Highlights

• Kriya Yoga is a spiritual practice taught by Paramahansa Yogananda, an Indian yogi and spiritual teacher.
• It is a comprehensive system that combines specific techniques for meditation, breath control, and energy manipulation.
• Kriya Yoga aims to awaken the dormant spiritual energy within individuals and accelerate their spiritual growth.
• Yogananda brought Kriya Yoga to the West in the early 20th century and founded the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) to disseminate these teachings.
• The practice involves pranayama (breathing exercises), asanas (postures), concentration, and meditation techniques.
• Kriya Yoga focuses on directing the life force, known as prana, through specific energy channels in the body called nadis.

Kriya Yogais a meditation technique that was taught by Paramahansa Yogananda, a spiritual teacher who brought yoga to the West in the early 20th century. Yogananda described Kriya Yoga as "the highest technique of pranayama (breath control) ever known to man."

Kriya Yoga, as taught byParamahansa Yogananda, is a powerful and ancient meditation technique that helps individuals attain self-realization and spiritual enlightenment. Yogananda, a renowned spiritual leader and the author of the spiritual classic "Autobiography of a Yogi," brought Kriya Yoga to the West in the early 20th century, making it accessible to seekers of truth worldwide. This article will delve into the essence of Kriya Yoga, its origins, principles, and the profound impact it has on the lives of those who practice it.

Kriya Yoga finds its roots in the ancient yogic scriptures of India. It is believed to have been passed down from generation to generation through a lineage of realized masters and sages. Yogananda, being a disciple of the revered Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, was initiated into the sacred teachings of Kriya Yoga and dedicated his life to spreading its wisdom.

At its core, Kriya Yoga is a spiritual science that combines ancient meditation techniques, pranayama (breathing exercises), and self-discipline to accelerate one's spiritual evolution. The word "Kriya" itself means "action with awareness," emphasizing the dynamic nature of this practice. Through Kriya Yoga, practitioners learn to harness the life force within them, directing it towards the awakening of their higher consciousness.

One of the key aspects of Kriya Yoga is the technique of pranayama, specifically the control and regulation of the breath. Yogananda taught a unique and powerful breathing technique known as the "Hong-Sau technique." This technique involves mentally repeating the sound "Hong" on the inhalation and "Sau" on the exhalation, while focusing on the breath and the spiritual eye (the point between the eyebrows). This practice helps to calm the mind, increase concentration, and draw one's awareness inward.

Kriya Yoga is a complex technique that involves a series of physical postures, breathing exercises, and mental visualizations. The technique is said to help practitioners to control their life force (prana) and to experience higher states of consciousness.

Yogananda taught that Kriya Yoga was the most effective way to achieve union with God. He said that Kriya Yoga could help practitioners to overcome the limitations of the physical body and to experience the infinite joy of the soul.

History of Kriya Yoga

The history of Kriya Yoga is shrouded in mystery. Some scholars believe that Kriya Yoga was first taught by the ancient sage Patanjali, who is credited with writing the Yoga Sutras, one of the foundational texts of yoga. Others believe that Kriya Yoga is a more recent development, dating back to the 19th century.

The first known person to teach Kriya Yoga in modern times was Mahavatar Babaji, a mysterious yogi who lived in the Himalayas. Babaji taught Kriya Yoga to Lahiri Mahasaya, a Bengali yogi who lived in the 19th century. Lahiri Mahasaya then taught Kriya Yoga to his disciple,Sri Yukteswar Giri.

Sri Yukteswar Giri taught Kriya Yoga to his disciple, Paramahansa Yogananda. Yogananda brought Kriya Yoga to the West in the early 20th century, and he taught it through his book, Autobiography of a Yogi.

Benefits of Kriya Yoga

Yogananda claimed that Kriya Yoga had many benefits, including:

• Improved health and vitality
• Increased mental clarity and concentration
• Deeper spiritual experiences
• Greater peace and happiness
• How to Learn Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga is a secret technique that is not taught publicly. In order to learn Kriya Yoga, one must be initiated by a qualified teacher.

Yogananda founded the organization Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) to disseminate the teachings of Kriya Yoga and provide spiritual guidance to seekers around the world. SRF offers classes, workshops, and retreats where individuals can learn and practice Kriya Yoga under the guidance of experienced teachers. The organization also provides spiritual literature, including Yogananda's works, to support practitioners on their spiritual journey.

The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), a religious organization founded by Yogananda, offers Kriya Yoga initiations. SRF has centers all over the world, and their website provides information on how to find a Kriya Yoga teacher.

Kriya Yoga is a powerful meditation technique that has been taught by spiritual teachers for centuries. Yogananda believed that Kriya Yoga was the most effective way to achieve union with God, and he taught it to millions of people around the world.

If you are interested in learning Kriya Yoga, I encourage you to contact the Self-Realization Fellowship or to find a qualified Kriya Yoga teacher in your area.

Through regular practice, Kriya Yoga leads to self-realization, inner peace, and spiritual growth. It is a universal path that empowers individuals to discover their true nature and establish a deep connection with the divine. The teachings of Kriya Yoga continue to inspire and guide seekers on their spiritual journey, offering a path to self-discovery and enlightenment.