The Yoga of St. Francis with Craig Bullock

Saturday, June 20, 6:00 - 7:30 pm CT
Virtual via Zoom

We are living in precarious times. More than ever, we need God’s light to guide us through the darkness. Though he lived and died more than 800 years ago, Francis of Assisi embodies heaven’s highest light. Over the centuries, Francis has become one of the most widely embraced Christian saints in history, inspiring followers who are Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, non-denominational Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists. One additional lens through which we can appreciate Franciscan spirituality is yoga.

Many people only know yoga as a physical practice for health and wellness, but the deepest aspects of yoga are spiritual in nature. Kriya Yoga is such a practice. It was brought to the United States in 1920 by the great Hindu saint and yoga master, Paramahansa Yogananda. The Kriya Yoga tradition gives special veneration to Jesus and St. Francis and certain other Christians. Its practices can easily be integrated into a Christian worldview.

Through his words, deeds, and prayerful intervention (all of which are in alignment with the teachings of Kriya Yoga), Francis can help us to hear the voice of Christ, to be healed by the love of Christ, and to be the presence of Christ in the world. Simply, we can know and live what Francis knew and lived: God is good, all good, only good. The best possible life we can ever live is to embody God’s truth, beauty, and goodness in the world. Join us as we journey together through The Yoga of St. Francis, prayerfully seeking to be a channel of God’s light and love in the world.

Craig Bullock (whose spiritual name is Isha Das, meaning “servant of Jesus") is the Spiritual Director of The Assisi Institute in Rochester, New York. In this capacity, he guides students on their journey of spiritual transformation through the integration of mystical Christianity and Kriya Yoga practices. With advanced degrees from the University of Notre Dame (Religious Studies) and the University of Duquesne (Clinical Psychology), Craig brings a unique blend of academic depth and practical spiritual wisdom to his teaching.

As an authorized Kriya Yoga teacher trained by Roy Eugene Davis (a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda) and a former pastoral administrator, Craig bridges Eastern and Western spiritual traditions.

Craig is the author of several books, most recently Merchant to Mystic: The Heroes Journey of Francis of Assisi. His extensive background in psychology, spirituality, mysticism, and world religions—and his friendship with influential spiritual teachers like Richard Rohr—help Craig to offer practical guidance for those seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and understanding.

$5 per person; please register online at shalomretreats.org or by calling 563.582.3592 by noon on Friday, June 19.