Initiation Program

KRIYA YOGA: A PATH TO SELF-REALIZATION

Kriya Yoga is a simple, yet profoundly powerful and scientific form of meditation that accelerates self-realization. Our teachings are rooted in an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters, ensuring the authenticity of the practice. 

Kriya Yoga is a non-sectarian practice that requires no painful austerities and is suitable for laypeople in modern daily life. This practice is non-denominational and can be followed by people of any religious background to deepen their connection with God. The fruits of this practice—calmness, peace, joy, love, and compassion—are available to all who practice with sincerity and humility.

INITIATION EVENT DETAILS

• Date(s): Public lecture on July 31st followed by the initiation program on August 1st and 2nd, 2026.
  
• Venue: Mountain View De Anza Masonic Lodge, 890 Church St, Mountain View, CA 94041
• Registration: Please register by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.

EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday, July 31, 2026
7:00 - 8:15 pm: Public Talk/Q&A
Topic: To Be Announced

Saturday, August 1, 2026
08:30 am – 09:00 am: Registration
09:00 am – 12:00 pm: Kriya Yoga Initiation
12.00 pm – 02:00 pm: * Vegetarian Lunch/ Book Sale
02:00 pm – 04:00 pm: Technique Class
04.00 pm – 04:15 pm: Break
04.15 pm – 05:30 pm: Guided Meditation

Sunday, August 2, 2026
08:30 am – 10:30 am: Technique Review
10:30 am – 10:45 am: Break
10:45 am – 12:00 pm: Guided Meditation
12.00 pm – 01:00 pm: * Vegetarian Lunch/ Book Sale
01.30 pm – 02.30 pm: Q&A Session
02:30 am – 03:00 am: Break
03.00 pm – 04.00 pm: Guided Meditation

* A simple vegetarian lunch will be provided on Saturday and Sunday. For those with dietary restrictions or food allergies, please bring your own lunch.

WHAT TO BRING TO THE INITIATION EVENT

During the ceremony, the seeker presents certain symbolic offerings to God and the Gurus. Please review this list carefully and bring all items with you on Saturday morning. 

1. Five Flowers: A variety or five of the same kind; these represent the five senses.
2. One Long-Stemmed Red Rose: In addition to the 5 flowers mentioned above, please bring a red rose. This is blessed during the ceremony and returned to you.
3. Five Fruits: A variety or five of the same kind; these represent the fruits of one’s life actions.
4. A one-time Financial Offering of $200: This represents the offering of the causal, astral, and gross bodies.
   • Payment methods: Cash, Check (payable to "Kriya Yoga Institute"), or Zelle. If paying by Check or Zelle, please also bring a physical $1 bill to include in the traditional offering ceremony.
   • As a volunteer-run non-profit, all offerings directly support Kriya yoga events, including venue rentals, teacher travel arrangements, and the expansion of Kriya programs.
5. Yoga Mat & Cushion: While chairs are available, certain practices are best done on the floor. Please bring a mat and/or a cushion (or "back-jack") for your comfort.
6. Notepad & Pen: We encourage you to take notes throughout the session.

TEACHERS

For an authentic initiation into this lineage, direct transmission is required—it must be received from our current guru Paramahamsa Prajnanananda or one of his authorized Yogacharyas. This upcoming initiation event is a rare opportunity to receive the technique and teachings from two highly experienced teachers:

• Swami Atmavidyananda Giri: A senior ordained monk with over two decades of experience in guiding and initiating Kriya practitioners.
• Yogacharya Kaushal Gokli: Initiated in 1992, he has dedicated decades to leading Kriya centers and helping individuals on their Kriya journey.

Please contact saratoga-ca@kriya.org or one of the contacts listed below if you have questions or need assistance.