Being and Living a Seeker’s life

Being and Living a Seeker’s Life


Meditation is Self-Experimentation
(Paramahamsa Hariharananda)

Objective       
The program will provide an understanding of a spiritual life that is dedicated to God and Gurus, while living in an ashram. The attendees will explore, experiment, and experience the life of a spiritual seeker through practical, dynamic, and joyful living through the teachings of the Kriya Gurus. The program will facilitate self-transformation through the integration of Sadhana (meditation, spiritual practice), Svadhyaya (scriptural study, self-analysis, and debate), and Seva (joyful dedicated service). The ideals of Sangha (spiritual togetherness) will bring strength to the individual spiritual journey along with universal spiritual upliftment.

Shri Guruji Paramahamsa Prajnanananda ji emphasizes a spiritual life that is saturated with joy and manifesting abundant love. The meditations, daily schedule, classes, discussions, and other activities will focus on the teachings to experiment and experience a life of joy and love.

Program Dates             
July 1, 2024, to July 30, 2024 (30 Days).

Who can attend
Unmarried male preferably between 18-45 years who can attend the whole session as a resident. It is by application only. Once applied there will be a telephonic interview by one of our monks for approval. Applicants above the age range should contact us directly for consideration. (Note : There will be a similar program offered for women in the future). 

Nominal Cost for the whole session
$480/per person. Scholarship available on request. Due at the time of arrival.

Blessings, guidance, and Q&A Classes by Shree Guruji Paramahamsa Prajnanananda ji (through zoom)

Teachers       
Swami Atmavidyananda, Swami Chidrupananda, Swami Vairagyananda, and Swami Sahajananda

Location         -           Kriya Vedanta Gurukulam – Temple of Harmony, 3400 Earl Drive, Joliet, IL 60431

Important Information
We have limited accomodation at the ashram for this program. The applications would be considered by first come first served basis. 

Apply online
https://forms.gle/TVTjv2AS85ndTAtt5


Contact person
Swami Sahajananda & Swami Vairagyananda
Phone - (815) 267-8977 (WhatsApp enabled)
email - templeofharmony@kriya.org

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Summary of Activities

Daily Schedule
05:30 am - Yogasana (30 mins)
06:00 am - Group Guided Meditation (1.30 hrs.)
07:45 am - Breakfast, Cleanup
08:30 am - Group Study
09:00 am - Session – 1 (1 hr.)
10:00 am - Seva/Chores/Kitchen etc.
11:30 am - Group Meditation (1 hr. not guided)
12:45 pm - Lunch
03:00 pm - Group Study
03:30 pm - Session – 2 (1 hr.)
04:30 pm - Seva/Chores/Afternoon Walk (1.5 hrs.)
06:00 pm - Group Guided Meditation (1.30 hrs.)
07:45 pm - Dinner
08:30 pm - Evening kirtan, prayers
09:00 pm - Rest/Lights off.

Svadhyaya (study, reflection) : 
1. Life and teachings of Masters 
2. Principles and practice of Yoga, Kriya Yoga 
3. Simple concepts of Vedanta 
4. Concepts of Rituals (Puja, Yajna) 
5. Bible from a Yogic point of view 
6. Integrated Yogic living in the ashram or otherwise.
7. Spiritual texts: Bhaja Govindam and Vairagya shatakam (summarized)
8. 20 Qualities of a spiritual seeker :: Bhagavad Gita (13. 7 – 11) (Group Discussion)

Sadhana (Guided Meditation, Long Meditation, Silence and Breath awareness)
1. Guided meditation in the morning and evening
2. Self-guided meditation in the afternoon with supervision 
3. Long meditation sessions with supervision once a week (3 hrs.)
4. Silence and breath awareness 

Seva (joyful work with divine attitude)
1. Daily group chores (cooking, cleaning)
2. Seva in the ashram property and garden
3. Miscellaneous seva in the ashram

Sangha (spiritual fellowship)
1. Daily walks & Hatha Yoga
2. Videos/Media (Movies on St. Francis, St. Joseph, and Adi Shankara)
3. Group Discussion/Fire side chats/Kirtans
4. Day hikes Wednesdays (once in two weeks)