When will Yogacharya begin her sabbatical, and when will she return?
Yogacharya’s sabbatical will begin following services on Sunday, January 5, 2025. She will return in January 2026.


What is a sabbatical? Is it different from a vacation?
A sabbatical is a discrete period of time away from work to allow for rest and renewal. It is a common practice in academic settings as well as ministry. However, in academic settings, it is often time set aside for scholars to do research or write books. For ministers or spiritual leaders, a sabbatical is a time for contemplation and rest without any scheduled projects. Much like a weekly spiritual sabbath, the extended time is dedicated to complete well-being.


Will Yogacharya travel as part of her sabbatical?
Because she has traveled extensively over the years for ministry outreach, she has no travel plans at this time.


Is Yogacharya in good health?
Yes. Her health is excellent, and the sabbatical is an opportunity to celebrate that. The sabbatical affords her time to rest and renew after many decades of service.


Does taking a sabbatical mean that Yogacharya is retiring?
No. Yogacharya is not retiring. She will return to the Center in January of 2026.


Who will provide spiritual leadership for the CSE community during Yogacharya’s sabbatical?
Acharya Sundari Jensen, in her capacity as CSE’s Executive Minister and Senior Kriya Yoga Teacher, along with our other Acharyas and Ministers, will provide spiritual leadership for the community during Yogacharya’s sabbatical. Our dedicated team of the volunteer Board of Directors, the Center Staff, as well as the Ministers, have been preparing for several months to work together serving the various needs of our community during this time.


Will Acharya Sundari be taking Yogacharya’s place as the Guru or Spiritual Director in our tradition?
No. Acharya Sundari will continue in her role as our Senior Kriya Yoga Acharya or Teacher, as well as Executive Minister. She will make all decisions in support of the ministry and community during this time in consultation with our Board, Staff, and Ministers. Yogacharya O’Brian and Acharya Sundari Jensen have worked closely for decades, and Yogacharya specifically requested that Acharya Sundari lead the ministry during her sabbatical.


Can I write, email, text, or call Yogacharya during her sabbatical? Or send a message through one of the CSE Ministers?
No. As a necessary step to ensure a time of rest and spiritual renewal, Yogacharya will not receive or respond to any communications during this time.


How will I stay in touch with Yogacharya?
The Power of Attunement program was designed by Yogacharya to assist us all with staying in tune with her, our lineage of yoga masters, and our essential Self. In this regard, the sabbatical provides a very important opportunity for all of us to become more spiritually attuned, an essential practice of Kriya Yoga. Meditate regularly and deeply to support spiritual growth and further cultivate tuning in with Yogacharya.


Who should I reach out to if I need spiritual guidance or support during Yogacharya’s sabbatical?
Acharya Sundari or any of the Ministers will be available to assist you. Our Community Care Ministry team will continue to support those in need during times of life transitions.


Will we still have Kriya Yoga retreats and initiation during Yogacharya’s sabbatical?
Yes. Yogacharya will lead the 2025 New Year Kriya Yoga Retreat, and Acharya Sundari will lead the annual Summer Kriya Yoga Retreat in June 2025.


Will we still have our regular annual events and retreats during Yogacharya’s sabbatical?
Yes. Visit our 2025 Programs List to see program dates.  


How can I support Yogacharya’s sabbatical time?
You can support Yogacharya’s time of sabbatical by participating in Sunday satsangs, retreats, and special programs as you already do (or more frequently if so inspired). You can continue to contribute financially and donate to the sabbatical fund, and you are invited to participate in The Power of Attunement program.