Kriya Yoga

Introduction

Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditation technique that accelerates spiritual evolution through specific breath control, energy channeling, and concentration practices. Often described as the "science of meditation," it offers a systematic approach to spiritual growth and self-realization.

The Sanskrit word "Kriya" means "action" or "movement," and in this context refers to specific spiritual actions that accelerate the practitioner's spiritual development. yoga means "union," referring to the union of individual consciousness with cosmic consciousness.

"The Kriya Yogi mentally directs his life energy to revolve, upward and downward, around the six spinal centers (medullary, cervical, dorsal, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal plexuses) which correspond to the twelve astral signs of the zodiac, the symbolic Cosmic Man. One-half minute of revolution of energy around the sensitive spinal cord of man effects subtle progress in his evolution; that half-minute of Kriya equals one year of natural spiritual unfoldment."

- Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi

Historical Background

Kriya Yoga traces its origins to ancient India, though it remained largely a secret practice for centuries, traditionally passed from guru to disciple. The modern revival of Kriya Yoga is primarily attributed to the great master Mahavatar Babaji, who reintroduced and systematized the technique in the 19th century.

The lineage of Kriya Yoga teaching includes several notable spiritual masters:

• Mahavatar Babaji: The Himalayan master who revived the ancient Kriya Yoga teachings for the modern age.
• Lahiri Mahasaya: The householder sage who received initiation from Babaji in 1861 and taught many disciples, making Kriya Yoga accessible to householders.
• Sri Yukteswar Giri: Lahiri Mahasaya's principal disciple who systematized and further developed the teachings.
• Paramahansa Yogananda: Sri Yukteswar's disciple who brought Kriya Yoga to the West in 1920, establishing the Self-Realization Fellowship.

Philosophy and Principles

Kriya Yoga is based on the fundamental principle that human evolution can be accelerated through specific spiritual practices. Its philosophy encompasses several key concepts:

Energy and Consciousness: Kriya Yoga recognizes the profound connection between breath, energy (prana), and consciousness. By controlling the breath and directing life energy, the practitioner can influence states of consciousness.

The Spinal Cord: The spinal cord is considered the path of spiritual evolution in Kriya Yoga, with various centers of consciousness located along the spine. The practice aims to awaken these centers, culminating in the experience of higher states of awareness.

Kundalini Energy: Kriya Yoga works with the dormant spiritual energy (kundalini) at the base of the spine, gradually awakening and drawing it upward through the spinal centers.

The Threefold Path: Patanjali's Yoga Sutras mention Kriya Yoga as a threefold practice comprising:

• Tapas (austerity or self-discipline)
• Svadhyaya (self-study or scriptural study)
• Ishvara Pranidhana (devotional surrender to the Divine)

Techniques and Practices

Kriya Yoga encompasses a specific set of practices designed to accelerate spiritual growth:

Kriya Pranayama: This is the central technique of Kriya Yoga, involving specific breathing patterns combined with mental awareness of energy movement along the spine. The practitioner learns to breathe in a controlled manner while directing the life force through the spinal channel.

Mantra Meditation: Receiving and practicing with specific mantras (sacred sounds) that help to spiritualize awareness and attune the mind to higher consciousness.

Mental Techniques: Concentration exercises that develop one-pointed focus and the ability to hold awareness at the point between the eyebrows (the spiritual eye).

Chakra Awakening: Techniques to gradually awaken the spiritual energy centers along the spine in a systematic and balanced way.

Hong-Sau Technique: An introductory meditation technique of breath and concentration, often taught as preparation for the more advanced Kriya practices.

AUM Technique: An advanced meditation technique that attunes one's consciousness to the cosmic sound of AUM, perceived as the creative vibration underlying all manifestation.

These techniques are typically learned progressively, with proper guidance and preparation from a qualified teacher to ensure they are practiced correctly and safely.

Benefits of Kriya Yoga

Regular practice of Kriya Yoga yields numerous benefits on physical, mental, and spiritual levels:

Physiological Benefits:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved respiratory function
• Lower blood pressure
• Enhanced immunity
• Better quality sleep
• Maintained energy levels throughout the day

Psychological Benefits:

• Greater mental clarity and focus
• Improved emotional balance
• Increased self-awareness
• Enhanced creativity
• Reduced mental agitation
• Greater resilience in facing life's challenges

Spiritual Benefits:

• Deeper states of meditation
• Direct perception of inner realities
• Expanded consciousness
• Accelerated spiritual evolution
• Experience of inner peace and joy
• Growing awareness of one's spiritual nature

Training and Learning Path

Kriya Yoga is traditionally taught through an initiation process following a structured learning progression:

Preparation: Most teaching organizations recommend preliminary practices to prepare the aspirant for Kriya initiation. These may include basic meditation techniques, breath exercises, and ethical preparations.

First Kriya: The initial initiation into the core Kriya techniques, typically after a period of preparatory practice.

Advanced Kriyas: Progressive levels of practice that build upon the foundation of the First Kriya, often introduced after the practitioner has demonstrated adequate preparation and practice.

Various organizations teaching Kriya Yoga follow slightly different approaches and lineages. Some of the well-known organizations include:

• Self-Realization Fellowship (founded by Paramahansa Yogananda)
• Kriya Yoga Institute (founded by Paramahansa Hariharananda)
• Babaji's Kriya Yoga Order of Acharyas
• Ananda Sangha

Conclusion

Kriya Yoga offers a systematic and scientifically structured path to spiritual development that integrates ancient wisdom with practical methodology accessible to modern seekers.

Through its precise techniques and practices, Kriya Yoga provides a means for accelerating spiritual growth, leading to expanded awareness, inner peace, and ultimately, direct experience of the Divine. With consistent practice and proper guidance, practitioners of this ancient science can experience profound transformation in consciousness and realize their highest spiritual potential.

As Paramahansa Yogananda wrote in Autobiography of a Yogi, "Kriya Yoga is an instrument through which human evolution can be quickened. The ancient yogis discovered that the secret of cosmic consciousness is intimately linked with breath mastery."