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There is a fundamental purpose for our lives.
To know it, we must know life's origin
and where it is going, look beyond our short-term goals
to what we ultimately want to accomplish,
and consider life's highest potential for development.
-Paramahansa Yogananda
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Download the Meru Seminary
informational brochure or
discernment brochure.
Meru Seminary provides a visionary educational experience that supports the development of spiritual leaders in all walks of life. Rigorous academic standards, in‐depth spiritual training and practice in an established enlightenment tradition, engaged community service learning, and one‐on‐one mentoring all combine to provide a well rounded program for spiritually oriented students. A four year Master of Divinity degree is offered through the seminary as well as several certification programs and continuing education for professionals.
- Live With Spiritual Vision
- Realize Your Worthy Goals
- Transform Your Life and World
The seminary environment is conducive to personal transformation. Classes are arranged to provide working individuals the professional support, training, guidance, and spiritual direction necessary to further their spiritual growth and participate in the transformation of our awakening world. Those who complete the Master of Divinity degree are prepared for service in the community as interfaith ministers or lay leaders trained in the Kriya Yoga tradition. Our curriculum and seminary environment demonstrate our commitment to:
- Self- and God-realization
- Interreligious harmony
- Experiential learning
- Authentic expression
- Balanced living
HISTORY OF MERU SEMINARY
Founded in 1999 as the Love in Action Ministry School, Meru Seminary has since trained dozens of spiritual leaders and ministers in this tradition of Kriya Yoga who continue to offer service at CSE and in other locations in California, the US, and Internationally. Meru Seminary is nestled in the Grace Building, offering a spiritually uplifting environment that is conducive to education and to practice. Being located at CSE Headquarters allows seminarians the rare opportunity to practice as they learn—serving and supporting the CSE community and ministry as they are prepared to do so.
MERU SEMINARY FACILITIES: Meru Seminary has it’s own classroom and administrative offices, a growing library with a wealth of materials, as well as the use of the exquisite CSE grounds including the: meditation gardens, Temple of the Eternal Way, meditation chapel, silent reading room, Hatha Yoga practice room, outdoor labyrinth, counseling rooms, and additional classrooms.
DEGREES & PROGRAMS
MASTER OF DIVINITY DEGREE (M. DIV.)
The Master of Divinity degree program is designed to be completed in four years. Students who enter the M. Div. degree program receive a well‐rounded introduction to the world’s religions from an interfaith perspective and the time‐tested spiritual practices founded in the Kriya Yoga tradition. Students choose an area of emphasis for a deeper exploration.
Emphasis in Yogic Studies
- Preparation to Teach & Lead Meditation
- Preparation to Develop Programs, Classes & Retreats
Emphasis in Ministry Development
- Preparation in Church/Organizational Development
- Preparation to Offer Spiritual Direction & Ceremonies
Emphasis in Community Service
- Preparation to Serve in Non‐Violence Work
- Preparation to Serve in a Secular Environment
LAY LEADERSHIP AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
- Meditation Teacher Training
- Sacred CareGiving Training
- Hatha Yoga Teacher Training
- Youth Ministry Leadership Training
- Prayer Ministry Training
Our Certification Programs & Lay Leadership Training Programs are generally set in modular formats that allow working adults and those with family commitments to deepen in understanding and skill so as to serve in the highest way.
MERU FACULTY & ADMINISTRATION
As spiritual leaders and educators, the Meru Core Faculty serve CSE and its ministry in the world. The Core Faculty are joined by guest faculty who come from a variety of spiritual, academic and professional backgrounds from the US and Internationally; and CSE Ministry Interns and Meru Seminary student teachers. Their work supports the seminary’s mission to prepare people for service in this tradition of Kriya Yoga and as spiritual leaders in society.
CORE FACULTY INCLUDE:
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Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian
CSE Founding Minister and Meru Seminary President |
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Rev. Sundari Jensen, M. Div.
CSE Associate Minister and Meru Seminary Provost,Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher, JFK University Adjunct Faculty
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Rev. Pat Kirti Hall, M. Div
CSE Minister and Meru Seminary Dean,
Certified Transformational Life Coach |
Rev. Sylvia Karuna Lunt, M. Div.
CSE Associate Minister and Ministry Services Director
with an emphasis in spiritual directio
Rev. Marcella Shanti Macartney, M. Div.
CSE Associate Minister and Director of Sacred CareGiving Program
with over two decades of caring for the ill and dying
Michael Scott, M.A., MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Mediator and educator
with over a decade of training teachers with Quest International
Gail Faris, M.A., MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and educator
With over two decades of leadership service & teaching at CSE
GUEST FACULTY INCLUDE:
Roy Eugene Davis
Direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda & Founder of CSA
A. Martin Wuttke
Founder and clinical director of Southern Institute of Psycho-Physiology
Cynthia Ambika Copple
Founder & Director of Lotus Holistic Health Institute in Santa Cruz, CA
Rev. Ann Hayes
CSE Associate Minister and Community Ministry Manager
Rev. Elena Kanti Fritchle
CSE Associate Minister and Youth Spiritual Education Manager
Rev. Samuel Sasu
Founder & Director of CSA in Ghana, West Africa and of Healthworks Stress Management and Ayurvedic Research Centre
The Rev. Dr. Mary Tumpkin
President of the Universal Foundation for Better Living and Senior Minister of the Universal Truth Center
Rabbi Rami Shapiro
Founder & Director of One River Foundation
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
M. Div. Program Application Requirements:
- All applicants must hold an undergraduate degree
- All applicants must demonstrate spiritual maturity
- All applicants must demonstrate stability in their life
Certification Program Requirements:
TUITION RATE: $200 per Credit Unit
REGISTRATION FEE: $100 per Semester
COURSE AUDIT FEE: $75 unit (not transferable for degree)
CEU's (Continuaing Education for Nurses & Therapists): fee varies
FULL TIME STATUS: 12 Credits
Tuition: $2,400 + $100 Registration Fee = $2,500
ADDITIONAL FEES and INFORMATION:
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Initial Application Fee: $50/ non-refundable
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Seminary Retreat Fee: $300 each year
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Graduation Fee: $100 / due May of final year
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Books: Additional Expense per Semester
SEMESTER SCHEDULES (generally 12 weeks):
- Fall Semester: September - December
- Spring Semester: February - June
MID-SEMESTER INTENSIVES (optional)
Winter Intensives: January (fee/unit)
Summer Intensives: July & August (fee/unit)
Press here for a Meru Seminary brochure (pdf). If you would like additional information about this program, contact Rev. Pat Kirti Hall, Meru Seminary Dean or our Seminary Administrative Office Staff by phoning +1-408-283-0221, x17, or sending email to: Meru Seminary Info.