FAQs 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 required for entry into the campus. Please arrive early enough to complete registration—which typically takes 15–20 minutes, but may take longer if many attendees arrive at the same time—so you don’t miss any part 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

You have several choices for your stay during the retreat, including convenient on-campus lodging and a range of local options:

On-Campus at Sacred Grove

Blossom Foundation Lodges: Comfortable on-campus accommodation is available at Sacred Grove. Learn more and register at the Lodge Registration page.

Hotels in Graham, TX

• Best Western Plus Graham Inn: Group Rate $104.99 plus 13% tax and $6.99 facility fee per night; $10 for each additional guest beyond two.
  Reserve via the Best Western Group Link or call (940) 521-0190 (mention “Blossom Foundation Fall Retreats 2025”).

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Graham: Standard rooms from $139 plus tax, suites at $149 plus tax.
  Reserve via the Holiday Inn Reservation Link or call (940) 521-9188 (mention “Blossom Foundation”).

• Hotel Middleton: New boutique hotel (opened in 2023). Small rooms (converted container spaces), ideal for 1 person or a small family.
  $90/night plus applicable taxes;
  Reserve at Hotel Middleton or call (817) 705-7403 (promo code "blossom25")

• Other Local Options:

• Salt Creek Lodge: (940) 549-8320

• Airbnb and VRBO rentals are also available in the Graham area.

RV Parks & Campgrounds

Sacred Grove does not offer on-site camping or RV facilities. Options are available in Graham and nearby towns.

Nearby Cities

If Graham is fully booked, consider hotels in Mineral Wells (~45 minutes from Graham) or Wichita Falls (~1 hour).

Reservation Note

Always book directly with the hotel (see above contacts) rather than with third-party sites to ensure correct group tracking and better service.

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.

• Minimum Age Policy: Attendees must have completed 12 years as of the retreat start date to register. Children between 12 and 18 must be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian. The parent or guardian should be registered as a participant or as a volunteer for the retreat.

• 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 may be reopened and offered via prior email notification. Subscribe to updates at www.blossomfoundation.com.

Retreat Schedule

• The event schedule will be shared with your registration confirmation email. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.

• 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 (to those who bring reusable containers) are provided to those who want to leave immediately after Pranams.

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

• Minimum Age Policy: Attendees must have completed 12 years as of the retreat start date to register.

• 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.

• Registered retreat participants traveling to Graham, TX with unregistered family members: Please note that while unregistered family members cannot access campus, you may request to-go meals for them using your own reusable containers. To arrange this, please email programs@blossomfoundation.com prior to arrival.

ADA Accessibility

The main campus is ADA accessible, allowing everyone to comfortably enjoy these spaces:

• Meditation Hall

• Yoga Hall

• ⁠Dining Hall

• ⁠Mother Mary’s Grotto

• Reception area

• ⁠Serene Pond area

• ⁠Main restrooms and restrooms close to the Meditation Hall

If there are any specific accessibility needs or requests that would help make your experience more comfortable, please let our team know. We will try our best to assist.

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.