Interfaith Committee
In 2024, this committee, made up of Rev. Premajyothi Devi, Rev. Shankar Fern, Siva Fiske, and Subrah Resurreccion, conducted the third of a powerful Annual Interfaith Memorial Service, honoring “The Truth is One, Paths are Many”, and those who passed away with an interfaith service led by practicing spiritual leaders in various traditions, Arati, messages from various Sannyasins and Rev Jaganath Carrera, and a slide show honoring those loved ones who passed.
This committee also sponsored three enlightening Zoom “Mystical Conversations” on how different spiritual traditions approach the mystical path of Spiritual Awakening and how they compare to the path of Yoga. We conducted one on Christianity led by Reverend Bhagavan Metro and Spiritual Director L.J. Milone, one on Judaism led by Swami Ramananda and Rabbi David Ingber, and a third on African Spiritual Traditions, led by Rev Lakshmi Barsel and Vera Oye Ya-Anna – Auntie Oye.
The committee will expand its members and continue to conduct a memorial service and more mystical conversations in 2025.
Communications Committee
In 2024, this committee, made up of Rev. Leela White and Rev. Shankar, conducted interviews with many of our ministers to understand their needs and interests and this guided the development of the committees of the board. We also conducted a Zoom Minster Gathering which enabled ministers nation-wide to connect, learn more about each other and our activities, and become inspired by the shining work of our fellow ministers.
In 2025, we aim to expand our committee members, conduct more gatherings, and regularly produce our newsletter.
Seminary Committee
In 2024, this committee, headed by our Seminary Director, Reverend Lakshmi Barsel, was also made up of Reverend Devaja Cicolella (former Seminary Director), Reverend Prakash Capen, and Rev Shankar. We have been using the year to review all of the past seminary assignments, identify missing writings of Swami Satchidananda that were not addressed in the seminary to date, and adding personal spiritual growth assignments that enable the seminarian to apply the teachings to their own lives. We believe that we, besides being knowledgeable about the IY Teachings, must be living role models of what it means to be an IY Minister. We are also updating the role of the Mentor in the Seminary process.
In 2025, we will finish this work and go public with the new seminary. We are also targeting the rewrite of the ministers manual, producing how to videos such as pujas and ministry ceremonies, a significant task.
Finance Committee
In 2024, the Finance Committee, made up of Rev. Ishwara Cowan and Rev. Shankar, spent the year analyzing our finances, determining our expenses, and assessing the need for ministry income. We assessed our dues process and reached out to ministers to determine their needs and inspire continued payment of dues.
We also supported Reverend Leela White and her partner Bud Campbell in their “Ride for LOTUS,” a fundraising activity that raised over $3,400.00 for the LOTUS Temple.
Additionally, we began the budgeting process to determine the financial needs of each Committee for 2025 and assess what level reserves we need. We initially determined that we need enough reserves to fund planned activities like interfaith events and supporting the promotion and use of the LOTUS temple, but also unplanned expenses like providing emergency financial support as we did to Reverend Saraswati Neuman’s family.
In 2025, we are lucky to be adding Ram Weiner to the Committee, will complete the budgeting process, specify the optimal level of reserves, and develop income generating activities to build our reserves to the desired level.
Sangha Support Committee
This committee is dedicated to programs and activities that strengthen, support, and expand our Integral Yoga Sangha worldwide. The committee is led by Rev Ishwara Cowan, Jeanne O’Sullivan (from the NY IYI sangha) and Rev Shankar. In 2024, the committee explored the many different possible ways the ministry can support sangha.
We recognize that the LOTUS Temple as a deeply spiritual and transformation sacred site and that coming to the temple, worshipping, and meditating, and even contemplating the Temple from afar is a powerful way to connect, reinforce and build our sangha. That was one of the reasons why we chose to support Rev. Leela in her Ride for LOTUS.
In 2025, working closely with Jeeva Abbate and Swami Jyotirmayananda, we will be planning a series of fundraising, merchandising, and promotional activities to remind our sangha, and inform the world of the power of the temple to bring all people of all faiths together and elevate their spirits. We hope you will be inspired to join this committee to support us in this great work.
Education and Outreach Committee
The goal of this committee, led by Rev. Mala Cunningham, Ph.D., is twofold: 1) to offer continuing education workshops and programs to the broader ministry, including seminarians, and 2) to provide periodic references and resources that will enhance their knowledge as a minister.
We are excited to announce that two key programs will be offered in 2025: Peer Counseling Training and a workshop on Scope of Practice, including ethical issues, confidentiality, and standards of behavior.
More details on these programs, including dates, times, and logistics will be sent out in an upcoming newsletter. We look forward to having your participation in these offerings.
Ministry Standards Committee
The Standards Committee members include Rev. Ishwara Cowan, Rev. Shankar Fern, Rev. Premajyothi Devi, and Rev. Mala Cunningham. The goals and objectives of the standards committee are to, 1) establish policies and guidelines for ministerial conduct, and 2) to develop protocols and take action to resolve minister behavior concerns.
The committee is in the final stages of a establishing a proposed set of minister standards that reflect ways to inspire others to model the life of an Integral Yogi, as well as minister transgressions to avoid. Once completed, we will send this draft to our ministry community for feedback and input.
Updates from 2024: This committee responded to and successfully addressed concerns that were brought to the Board’s attention related to ministerial conduct. Recommendations were made to the minister’s desire to change their behavior and to re-establish their connection to the IYI teachings.
We look forward to continuing to serve you, the sangha and humanity in 2025 and forward.