Sunday & Workshop Speakers
SWAMI ABHINANDA
SPEAKER
Swami Abhinanda has a keen interest in integrating the mystical science of Kriya Yoga and the wisdom of the Kriya Lineage, with the Western art and science of psychotherapy, in particular, the theory and approach influenced by the work of C.G. Jung.
Swami K. Adinadananda
MARCIA SACKS
Marcia is a disciple of Goswami Kriyananda and graduated from the Kriya Yoga Seminary 1978. She is a professional astrologer and a graduate of the Temple's Professional Astrology Course, currently serving as leader for that program. She has given classes on meditation, metaphysics and astrology throughout the Chicago area. Whether teaching or being a wife, mother and grandmother, Marcia has always been guided by Goswami Kriyananda's message that the everyday life and the spiritual life are one and the same.
Swami Anubhavananda
SPEAKER
Swami Anubhavananda, is a husband and father of three. During the day he is an engineering manager for an automotive supplier. At night he teaches hatha yoga and leads yoga teacher training sessions, while also supporting his children and their sports and school activities. It is his passion to help make Hatha yoga accessible to everyone.
SWAMI ABHINANDA
SPEAKER
Swami Abhinanda has a keen interest in integrating the mystical science of Kriya Yoga and the wisdom of the Kriya Lineage, with the Western art and science of psychotherapy, in particular, the theory and approach influenced by the work of C.G. Jung.
Swami K. Adinadananda
MARCIA SACKS
Marcia is a disciple of Goswami Kriyananda and graduated from the Kriya Yoga Seminary 1978. She is a professional astrologer and a graduate of the Temple's Professional Astrology Course, currently serving as leader for that program. She has given classes on meditation, metaphysics and astrology throughout the Chicago area. Whether teaching or being a wife, mother and grandmother, Marcia has always been guided by Goswami Kriyananda's message that the everyday life and the spiritual life are one and the same.
Swami Anubhavananda
SPEAKER
Swami Anubhavananda, is a husband and father of three. During the day he is an engineering manager for an automotive supplier. At night he teaches hatha yoga and leads yoga teacher training sessions, while also supporting his children and their sports and school activities. It is his passion to help make Hatha yoga accessible to everyone.
Swami Buddhyananda
GARY WOODCOX
Swami Buddhyananda, Gary Woodcox, is a disciple of Goswami Kriyananda & ordained swami. He has been on a spiritual search since his early teens studying many modalities of spiritual growth, development and healing. He has degrees in Divinity/Theology & Metaphysics & is a speaker throughout the world on spirituality & attuning to the Divine.Swami Buddhyananda is also a graduate of the meditation course & serves his community providing meditation and satsang evenings each month. He currently travels throughout the US and the world conducting weekend and week long workshops on chakra opening and clearing as well as many other transformational subjects.
SWAMI ISHANANDA
Naomi Greene
Naomi Greene is a disciple of Goswami Kriyananda and is an ordained Swami having graduated from the Temple of Kriya Yoga seminary in 1992. Naomi also became a certified yoga teacher through the Temple’s Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, in which she later became an assistant instructor. For many years she served as Co-Editor of YogaChicago. After she and her husband Kevin moved to Springfield, IL, Naomi continued teaching yoga at various venues including a hospital, cardiac rehab center and a unitarian church. She retired from the State of Illinois as a public relations and outreach professional in 2017. She is currently a teacher and board member with The Yoga Connection - Tucson, Arizona’s only non-profit yoga center and school, founded by fellow disciple Priscilla Potter.
SWAMI K. JAPANANDA
Eileen Ruffer
Swami K. Japananda (Eileen Ruffer) is a disciple of Goswami Kriyananda, initiated into Kriya Yoga in 1972. She is a graduate of the first Kriya Yoga Seminary and is the author of Yoga, You and Your New Life published by the Temple. She served Goswami Kriyananda and the Temple of Kriya Yoga in an administrative capacity for many decades and now teaches yoga and meditation to students in the Western suburbs of Chicago.
Swami Buddhyananda
GARY WOODCOX
Swami Buddhyananda, Gary Woodcox, is a disciple of Goswami Kriyananda & ordained swami. He has been on a spiritual search since his early teens studying many modalities of spiritual growth, development and healing. He has degrees in Divinity/Theology & Metaphysics & is a speaker throughout the world on spirituality & attuning to the Divine.Swami Buddhyananda is also a graduate of the meditation course & serves his community providing meditation and satsang evenings each month. He currently travels throughout the US and the world conducting weekend and week long workshops on chakra opening and clearing as well as many other transformational subjects.
SWAMI ISHANANDA
Naomi Greene
Naomi Greene is a disciple of Goswami Kriyananda and is an ordained Swami having graduated from the Temple of Kriya Yoga seminary in 1992. Naomi also became a certified yoga teacher through the Temple’s Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, in which she later became an assistant instructor. For many years she served as Co-Editor of YogaChicago. After she and her husband Kevin moved to Springfield, IL, Naomi continued teaching yoga at various venues including a hospital, cardiac rehab center and a unitarian church. She retired from the State of Illinois as a public relations and outreach professional in 2017. She is currently a teacher and board member with The Yoga Connection - Tucson, Arizona’s only non-profit yoga center and school, founded by fellow disciple Priscilla Potter.
SWAMI K. JAPANANDA
Eileen Ruffer
Swami K. Japananda (Eileen Ruffer) is a disciple of Goswami Kriyananda, initiated into Kriya Yoga in 1972. She is a graduate of the first Kriya Yoga Seminary and is the author of Yoga, You and Your New Life published by the Temple. She served Goswami Kriyananda and the Temple of Kriya Yoga in an administrative capacity for many decades and now teaches yoga and meditation to students in the Western suburbs of Chicago.
Swami Jnanamudrananda
LARRY LEE
A graduate of the Temple's seminary program. Serving the Kriya Yoga Sat Sangha. His formal spiritual training began in 1981. Focusing mainly on meditation studies. Throughout the decades he has studied many different meditation methods. Combining all of these methods into his guided meditation services. Both online and in person around the world. He also performs weddings ceremonies, baptisms, house blessings and various other spiritual services. Through his life he has self studied all of the sciences. Focusing his studies in later life on astrophysics and quantum physics. With a commitment to understanding as much as possible about the universe. Helping to be of better service to all life
SWAMI KARASANANDA
Kathryn Rosypal Romani
A disciple of Goswami Kriyananda, an ordained swami and graduate of the Temple Seminary and the Meditation Teacher's Training, she also served as past editor of the Temple newsletter. For 25+ years, she has taught Meditation, Mantra, Chakras and Mandalas. She teaches seniors about Finding Happiness and creating greater joy through the Power of Gratitude. She also writes a daily spiritually-oriented blog. Blessed with a loving husband, 4 children and 11 grandchildren, she is dedicated to being of service to others and sharing wisdom with all.
SWAMI MAHASHASTRANANDA
Ray Ruffer
He has been studying and actively teaching at the Temple since 1980. He is actively involved in the Temple of Kriya Yoga Seminary Program, and is a member of the Seminary Committee. He also conducts church services, including funerals, weddings, baptisms and other spiritual services.
Swami Jnanamudrananda
LARRY LEE
A graduate of the Temple's seminary program. Serving the Kriya Yoga Sat Sangha. His formal spiritual training began in 1981. Focusing mainly on meditation studies. Throughout the decades he has studied many different meditation methods. Combining all of these methods into his guided meditation services. Both online and in person around the world. He also performs weddings ceremonies, baptisms, house blessings and various other spiritual services. Through his life he has self studied all of the sciences. Focusing his studies in later life on astrophysics and quantum physics. With a commitment to understanding as much as possible about the universe. Helping to be of better service to all life
SWAMI KARASANANDA
Kathryn Rosypal Romani
A disciple of Goswami Kriyananda, an ordained swami and graduate of the Temple Seminary and the Meditation Teacher's Training, she also served as past editor of the Temple newsletter. For 25+ years, she has taught Meditation, Mantra, Chakras and Mandalas. She teaches seniors about Finding Happiness and creating greater joy through the Power of Gratitude. She also writes a daily spiritually-oriented blog. Blessed with a loving husband, 4 children and 11 grandchildren, she is dedicated to being of service to others and sharing wisdom with all.
SWAMI MAHASHASTRANANDA
Ray Ruffer
He has been studying and actively teaching at the Temple since 1980. He is actively involved in the Temple of Kriya Yoga Seminary Program, and is a member of the Seminary Committee. He also conducts church services, including funerals, weddings, baptisms and other spiritual services.
SWAMI MAHA-TARANANDA
Priscilla Potter
Priscilla Potter is the founder and director of The Yoga Connection, in Tucson, Arizona, a nonprofit service organization dedicated for over 30 years to service through Yoga. Her inspirational and intuitive teaching style is supported by more than 5 decades of training and teaching. Taking her first yoga class in Durban, South Africa, her path eventually led her to Chicago and to her teacher, Goswami Kriyananda, in 1975. She studied with him extensively for 5 decades. She first met Shelly Trimmer, Kriyananda's teacher, in 1978 and spent many years traveling to study with him. She attended the Kriya Yoga Seminary in Chicago and was ordained in 1978 as Swami Tarananda. In 1984, the title Swami Maha-tarananda was conferred upon her. She currently teaches Kriya Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Meditation, Astrology and facilitates weekend retreats in Arizona.
Swami Nadananda, Mahaswami
Kathleen Lahiff
Katie has been a seeker of truth for most of her life, finding wisdom and guidance in teachings from many sources. She finds great enjoyment and meaning in learning, teaching and engaging in dialogue with others in the dance of life. She is a long time disciple of Goswami Kriyananda and was ordained as a swami through the Temple of Kriya Yoga. She interacts with others in the fields of music and yoga and is certified as yoga teacher, a Music-thanatologist and a certified Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist.
Swami Pharananda
SPEAKER & TEMPLE MUSICIAN
Has studied, practiced and taught hatha yoga and meditation in the Kriya tradition since the 1970's. Blending eastern disciplines with householdership responsibilities and a career in communications and design, she teaches the practical application of Kriya Yoga in a western lifestyle while adding the anandic melodies of woodwinds to the teachings.
SWAMI MAHA-TARANANDA
Priscilla Potter
Priscilla Potter is the founder and director of The Yoga Connection, in Tucson, Arizona, a nonprofit service organization dedicated for over 30 years to service through Yoga. Her inspirational and intuitive teaching style is supported by more than 5 decades of training and teaching. Taking her first yoga class in Durban, South Africa, her path eventually led her to Chicago and to her teacher, Goswami Kriyananda, in 1975. She studied with him extensively for 5 decades. She first met Shelly Trimmer, Kriyananda's teacher, in 1978 and spent many years traveling to study with him. She attended the Kriya Yoga Seminary in Chicago and was ordained in 1978 as Swami Tarananda. In 1984, the title Swami Maha-tarananda was conferred upon her. She currently teaches Kriya Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Meditation, Astrology and facilitates weekend retreats in Arizona.
Swami Nadananda, Mahaswami
Kathleen Lahiff
Katie has been a seeker of truth for most of her life, finding wisdom and guidance in teachings from many sources. She finds great enjoyment and meaning in learning, teaching and engaging in dialogue with others in the dance of life. She is a long time disciple of Goswami Kriyananda and was ordained as a swami through the Temple of Kriya Yoga. She interacts with others in the fields of music and yoga and is certified as yoga teacher, a Music-thanatologist and a certified Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist.
Swami Pharananda
SPEAKER & TEMPLE MUSICIAN
Has studied, practiced and taught hatha yoga and meditation in the Kriya tradition since the 1970's. Blending eastern disciplines with householdership responsibilities and a career in communications and design, she teaches the practical application of Kriya Yoga in a western lifestyle while adding the anandic melodies of woodwinds to the teachings.
Swami J. Pranananda, Mahaswami
MEDITATION AND SEMINARY PROGRAM LEADER
Swami Pranananda, Mahaswami, began her yogic studies and practice in the late 1970’s. A disciple of Goswami Kriyananda’s, an ordained swami and lineage holder in Goswami’s Kriya Yoga lineage she is committed to sustaining and sharing the living teachings of the Kriya Yoga tradition. Pranananda is responsible for leading the Temple Meditation Teacher Training and Seminary programs and is one of the swamis offering Temple noon meditations and spiritual guidance. In addition to teaching through the Temple, she also leads a group of dedicated students and disciples in the study and practice of Kriya Yoga.
Swami Rakshananda
Speaker
Swami Rakshananda is a disciple of and an ordained Swami in Goswami Kriyananda's Yoga lineage for nearly 3 decades as well as a graduate of both the Meditation and Hatha teacher programs. He also is on the Board of the Temple of Kriya Yoga and also Friends of Astrology. Swami Rakshananda currently teaches Meditation at the Temple and has been teaching hatha yoga, meditation and astrology privately and in various yoga centers in the Chicagoland area as well as other mystical traditions for over 40 years. He enjoys the challenge of integrating the teachings into all areas of life. Swami Rakshananda also conducts services including funerals, weddings and baptisms and other spiritual services.
SWAMI SATPATYANANDA
SWAMI
Swami Satpatyananda resides in Chicago, IL and Sedona Arizona. She serves in spiritual care at a hospital, via non profit board service and through ongoing workshops that combine meditation, writing and creative expression.
Swami J. Pranananda, Mahaswami
MEDITATION AND SEMINARY PROGRAM LEADER
Swami Pranananda, Mahaswami, began her yogic studies and practice in the late 1970’s. A disciple of Goswami Kriyananda’s, an ordained swami and lineage holder in Goswami’s Kriya Yoga lineage she is committed to sustaining and sharing the living teachings of the Kriya Yoga tradition. Pranananda is responsible for leading the Temple Meditation Teacher Training and Seminary programs and is one of the swamis offering Temple noon meditations and spiritual guidance. In addition to teaching through the Temple, she also leads a group of dedicated students and disciples in the study and practice of Kriya Yoga.
Swami Rakshananda
Speaker
Swami Rakshananda is a disciple of and an ordained Swami in Goswami Kriyananda's Yoga lineage for nearly 3 decades as well as a graduate of both the Meditation and Hatha teacher programs. He also is on the Board of the Temple of Kriya Yoga and also Friends of Astrology. Swami Rakshananda currently teaches Meditation at the Temple and has been teaching hatha yoga, meditation and astrology privately and in various yoga centers in the Chicagoland area as well as other mystical traditions for over 40 years. He enjoys the challenge of integrating the teachings into all areas of life. Swami Rakshananda also conducts services including funerals, weddings and baptisms and other spiritual services.
SWAMI SATPATYANANDA
SWAMI
Swami Satpatyananda resides in Chicago, IL and Sedona Arizona. She serves in spiritual care at a hospital, via non profit board service and through ongoing workshops that combine meditation, writing and creative expression.
SWAMI SUMITHRANANDA
Helene Palella
Helene Palella is a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, and she has been associated with the Temple of Kriya Yoga since 1968. She is a Swami and a Disciple of Goswami Kriyananda.
Swami Tapasananda
SHARON STEFFENSEN
Sharon Steffensen (Swami Tapasananda) has been a disciple of Goswami Kriyananda since the early 1970s. She is certified by the Temple as a Hatha yoga teacher and as a meditation teacher.
Swami Tattvananda
SPEAKER
Bruce Symonds (Swami Tattvananda) is ordained through the Temple of Kriya Yoga (1997) and was initiated by Swami Shastrananda into the Holy Kriya lineage. A graduate of the Hatha Yoga Teacher Training (1994) and the Meditation Teachers Training, Tattvananda continues to study the Science of Kriya Yoga.
SWAMI SUMITHRANANDA
Helene Palella
Helene Palella is a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, and she has been associated with the Temple of Kriya Yoga since 1968. She is a Swami and a Disciple of Goswami Kriyananda.
Swami Tapasananda
SHARON STEFFENSEN
Sharon Steffensen (Swami Tapasananda) has been a disciple of Goswami Kriyananda since the early 1970s. She is certified by the Temple as a Hatha yoga teacher and as a meditation teacher.
Swami Tattvananda
SPEAKER
Bruce Symonds (Swami Tattvananda) is ordained through the Temple of Kriya Yoga (1997) and was initiated by Swami Shastrananda into the Holy Kriya lineage. A graduate of the Hatha Yoga Teacher Training (1994) and the Meditation Teachers Training, Tattvananda continues to study the Science of Kriya Yoga.
SWAMI VIDYANANDA
Gracia Gimse McKinley
Gracia (pronounced gray-sha) McKinley lives in Sedona, Arizona with her husband and two adorable cats. She spends half of her time in Zurich, Switzerland where she is studying Jungian psychology at the International School of Analytical Psychology. Gracia provides spiritual and astrological counseling (which includes dream work) in person in Sedona and via video chat when she is in Zurich. Gracia was ordained Swami Vidyananda after completing the Temple of Kriya Seminary in 2013.
SWAMI VIMANANANDA
Debby Sher
Swami Vimanananda (Debby Sher) has been working with astrology, dreams, meditation, astral projection, and other esoteric Yogic sciences for over 30 years. Her main interest is in Kriya Siva Yoga, the Yoga of the Dream State. She was ordained by her spiritual preceptor, Goswami Kriyananda, at the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago, where she has served as a teacher, seminary advisor, and spiritual guidance counselor. She received Hatha Yoga Teacher Certification at Yogi Hari’s ashram.
Sylvia Ewing
TEACHER, NON-PROFIT EXECUTIVE, AND AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST
Adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago, teaching courses on Leadership and Management and has produced and directed for WTTW Channel 11, WBEZ and Steppenwolf Theater.
SWAMI VIDYANANDA
Gracia Gimse McKinley
Gracia (pronounced gray-sha) McKinley lives in Sedona, Arizona with her husband and two adorable cats. She spends half of her time in Zurich, Switzerland where she is studying Jungian psychology at the International School of Analytical Psychology. Gracia provides spiritual and astrological counseling (which includes dream work) in person in Sedona and via video chat when she is in Zurich. Gracia was ordained Swami Vidyananda after completing the Temple of Kriya Seminary in 2013.
SWAMI VIMANANANDA
Debby Sher
Swami Vimanananda (Debby Sher) has been working with astrology, dreams, meditation, astral projection, and other esoteric Yogic sciences for over 30 years. Her main interest is in Kriya Siva Yoga, the Yoga of the Dream State. She was ordained by her spiritual preceptor, Goswami Kriyananda, at the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago, where she has served as a teacher, seminary advisor, and spiritual guidance counselor. She received Hatha Yoga Teacher Certification at Yogi Hari’s ashram.
Sylvia Ewing
TEACHER, NON-PROFIT EXECUTIVE, AND AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST
Adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago, teaching courses on Leadership and Management and has produced and directed for WTTW Channel 11, WBEZ and Steppenwolf Theater.
Ray Grasse
CHICAGO-BASED WRITER, MUSICIAN, PHOTOGRAPHER, AND FUTURIST
Studied Kriya Yoga and Zen traditions.
Caren Prentice
MEDITATION MOMMA
Caren Prentice is a dedicated seeker who found her path as a disciple of Goswami Kriyananda, and after his passing, as a student of Tibetan Buddhism. In 2008, she began teaching meditation and her students gave her the name, Meditation Momma. In 2018 she opened Hamsa Meditation Center, which had to transition online in 2020, due to Covid. Today her website, meditationmomma.com, offers classes, workshops and retreats along with a Meditation Immersion & Teacher Training Program to help other seekers learn how to use meditation to improve their everyday lives. As host of the Meditation Momma podcast, she inspires and encourages others to bring the wisdom of meditation into their lives. She delights in sharing the transformative power of meditation with seekers of all ages, all around the country.
Ray Grasse
CHICAGO-BASED WRITER, MUSICIAN, PHOTOGRAPHER, AND FUTURIST
Studied Kriya Yoga and Zen traditions.
Caren Prentice
MEDITATION MOMMA
Taught over a thousand meditation classes to hundreds of students and businesses in the Portland, Oregon area where she currently lives.She delights in sharing the meditation techniques and teachings she has learned over the years to help others transform and find more joy and happiness in their lives.
