Seminary Training Program
Are you called to the life of service? Are you called to the life of ministry as a swami (ordained yogic priest)? The call to the ministry is a high, noble and holy calling. The Divine calls you to this exalted office. As the call comes, the heart of the messenger readily responds. If these words ring true in your heart, the Temple of Kriya Seminary may be the next step upon your path.
The Seminary was founded by Sri Goswami Kriyananda in the 1970’s for the purpose of training and ordaining yogic swamis (priests). Today, there are swamis serving throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe, United Kingdom, the Scandinavian Countries and Australia. Each swami remains independent after ordination, seeking out direction from the Divine on how best to share the teachings and minister within their community.
Seminarians are trained to develop and strengthen their daily practice of meditation and prayer; to gain a solid understanding of Kriya Yoga, eastern thought, dreams, symbolism, mantra, comparative theologies and ritual.
The program is comprised of eight quarters of online home study. The lessons vary in length for listening and for the required studying. All homework is submitted online via the Temple’s on-line learning portal. A final project (paper or oral presentation) focusing on an aspect of eastern thought is required.
A final oral exam with the Seminary committee is required at the conclusion of written studies. The exam covers all major aspects of seminary studies. Preparation for the exam is supported with individual support by a swami.
The Temple of Kriya Seminary is a non-accredited theological school directed by the Temple of Kriya Yoga, a not-for-profit religious educational organization.
Registration is open year around. The course begins on every 1st of every month.
You may register at any time.
The Kriya Yoga Seminary is a non-accredited theological school directed by the Temple of Kriya Yoga, a not-for-profit religious educational organization.
The Kriya Yoga Seminary was developed Sri Goswami Kriyananda, and is comprised of eight quarters of online home study. The lessons vary in length for listening and for the required studying. Each student studies in a different manner, thus the amount of time spent on Seminary studies will vary. All homework is submitted online and students may communicate with their classmates via e-mail. Individual support is provided throughout your studies.
The Seminary program includes:
Personal Sadhana: An integral aspect of studies that lays the foundation for your life as a Swami. You will learn mystical techniques and practices to support your meditative prayer practice.
Course Logistics: Digital audio class recordings accessed via our on-line learning management system.
Assignments submitted and graded online.
Feedback: You will have regular communication with an ordained swami to answer your questions/provide you feedback. This occurs during the monthly calls as well as through individual communications.
Monthly Zoom Gatherings: Monthly calls are held on the Fourth Sunday of each month beginning at 1:30 p.m Central. Seminarians are expected to participate in these calls. These calls allow opportunity for questions, as well as group discussion on spiritual teachings. The calls are recorded and available for further study.
Participation in Monthly Rituals: Seminarians are invited to attend rituals offered by the swamis of the Temple. One ritual offered monthly is the death rebirth ritual to bless all souls who have departed the previous month.
Retreats: As of 2023, Virtual Retreats are held in the spring and fall of each year. Dates are announced to seminarians 60 days prior to the retreat dates. To accommodate our international student body, retreat times may be altered. If an in-person retreat is offered there will be a supplemental fee which will be announced at the time of the retreat.
Textbook costs are not included in the course love offering.
Please Download Required Books List for the Seminary Program
Some topics included in the Kriya Yoga Seminary curriculum:
Kriya yoga philosophy
The laws of karma
Meditation
Hatha yoga
Astrology
The language of symbols
Dreams
The Bhagavad Gita
Yoga Sutras
The Upanishads
Communication and teaching arts
Karma yoga/spiritual service
World religions
Rituals Pastoral care/spiritual guidance
Application Process
To enter the program, you must submit your application with the $25 application fee. Your application will be reviewed by the Seminary Committee. A zoom/phone interview will be held with the Seminary Director as a part of the application process.
In addition to the digital application below, please submit a handwritten letter describing yourself and why you wish to join the Seminary. The letter may be digitized and submitted via email to [email protected]. The letter must be submitted concurrently with your application fee and digital application.
Purchase Now
Purchase in 4 equal installments or add all 4 parts to your cart and receive the discounted price of $3,000.
 | The Kriya Yoga Seminary was developed Sri Goswami Kriyananda, and is comprised of eight quarters of online home study. The lessons vary in length for listening and for the required studying. [More] | |
| The Kriya Yoga Seminary was developed Sri Goswami Kriyananda, and is comprised of eight quarters of online home study. The lessons vary in length for listening and for the required studying. [More] | |
| The Kriya Yoga Seminary was developed Sri Goswami Kriyananda, and is comprised of eight quarters of online home study. The lessons vary in length for listening and for the required studying. [More] | |
| The Kriya Yoga Seminary was developed Sri Goswami Kriyananda, and is comprised of eight quarters of online home study. The lessons vary in length for listening and for the required studying. [More] |
Retreats
Participation in a retreat is required for the program.
Note: The retreat dates may be subject to change
Participation in a retreat is required for the program.
This years retreats have been scheduled for May 28-31 and November 12-15.
Love offering for in person retreat is: $450.00 per person.
Love offering for virtual retreat is: $200
Retreats
Participation in a retreat is required for the program.
Note: The retreat dates may be subject to change
Participation in a retreat is required for the program.
This years retreats have been scheduled for May 28-31 and November 12-15.
Love offering for in person retreat is: $450.00 per person.
All retreats begin on Thursday evening and conclude prior to noon on Sunday. If held during the week the same pattern is followed.
Click HERE to learn more about the Retreats.
Virtual Retreats
Students are responsible for obtaining course books. All students receive a 20% discount on Temple published books purchased directly with the Temple during the duration of the course.
