FAQ for Upcoming Retreats/ Event - Fall 2025

Travel to Sacred Grove, Graham, TX

Directions and Logistics

For full address and detailed directions, visit our website, search “The Blossom Foundation” on Google Maps, or use this Google Maps link.
Nearest airports: DFW and Dallas Love Field (DAL), are both about 2.5 hours from Graham; please plan accordingly.
Participants are responsible for rental cars and all transportation.
No public transport is available between Dallas, Graham, and the campus (20-minute drive from Graham to Sacred Grove).

Arrival, Check-In, & Departure

Plan to arrive at Sacred Grove by 2:30 PM CT on Day 1.
Check-in is mandatory to be able to enter the Event hall. Please plan to arrive in time to complete registration (takes about 15-20 minutes depending on the number of people arriving at the same time) and make it to the Event hall and not miss any of the retreat.
The retreat concludes around 8:00 PM CT. We recommend departing the morning after the retreat ends to allow enough time for travel to the airport and a stress-free departure.

Accommodation

Travel and accommodation details for Fall 2025, including on-campus lodging registration, will be announced on August 10, 2025. Check our website for updates.
Sacred Grove does not offer camping or RV facilities. Local options are available in Graham.

WhatsApp Group

After confirmation, participants will be invited to WhatsApp groups to coordinate carpools, share hotels, and connect with other registrants.
Please leave the whatsapp group if your retreat attendance plans change.
For Kriya Yoga Retreat Attendees: This group will also serve as your support group for practice after the retreat. So please do not leave the group.

Retreat/Event Type & Content

Kriya Yoga Initiation Retreat

For those seeking Kriya Yoga initiation, register for Kriya Yoga retreats only. Upanishad retreats do not include Kriya Yoga initiation or review.
The retreat includes immersive experience with foundational teachings, Q&A, and personal initiation into the technique and lineage by Sri M.
Attendees will learn Kriya Yoga principles, Yogic anatomy, and step-by-step practices, culminating in guided initiation on Day 3.

Upanishad Retreat

Sri M selects and teaches from one or more Upanishads or a similar scripture.
Attendees are encouraged to come with openness and receptivity.
Kriya Yoga initiation or review is not included in Upanishad retreats.

An Evening with Sri M

A sacred opportunity for attendees to express gratitude to Sri M and take his blessings.
Each attendee has a quiet moment with Sri M.
There will be no talk by Sri M.
Kriya Yoga initiation or review is not included.

Registration Policies

Email Confirmations: Registration confirmation will be sent to the attendee email address you provide during registration.
Registrations are non-transferable between retreats.
Registration names cannot be changed after confirmation.
Cancellation Policy:

100% refund for cancellations up to 30 days before Day 1 of the corresponding retreat (by 11:59 PM CT).
No refunds after this deadline.
Refunds process within 7 business days; email programs@blossomfoundation.com to cancel.
Please note the cancellation cutoff dates below - cancellations received at or before 11:59 PM CT on these dates are eligible for a full refund.

Waitlist: No waitlists are maintained. If a spot becomes available due to cancellation, it will be reopened and offered via prior email notification. Subscribe to updates at www.blossomfoundation.com.

Retreat Schedule

A detailed schedule will be emailed two days prior to your retreat.
Any updates will be sent from programs@blossomfoundation.com so please add this email to your safe senders list.

Tentative Retreat Schedule

Day 1: Check-in at 2:30 PM CT. Please arrive on time for a campus tour, to get oriented and enjoy refreshments before the first session with Sri M.
Day 2 & Day 3:

Two 1-hour sessions with Sri M in the morning (after breakfast).
Two 1-hour sessions with Sri M in the afternoon.
Short breaks between sessions; an extended break after lunch.
BYC-led yoga classes or group meditation to begin your day.

Day 3 evening: Pranams to Sri M; dinner at approximately 7 PM. Packed meals available for those departing immediately after Pranams (bring reusable containers).

Meals

All meals provided: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.
Simple vegetarian meals provided; vegan and gluten-free options available at each meal.
Fruit, tea, coffee, and water are offered throughout the day.
For additional dietary restrictions, please plan accordingly, as customization beyond the provided options is not possible.
The kitchen uses tree nuts, soy, milk, and wheat. Cross-contamination may occur.
Outside food may not be cooked/prepared in our kitchen.

Campus Policies and Guidelines

Visitor Policy

The minimum participant age is 12 years (all attendees must be registered).
Only registered attendees/volunteers are allowed on Sacred Grove grounds during retreats; No exceptions for friends, family, or children under 12. Please make appropriate arrangements as needed.
For registered participants with accompanying family members to Graham: Please email programs@blossomfoundation.com prior to your arrival. For family members who are traveling with you to Graham but are not registered (and therefore cannot come to campus), meals in to-go containers may be arranged. Please bring reusable containers for this purpose.

Individual Time with Sri M

Each participant will have the opportunity to offer pranams and receive blessings from Sri M during the closing session. Private one-on-one sessions with Sri M cannot be accommodated.

Seating & Yoga Mats

Meditation cushions, floor chairs, and standard chairs provided; you may bring your own seat if preferred.
Yoga mats are available for classes—feel free to bring your own.

Volunteering

Our programs are 100% run by full-time, dedicated volunteers. Should you wish to volunteer for a retreat please apply to volunteer for a retreat that you are not attending. Details can be found here.

Tax Deduction

Retreat payments are not tax-deductible as they cover attendance and service. If you are unable to attend and are ineligible for a refund, you may request a tax receipt for your payment by emailing programs@blossomfoundation.com.

Questions

For further questions or assistance, please contact us at programs@blossomfoundation.com.