob:

Bob Sima is a singer-songwriter, transformational musician, awareness coach, and experiential facilitator. He is the creator of the Song of Your Soul Method(™), where he works 1:1 to write soul-specific songs for individuals and groups.

Advance Workshop ONLY: $30 ($35 at the door)

Advance Concert ONLY: $30 ($35 at the door)

Advance BOTH Workshop AND Concert (single ticket): $50 ($70 at the door)

50-min Session with Bob: $150 (only 5 sessions available!)

*Session Bundle* when paired with any other registration: $100

**Ticket sales end at 9pm on 19 Jun**

Register online here.

*PLEASE TYPE YOUR EMAIL CORRECTLY when purchasing your advance ticket. The physical address, parking info, please bring items, and additional information will be included in your confirmation email. PLEASE PLEASE SAVE your original confirmation email. You do not need any digital confirmation at the door; your name will be on the will call list for check in.

Additional information at: https://www.WhereTheLightGetsIn.Us

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Toothpick World Open House
Jun
20

Toothpick World Open House

Come meet Stan the Toothpick Man at The Assisi Institute and see his latest toothpick displays, which include 88 structures from across the world built to the same 1:164 scale. Compare architectural styles of famous cathedrals, mosques, and temples from all different faith traditions. Also see iconic structures including the Roman Colosseum, the Titanic, the Empire State Building and many more. 

Prizes will be offered, and refreshments will be available. Even try "bending" toothpicks. This event is recommended for ages 12 and up. This open house is free, and donations are appreciated.

Please register here so that we know how many to expect. 

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2026 Assisi Institute Summer Immersion Retreat
Jul
20
to Jul 24

2026 Assisi Institute Summer Immersion Retreat

From Shifting Sands to Sacred Ground: The Path of Kriya Yoga and Mystical Christianity

With each new wave of current events, we feel the sand shifting beneath our feet. Our institutions no longer seem trustworthy, and our traditional religious structures can leave us feeling hollow. Yet the Divine has not left us helpless. The ancient traditions of Kriya Yoga and mystical Christianity offer an unshakeable rock upon which to build our lives — empowering us to draw on the wisdom and strength of God percolating in the depths of our souls, so that we may live with peace, joy, and love.

You are warmly invited to join us for our summer immersion retreat, July 20–24. This year, we will also be integrating teaching from the mystical Christian tradition. Over these five days, we will meditate together, learn from our spiritual leaders, and experience the grace of sacred community. There will be inspired talks, group meditation, chanting, yoga, and a joyous kirtan. Kriya Yoga initiation will also be offered during the retreat. Please join us for what promises to be a week of healing, growth, and transformation.

Date: July 20 - 24, 2026

Location: The Assisi Institute in Rochester, NY

Cost: This retreat is offered on a donation basis. Donations will be accepted at the time of the retreat.

Registration: Registration is open. To reserve your seat, please fill out this form no later than July 1. More information will be sent when registration has been completed.

Meals: Coffee, tea, and snacks are available throughout the day. No meals will be provided; participants will be given ample time to find lunches and/or dinners off-campus. For those who stay with us or bring food to the Assisi Institute, please note that we are strictly vegetarian. Refrigerator space and a microwave are available. 

Areas of Focus:

*How Kriya Yoga works to heal and transform our biological and spiritual (chakra) nervous systems, readying us for higher states of consciousness. 

* How a spiritual path, especially in the context of Kriya Yoga and mystical Christianity, builds resiliency, empowering us to meet life’s challenges with creativity and wisdom. 

*How healthy spirituality works to help heal us from our deeply-held pain and trauma. 

* How to deepen our day-to-day attunement with Christ and the gurus of our lineage.

* Different ways of being a yogi in the modern world.

Teacher Bios

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 Nirvananda:

Internationally-known musical and spiritual recording artist Swami Nirvanananda Saraswati will be joining us in person to teach and to share his soul-touching music. 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.

Barbara Zanella: 

Barbara is the co-founder of the Centro Kriya Yoga Stella (kriyayogastella.org), which she has been running with her partner Claudio since 2005. She began her journey with Kriya Yoga in 2000 and was initiated in 2004 by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda. Since 2000, she has been deeply devoted to this path, which has profoundly transformed her life. Passionate about personal growth, she has trained in various fields, including holistic health, communication, and counseling. She integrates these skills into an approach that blends well-being and spirituality within the Center. Together with her partner, she organizes monthly satsangs, meditation sessions, and residential retreats

Christianne Asper-Contant:

Christianne Asper-Contant (CAS, E-RYT 500) is the Director of the Yoga Program at the Assisi Institute and a Clinical Ayurveda Specialist who has been studying and teaching the wisdom sister sciences for over 20 years. Her path includes dedicated study and practice in yoga, Ayurveda, and Kriya Yoga, which have profoundly shaped both her personal life and her approach to teaching. Rooted in these traditions, her work integrates spiritual understanding with practical application in daily life. Through her teaching, she offers a practical framework for recognizing the signals of the body and responding with simple, embodied shifts that support balance, clarity, and a deeper connection to the body’s natural rhythm.She leads classes, workshops, and programs that support this process of reconnection.

For any questions, email Mary at assisi.marymcfee@gmail.com

To reserve your seat, please fill out this form

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid." Jesus

"To reestablish God in the temples of souls through revival of the original teachings of God-communion as propounded by Christ and Krishna is why I was sent to the West." Yogananda

"Babaji is ever in communion with Christ; together they send our vibrations of redemption and have planned the spiritual technique of salvation for this age." Yogananda

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A Weekend with Asha: Liberating Attitudes for Success on the Spiritual Path
Apr
10
to Apr 12

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:

  1. Pay the $10 registration fee here.

  2. Fill out the registration form here.

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.”
— Asha
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Women’s Satsang with Shantima (April: The Games Are Up!)
Apr
4
The Assisi Institute

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.

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Good Friday Service
Apr
3

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. 

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Lent at Assisi (Ends)
Mar
27

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. 

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Spring Retreat 2026: Making Contact
Mar
21

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.

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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! 

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