Integral Yoga Seminary Program

The Integral Yoga Seminary provides a comprehensive and integrative path of study and practice for those called to deepen their spiritual life and explore a path of service and leadership. Rooted in the teachings of Integral Yoga, the program weaves together personal practice, philosophical study, mentorship, and community engagement. Its purpose is to support individuals in cultivating spiritual maturity along with preparing seminarians for meaningful service in the world.

The Integral Yoga Ministry was established to uphold and carry forward the teachings as passed down through the lineage of Sri Swami Satchidananda. Founded in 1980, the Ministry formally began when Sri Gurudev ordained the first group of householders during a sacred Guru Poornima ceremony, affirming that spiritual life can be fully lived while actively engaged in the world. Since its inception, the Ministry has served as a bridge between traditional yogic wisdom and contemporary life, preparing ministers to share these teachings through education, leadership, spiritual guidance, ceremony, and compassionate presence.

The vision of the Integral Yoga Ministry is to cultivate ministers who embody peace, integrity, inclusivity, and leadership—living expressions of the teachings in action. Rooted in the understanding that “Truth is One, paths are many,” the Ministry promotes interfaith harmony and encourages service that meets individuals where they are—emotionally, spiritually, and culturally. Through ongoing practice, mentorship, and engagement, seminarians and ministers are guided to support others on their spiritual path while contributing to a more compassionate and connected world.

As a seminarian, one enters a path devoted to deepening spiritual maturity, cultivating leadership, and clarifying a commitment to service. The training prepares ministers who are grounded in faith, emotionally mature, and equipped to serve with integrity and effectiveness.

The Ministry is grounded in a threefold commitment:

• Personal Practice – maintaining a dedicated daily spiritual discipline
• Service – offering spiritual support and sharing the teachings with others
• Engagement – active participation in the life and work of the Ministry

Sri Swami Satchidananda described an Integral Yoga minister as a “householder sannyasin,” reflecting a level of commitment that balances spiritual depth with engaged living. Ordination as a minister is an outward expression of an inner commitment—a recognition that one is dedicated to living the teachings and is willing to offer ministry services to those who seek them. Entering the Seminary is a deep commitment that calls for alignment with the values, disciplines, and standards of Integral Yoga.

As a seminarian, an individual is considered:

• A student of scripture and leadership
• A role model within the community
• A representative of Integral Yoga
• Accountable to mentors and Ministry leadership

The Seminary Training Program is designed to be completed over a period of approximately 2–3 years. Applications are accepted year-round; however, official cohort start dates are September 1 or March 1. While seminarians may begin preliminary study prior to these dates, all participants are placed into a defined cohort and will progress together through the group learning modules, support circles, and shared experiences as a unified student learning group.

Each cohort will move through the program as a whole and will graduate and be ordained together, regardless of individual pacing. If a seminarian completes coursework or practicum requirements ahead of schedule, their formal graduation and ordination will still align with their cohort.
A student of the Integral Yoga Seminary must meet the requirements for satisfactorily completing all the self-study, karma yoga, and group learning requirements, as well as meeting the requirements to receive ordination.

The Integral Yoga Seminarian course of study is divided into three areas:

1. Self-study modules
2. Group learning modules
3. Karma Yoga and Service projects.

There are 13 total self-study modules that are done over the course of about 2 years. The self-study modules cover key areas of raja yoga. The focus is on scriptural study, personal reflection, spiritual practices, and implementation in your ministry. Each module is designed to be completed within a month’s time, allowing students sufficient time to engage deeply with the required readings, integrate the practices, and explore key themes with their mentor and their cohorts.

The self-study modules are offered every other month, interspersed with participation in a group learning module in the off month. This creates a balanced rhythm of independent study and group learning. All the self-study modules require a monthly meeting with your mentor at the end of the month to engage in discussion and questions and answers. As well, a checklist will need to be completed and submitted to the mentor and the Director of the Seminary before the next month’s group module. The self-study topics are listed below. All the self-study modules will be posted on the on-line Seminarian Learning Platform for easy access and study. A seminarian will easily be able to access each module and move through the readings, practices, homework assignments, and checklist before advancing to the next month’s group module. Topics for the self-study modules are listed below and will be dispersed over 2 years of study (every other month). Note: additional raja yoga modules will be listed in Continuing Education – which can be studied and reviewed post-graduation.

1. Know the Knower Part 1
2. Know the Knower Part 2
3. Calm the Mind Part 1
4. Calm the Mind Part 2
5. Human Body as Temple Part 1
6. Human Body as Temple Part 2
7. The Greatest Joy Part 1
8. The Greatest Joy Part 2
9. Back to the Source Part 1
10. Back to the Source Part 2
11. Guru and Disciple
12. Interfaith Foundations Part 1
13. Interfaith Foundations Part 2

The group learning modules consist of either a single lecture, a workshop, or a more extended  course. The group modules listed below are required for graduation.

First Year Group Modules

1. Orientation – New Seminarians (single class 90 min.)
2. History and Origins of Yoga (single class – 90 min. )
3. History and Lineage of Integral Yoga (single class – 90 min. )
4. An Introduction to the Foundational Scriptures and Teachings in Yoga Philosophy (workshop 4 hours)
5. The Eight-Fold Path:  A Framework for the IY Teachings (workshop 3 hours)
6. Introduction to the Six Paths of Yogic Practice:  Bhakti, Raja, Karma, Hatha, Jnana, Japa. (workshop 3 hours)
7. Scope of Practice, Ethics, Insurance, Legal Issues (Class 3+ hours)
8. Public Speaking (2 hours)
9. Participation in the monthly seminarian support group (Required Monthly 90 min.)

Second Year Group Modules

1. Ceremonies and Rituals in IY (weddings, funerals, baby blessings, puja’s, etc. (Class 10-12 hours)
   1. Peer Counseling and Spiritual Counseling  (on-going class 15-20+ hours)
   2. Basic Sanskrit and IY Prayers (Workshop  2-3+ hours)
   3. Understanding Intuition and Deeper States of Consciousness (Workshop 3+ hours)
   4. End of Life Training

Other Requirements:

1. Meditation: either an immersion or a Teacher Training (required)
2. Basic Integral Hatha Yoga Teacher Training (required)

Karma yoga and seva are a requirement for graduation and ordination. Setting up your karma yoga projects will need to be discussed and approved with your mentor with final approval by the Seminarian Director. The requirements for karma yoga are listed below:

1. Service / Karma Yoga project that focuses on IY ministry initiatives (2+ hrs. a month)
2. Service Project outside the IY Organization (10+ hours per year)

All of the self-study modules and group learning modules and karma yoga projects will require the student to fill out a completion checklist and submit it to their mentor and the seminarian director each month.

Continuing Education Workshops or Courses

1. Leadership Training and Development

Other workshops and courses are in development.

1. Annual Tithing
   All ministers and seminarians are required to contribute an annual tithe of $108.00 in support of the Ministry.
2. Donations and Financial Support
   The Integral Yoga Ministry operates as a service-based organization. Accordingly, all seminarian training—including courses, modules, mentoring, application, graduation, and ordination—are offered free of charge. However, the ministry does need financial support.In order to sustain the Ministry’s operations—including administrative support, technology, program development, faculty support, karma yoga initiatives, and charitable activities—seminarians are encouraged to make an annual donation.
   Suggested annual contributions are offered on a sliding scale and some scholarships are available:
   • Tier One (Limited Income): $200 – $500
   • Tier Two: $501 – $1,500
   • Tier Three: $1,501 and above

These contributions support all aspects of the training program, including administrative costs, self-study modules, group learning, mentorship, faculty support, oversight of karma yoga projects, and graduation and ordination expenses.

To Apply for a Scholarship contact the Seminary Director.

Seminarians are expected to:

• Maintain a consistent personal practice (asana, pranayama, meditation, self-inquiry)
• Engage in ongoing study and reflection of Integral Yoga philosophy and teachings
• Participate fully in training, mentorship, service, karma yoga, and assigned work
• Offer selfless service (seva) within the Ministry and broader community
• Develop skills for ministry, including teaching, mentoring, ceremony, and spiritual support
• Represent the teachings with integrity in both personal and public life
• Practice the ethical foundations of Yoga (Yamas and Niyamas)
• Demonstrate compassion, humility, kindness, and openness to feedback
• Cultivate emotional maturity, self-awareness, and accountability
• Show respect for senior ministers, leadership, and the community
• Maintain appropriate ethical and relational boundaries
• Support others with compassion and non-judgment

Inner Development

Seminarians commit to ongoing inner growth, including:

• Cultivating compassion, equanimity, and resilience
• Integrating spiritual teachings into daily life and relationships
• Developing the ability to hold space for others with presence and care
• Deepening self-awareness and self-regulation
• Building practical skills such as conflict resolution, mediation, peer support, and leadership

Role in the Community

• Seminarians serve as active contributors to the broader community by:
• Supporting interfaith initiatives and understanding and inclusivity
• Acting as ambassadors of peace and the Integral Yoga values
• Bridging spiritual teachings with real-world needs
• Demonstrating leadership through compassion, service, and integrity

Admission Requirements: Prerequisites and Eligibility

Seminarians must have already been following the Integral Yoga® teachings in the lineage of Sri Swami Satchidananda for 4-5 years before they can apply for the seminary. Applicants will be considered for the seminary if they received mantra initiation at least two years before applying and will have served five years at the Ashram, at an Integral Yoga Institute or center, or if they have been teaching Integral Yoga classes consistently for a minimum of five years (or an equivalency). Please discuss admission with the Seminary Director if there are equivalency questions or exceptions to admission standards.

Graduation is a separate (but similar) track from ordination. Graduation consists of successfully completing all of the courses, self-study modules, and karma yoga projects required of the seminarian. However, completion of all required coursework, self-study modules, group learning, and karma yoga projects does not automatically guarantee ordination. Ordination is a separate and discerned step from graduation. Ordination indicates readiness to serve as a minister within the lineage, community, and public. To be eligible for ordination, a seminarian must demonstrate the following:

1. Satisfactory Program Completion
   • On time and successful completion of all self-study modules, group learning requirements, and karma yoga projects
   • Demonstration of integration of key teachings, not just completion of assignments
2. Established Personal Practice
   • Consistent and sustained personal spiritual practice (sadhana)
   • Ability to articulate and model the principles of Integral Yoga in daily life
3. Demonstration of Ethical Conduct
   • Adherence to the program’s Code of Conduct and ethical guidelines
   • Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and appropriate boundaries in relationships and service
4. Ministerial Readiness
   • Ability to offer spiritual guidance, support, and teachings within appropriate scope
   • Demonstration of skills in communication, presence, and compassionate listening
   • Readiness to represent the teachings and lineage with clarity and responsibility
5. Karma Yoga & Service Integration
   • Meaningful engagement in service projects as required by the Seminary
   • Evidence of humility, reliability, and a spirit of selfless service
6. Faculty Evaluation and Recommendation
   • Positive evaluations from instructors, mentors, and program leadership
   • Formal recommendation for ordination based on observed readiness
7. Final Review / Ordination Interview
   • Completion of a final interview, reflection paper, or practical assessment
   • Opportunity to articulate one’s understanding of the path, role, and responsibilities of ministry
8. Commitment to Ongoing Growth
   • Willingness to continue learning, supervision, and self-reflection beyond ordination
   • Commitment to uphold the values and responsibilities of the ministerial role

Ordination is not awarded solely on the basis of academic or practical completion, but through a holistic assessment of the seminarian’s readiness to live, embody, and transmit the teachings with integrity, humility, responsibility, respect, and service.

• Complete the of Seminarian application form including personal statements within the application
• Upload your resume or vitae
• Upload three letters of recommendation (typically from senior teachers, mentors, or community leaders familiar with your practice and character)
• Provide all required supporting materials
• After your application has been submitted, there will be interviews with the Seminary Director and some of the Committee members.

• Step 1 Application Review
  • Your application will be reviewed by the Ministry admissions team and the Seminary Director
  • Your application will be assessed for commitment, spiritual maturity, and alignment with the IY teachings
• Step 2: Interview Process
  • All applicants will participate in an interview with the Seminarian Director and the Admissions Team.
  • Discussion will consist of intentions, experience, and readiness for the seminary
  • Inclusive will be an opportunity for applicant to ask questions and clarify expectations
• Step 3: Admission Decision
  • The applicant will receive notification on the status of their application within 30-45 days after submission via email notification.
  • Feedback and recommendations may be provided if additional preparation is required.
• Step 4: Enrollment & Orientation
  • Upon admission, participants will be asked to sign a formal acceptance letter into the Seminary.
  • New seminarians will be scheduled for an orientation meeting which will include an introduction to the program, expectations, and guidelines. There will also be a discussion on “What is an Integral Yoga Minister”.
  • Two cohorts per year will enter the Seminarian Training on either September 1st or March 1st
  • Each group of students will remain as a cohort through graduation and ordination.
  • Students may be eligible to begin their studies earlier, but their official start date as part of a group cohort will begin on either September 1 or March 1st.
• Step 5: Mentor Assignment
  • All new seminarians will be matched with a mentor for the first year in the seminary training.
  • A new mentor will be assigned to you for your second year and any remaining time in the seminary
  • New seminarians will be asked to sign a Mentorship Agreement Form to establish clarity and agreement on the mentor / mentee relationship and obligations.