A three-tier FREE spiritual training program begins in 2007, instructed by Swami Sarveshwarananda assisted by other visiting monks, scholars and priests.

This training develops over several levels to help you determine your purpose in life and whether you have the calling to be a spiritual instructor. You do not have to take all levels, and can stop at any point of the training, as each level is self-contained and designed to give you all the tools and resources to practice according to your own desire and capacity.
Kindly note that this training is by invitation only, and open to practitioners of Kriya Yoga in the lineage of Paramahamsa Hariharananda. Initiation immediately prior to the training may be arranged for candidates not yet initiated.

All trainings are offered for FREE, based on the seva (selfless service) system. Everyone will be required to participate in turns in cooking, washing dishes, cleaning, maintaining the facility, and assisting in various ways. No one is here to be served, but to serve.

This program comprises one seven-day retreat complemented by a series of written and audio and/or video classes posted on the internet at regular intervals over one year.

This first training will impart the basic knowledge and practice of how to be a Friend to All, by covering subjects such as: how to communicate effectively and respectfully; the art of public speaking; appreciating the contribution of all religions for world evolution; an introduction to the metaphorical interpretation of world scriptures; the essential qualities of the student; the essential qualities of the teacher; service through compassionate detachment; a preliminary foundation in Yoga and Ayurveda; an introduction to Sanskrit reading and chanting; basic musical training on the harmonium; teaching through wisdom tales; basics of yogic diet and cooking; leading basic meditation and relaxation classes; developping and maintaining a spiritual routine (for adults and children); using and developping creative games for learning and teaching; etc.

The 2008 "Friends of Humanity" Training will be offered in as a bilingual program - English and Spanish - in Peru (Lima), September 28 - October 5.

Starting in 2008, this second-level training comprises one seven-day retreat complemented by a series of written and audio and/or video classes posted on the internet at regular intervals over one year.

This second program aims at training spiritual counselors who will provide moral and spiritual guidance, as well as lead meditation classes and satsangs, in their community and/or for children. The course builds on the material learned in the first level, and focuses on deepening the students' understanding and practice of Yoga and Ayurveda, Sanskrit, Chanting, Sadhana, Meditation, Prayer, Communication, Scriptural interpretation, and Total Healing (through yoga therapy and advanced meditation practices).

The 2008 “Spiritual Instructor Training” will be offered as a bilingual program (in English and Spanish) in Colombia (Bogota), August 17 - 24.

This third program, starting in 2009, is spread over three years, each year comprising a one month intensive complemented by a series of written and audio or video classes posted on the internet at regular intervals.

Its purpose is to train spiritual instructors who will guide, preserve, and teach faithfully the sacred teachings of the ancient meditation techniques of Kriya Yoga, and impart initiation in Kriya Yoga according to the teachings of our guru Paramahamsa Hariharananda.

The monastic path is for people who have developed a strong desire to lead a life of renunciation and service. The training is offered to canditates who have successfully completed the first level ("Friends of Humanity") and used the training to create a community project.

This training imparts a deeper understanding of the world’s religions and scriptures, advanced techniques of meditation, as well as teach the fundamentals of priestly and monastic duties in the performance of the various rites and rituals in accordance with the yogic canon. This training is informal and ongoing, and started in 2007 in Lima, Peru and Haridwar, India.

The first stage of monastic training is to be initiated as a brahmachari (celibate noviciate), which entails developping control over the senses, hard work, and surrendering the fruits of one's actions to God and gurus. The length of this training period depends entirely on the discipline and dedication of the postulant. More information about the brahmachari's code of conduct and lifestyle can be found here.

The second stage, for succesful canditates, is to be intronized in ancient the swami order. The word swami literally means "master"—one who has masterd his mind and senses for the service of others, and to teach and inspire humanity to attain its divine potential.

Brahmacharis and swamis may also be yogacharyas (empowered yoga teachers), but not necessarily. Some monastics remain contemplatives, apart from the world; others are selfless workers, engaged in charitable projects; yet others are teachers of spirituality and impart initiation into the divine life. It all is a question of destiny.