Kriya Yoga Retreat FAQs – NJ Fall 2026
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
A Talk by Sri M: October 26, 2026, discourse only and 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 Princeton50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540
What are the retreat dates and duration?
The Kriya Yoga Retreat begins on October 22, 2026 and concludes on October 24, 2026. It is a full three-day immersive program.An Evening with Sri M, discourse only with 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 A Talk by Sri M (October 26, 2026), please refer to the separate event page. (insert link)
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.
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.
Registration Process for Kriya Yoga Retreat
How does registration work?
Registration will follow a raffle process to ensure a fair and equitable opportunity for all applicants.
When does registration open?
Registration opens on August 8, 2026.
How do I register?
A registration link will be posted on the website when the registration window opens.
When is payment required?
At the time of raffle registration, a hold will be placed on your credit card. If you secure a spot, your card will be charged. If you do not secure a spot, the hold will be released within 7 business days after raffle notifications are sent. Jotform support materials describe this as an authorization-only payment flow rather than an immediate charge.
Will I receive a confirmation email?
Yes. Confirmation emails are sent within 48 hours 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 sriminnj@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 locations?
No. Transfers of registration or payment from Blossom Foundation NJ to Blossom Foundation TX, and vice versa, are not allowed.
Kriya Yoga Raffle System FAQs
How is the raffle organized?
Two separate raffles will be conducted for each Kriya Yoga retreat:
One for first-time Kriya participants
One for those already initiated by Sri M
How are spots allocated?
50% of spots will be reserved for first-time participants, and 50% will be reserved for those already initiated by Sri M.
Why is a raffle system being used?
The raffle system is used to create a fairer and smoother registration process for Kriya Yoga initiation retreats.
Is the raffle system fair?
Yes. The raffle system is fully automated to ensure fairness for all applicants.
What information must I provide when registering?
Please register using your full name and date of birth exactly as shown on your government-issued ID. Deliberately providing incorrect information for your name or date of birth will result in cancellation of your registration.
What happens to my card during raffle registration?
A hold will be placed on your credit card when you register. If you secure a spot, your card will be charged. If you do not secure a spot, the hold will be released within 7 business days after notifications are sent. This matches Jotform’s authorization-only payment model, which allows a card to be authorized and charged later.
Can I submit more than one registration?
No. Each individual will receive only one entry per raffle, and duplicate registrations will be removed before the raffle is run.
What is the raffle registration period?
Opens: (insert date)
Closes: (insert date)All registrations received during this period will be included in the raffle.
When will raffle results be announced?
Raffle results will be announced on ____
How are winners and non-winners notified?
Winners and non-winners will be notified by email. If you secure a spot, your card will be charged at that time. If you do not secure a spot, the authorization hold will be released within 7 business days after notifications are sent.
How should families register?
Family members should register together on the same form if they want to be considered together for the same retreat in the raffle.
Does registering earlier improve my chances?
No. All registrants have an equal chance of selection during the registration window, so there is no need to rush to register as soon as it opens.
Can friends register together?
For Kriya Yoga retreats, people who want to be considered together should register on the same form.
Who can I contact with raffle questions?
For further questions, contact sriminnj@gmail.com.
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 A 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 sriminnj@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.
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.
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.
Will there be personal interaction with Sri M?
Yes. Participants will have the opportunity to offer pranaams and receive blessings during the closing session.
Are private meetings with Sri M available?
No. Private one-on-one meetings with Sri M are not available.
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 WhatsApp.
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. (insert link)
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 sriminnj@gmail.com.
Questions
Who should I contact for further information?
Please email sriminnj@gmail.com for questions or assistance.
