Kriya Yoga Retreat FAQs
Program Overview
What events are planned in New Jersey?
This is the first set of offerings since Sri M launched Blossom Foundation NJ. Two events will be offered in Princeton, New Jersey:
Kriya Yoga Retreat: October 22–24, 2026
Talk by Sri M: October 26, 2026, discourse only; no pranaams
What is Kriya Yoga as taught by Sri M?
Kriya Yoga, as taught by Sri M, is a practical path of inner transformation that integrates gentle postures, regulated breathing, focused visualization, and mantra chanting. These universal methods are open to sincere seekers from all backgrounds.
Where are the events taking place?
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540
What are the retreat dates and duration?
Kriya Yoga Retreat begins on October 22, 2026 and concludes on October 24, 2026. It is a three-day immersive program. Talk by Sri M, discourse only; no pranaams, will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Do these FAQs apply to both events?
No. The FAQs below apply only to the Kriya Yoga Retreat. For “Talk by Sri M”, please refer to the event page.
Eligibility and Participation for Kriya Yoga Retreat
Who can attend this retreat?
The retreat is open to both newcomers and experienced meditators.
Do I need prior experience in Kriya Yoga or meditation?
No prior experience is required.
Will I receive Kriya Yoga initiation?
Yes. All participants will receive initiation and guidance on how to continue the practice at home.
What is the minimum age requirement?
Participants must be at least 14 years old as of the retreat start date. If your child is currently 13 and will turn 14 on or shortly before the retreat start date, you may email events.blossomfdnj@gmail.com with your request when registrations open. Requests will be considered only if they are received during the registration period and before registrations reach capacity.
Can minors attend?
Participants ages 14 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who must be registered either as a participant or as a volunteer. The adult who registers the minor must be physically present at the venue for the entire duration that the minor is in attendance.
Registration Process for Kriya Yoga Retreat
Important note on registrations
Blossom Foundation NJ and Blossom Foundation are separate organizations and follow separate registration processes.
For events in New Jersey (hosted by: Blossom Foundation NJ) :
Registrations for New Jersey events are handled directly through Blossom Foundation NJ’s website and do not require a profile to be created.
For events at Sacred Grove, Graham, Texas (hosted by: Blossom Foundation):
Registrations for these programs will be managed by Blossom Foundation’s registration system as specified on their website, which includes creation of a Blossom Foundation profile.
For more information about the events at Sacred Grove, Texas, please visit Blossom Foundation or email them at programs@blossomfoundation.com.
How does registration work?
Check the Kriya Yoga page for the “Register for Kriya Yoga” button on August 8, when registration opens. Registrations will follow a first-come, first-served format until all spots are filled or until 48 hours before the retreat, whichever comes first.
When does registration open?
Registration opens on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 12 PM ET.
A few spots will be released at 9 PM ET the same day to support different timezones.
Do I need a Blossom Foundation profile to register for New Jersey events?
No. Registrations for Blossom Foundation NJ events do not require a profile to be created. Registration for the Kriya Yoga Retreat and Talk by Sri M is managed separately through Blossom Foundation NJ’s registration system.
Do you reserve spots or maintain a waitlist?
No. We do not reserve spots in advance, nor do we maintain a waitlist. All registrations are confirmed strictly on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached or until 48 hours before the start of the program, whichever comes first.
How are minors registered, and who receives communications about them?
When a minor is registered for a retreat, the person submitting the registration form must be the minor’s parent or legal guardian. All communications and any information related to the minor’s participation will only be sent to the email address of the person who submits the form.
For age-related eligibility, please refer to our minimum age policy in the above section.
Will I receive a confirmation email?
Yes. Confirmation emails are sent within 7 business days of registration, and all retreat-related communication will go to the email address used during registration.
What if I do not receive a confirmation email?
Please contact events.blossomfdnj@gmail.com.
Can I transfer my registration or change my name?
Registrations are non-transferable, and names cannot be changed after confirmation.
Can registration or payment be transferred between Blossom Foundation NJ and Blossom Foundation?
No. Transfers of registration or payment from Blossom Foundation NJ to programs run at Sacred Grove by Blossom Foundation, and vice versa, are not allowed.
Payment
What is the retreat fee?
The retreat fee is US $900 per participant.
What does the fee include?
All meals during the retreat duration
Participation in all scheduled retreat activities and sessions
What is not included?
Accommodation
Personal transportation
Cancellation and Refunds
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations received up to 30 days before the retreat start date are eligible for a full refund. The cutoff for the Kriya Yoga retreat is September 22, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.
Note: Registration for Talk with Sri M is non-refundable.
What happens after the cutoff date?
No refunds will be issued after the cutoff date.
How do I request a cancellation?
Email events.blossomfdnj@gmail.com with your order ID, full name, and email address. If you are requesting a partial cancellation, clearly specify which participant or participants are included.
What happens to a minor’s registration if the primary adult cancels?
If a minor is registered under an adult who is their parent or legal guardian and that adult’s registration is fully canceled, the minor’s registration will normally be canceled as well. If another adult on the same registration is also a parent or legal guardian of the minor and wishes to retain the minor’s participation, please clearly specify this in your cancellation email so the team can review the request.
How long do refunds take?
Refunds may take up to 7 business days and will be issued to the original payment method.
Attendance Expectations
Is full attendance required?
Yes. Participants are expected to attend all sessions across all three days.
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive by 9:00 AM ET on October 22, 2026.
When does the retreat end?
The retreat concludes around 1:00 PM ET on October 24, 2026.
Are walk-ins allowed?
No. Walk-ins are not permitted.
Accommodation and Travel
Are accommodations provided?
No. Participants must arrange their own lodging.
Are there recommended places to stay?
Participants may choose from a range of nearby hotels and lodging options in Princeton and surrounding areas. Hotel coordination may also be shared through the WhatsApp group after confirmation.
Group rates are available for:
Quality Inn near Princeton
3270 Brunswickpike, US Rt.1N, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648
Call the front desk at 609 450 3084 and use the code “Blossom Foundation NJ” to make reservations.
King bed - $100 plus tax
2 Queen beds - $109 plus tax
Homewood Suites by Hilton Princeton
3819 US-1 S, Princeton, NJ 08540
Please click here to avail of group rates and make a reservation.
King 1 Bedroom Suites - $139, plus tax
Double Queen 1 Bedroom Suites - $159, plus tax
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Princeton
4355 US Route 1, Princeton, NJ 08540
Please click here to avail of group rates and make a reservation.
To avail of the group rates, please book by September 20th, 2026.
What are the nearest airports?
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): about 50 minutes to 1 hour from Princeton by car
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): about 1 hour 15 minutes from Princeton by car
Is transportation provided?
No. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, including rental cars and local travel.
Daily Experience
What does the retreat include?
The retreat includes live sessions with Sri M, guided Kriya Yoga practices, meditation, and a cultural program.
Are private meetings with Sri M available?
No. Private one-on-one meetings with Sri M are not available.
Will participants have an opportunity to offer pranams at the end of the retreat?
No. In accordance with Sri M’s wishes expressed during the Guru Purnima address on July 29, 2026, there will be no pranams at the Fall 2026 programs in New Jersey. You can watch Sri M’s Guru Purnima address here.
Can I bring a personal gift of cash or items for Sir during the retreat?
No. Personal gifts in cash or kind—including potted plants and cut flowers—may not be offered to Sir. If you wish to support Blossom Foundation NJ, you may do so by clicking here.
Meals
Are meals provided?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are provided.
What type of food will be served?
Simple vegetarian meals will be served, with vegan and gluten-free options available.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Basic options will be available, but additional customization beyond those options is not possible.
What to Bring / Facilities
What seating is available?
Meditation cushions, floor chairs, and standard chairs will be provided.
Can I bring my own seating or mat?
Yes. You may bring your own meditation seat or yoga mat if preferred.
Communication and Updates
How will updates be shared?
Updates will be shared by email and a WhatsApp group created for the attendees.
What is the WhatsApp group used for?
The WhatsApp group is used for:
Coordinating carpools and accommodations
Participant communication
Post-retreat Kriya Yoga support for retreat attendees
Should I stay in the WhatsApp group after the retreat?
Yes. Retreat participants are encouraged to remain in the group for ongoing practice support. If your retreat plans change, please exit the group.
Volunteering
Can I volunteer for this retreat?
Yes. Volunteers should apply only if they are not attending the retreat as participants. Please refer to the volunteering page for more details.
Tax and Administrative
Is the retreat fee tax-deductible?
No. Retreat payments are not tax-deductible.
Can I request a tax receipt if I cannot attend?
Yes. If you are not eligible for a refund, you may request a tax receipt by emailing events.blossomfdnj@gmail.com.
Questions
Who should I contact for further information?
Please email events.blossomfdnj@gmail.com for questions or assiatance.
