Kriya Yoga


Research by

Michael P. Garofalo
Valley Spirit Yoga, Red Bluff, California

 

Bibliography      Links      Quotations      History      Lineage      Initiation

Introduction      Essential Reading

Chinese Yoga (Chi Kung)     Meditation     T'ai Chi Ch'uan     Tantra

Notes     My Yoga Practice     Stretching     Cloud Hands Blog

 

 

 

 

Essential Reading


The Science of Kriya Yoga.  Chapter 26 of "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramhansa Yogananda.  This is a very important explanation of Kriya Yoga.  49Kb.  


Important Online Resources for Kriya Yoga Students     


The Natural Science of Kriya Yoga
.   By Goswami Kriyananda.   Chicago, Illinois, The Temple of Kriya Yoga, 1976, 2002.  Index, 367 pages.  ISBN: 0961309911.  This book offers a comprehensive outline of Raja Yoga and Kriya Yoga.   VSCL. 


Yoga Niketon Library

 

 

 

Links and Bibliography
Kriya Yoga 

 

All You Wanted to Know About Kriya Yoga.  By Ravindra Kumar.  Sterling Publishers, 2000.  152 pages.  ISBN: 8120723260.


Ananda Course in Self-Realization, Part I: Lessons in Meditation.  By John Novak.  Based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and his direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda.  Nevada City, California, Ananda Church of Self-Realization, 1997.  Spiral bound handbook.  104 pages.  This course also includes 2 audio CDs or audiotapes with Lessons in Meditation by John Novak, 2002.  VSCL. 


Ananda Course in Self- Realization   Prepared by the Ananda Church of Self-Realization, which offers course materials, videotapes, CDs, advice, e-mail, and guidance.  .


Ananda Lessons in Meditation Online, Ananda Course in Self-Realization.  Description of overall study program for Kriya Yoga Preparation.  


Ananda Yoga for Higher Awareness.  By Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters).  Nevada City, CA, Crystal Clarity Publishers, 1967.   Appendices, 159 pages.  ISBN:1565890787.
VSCL.   


Ananda Church of Self-Realization.  14618 Tyler Fotte Road, Nevada City, California, 95959, 530-470-2340.  .   


The Art and Science of Raja Yoga
.  By Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters).  Includes information on philosophy, meditation, postures, diet, breathing, routines, and health.  Nevada
City, CA, Crystal Clarity Publishers, c 2002.  Includes audio CD disk.   Index, glossary, 471 pages.  This book is in a spiral binding so it can be used as a workbook/textbook.  ISBN: 156589166X.  VSCL. 


Autobiography of a Yogi.   By Paramhansa Yogananda.  Reprint of the Philosophical Library 1946 First Edition.   The Original Unaltered Edition.  New York, Philosophical Library, 
1946.  Reprinted by Crystal Clarity Publishers, Nevada City, CA, 1995.  Index, 481 pages.  ISBN:1565891082.  VSCL.   


Babaji and the 18 Siddha Kriya Yoga Tradition.  Edited by Marshall Govindan.  Kriya Yoga Publications, 2nd Edition, 1998.  ISBN: 1895383005.  Lots of different opinions about
Mr. Govindan's book about the Avatar Babaji.  The book has gone into a 4th edition.  There will always be lots of myth and lore surrounding any person who has supposedly lived for 1,800 years.  Compare the Avatar Babaji with the Chinese Immortal Master Chang San-Feng.  When will Babaji pound his dando on the earth, say "let's go" to his entourage, and come to visit America?  I keep looking for him/her (a somewhat androgynous Avatar it seems to me) walking through the Sacramento Valley on his way to Mt. Shasta.  


Babaji's Kriya Hatha Yoga: 18 Postures of Relaxation and Rejuvenation.  By Marshall Govindan.  Kriya Yoga Publications, 1995.  30 pages.  ISBN: 189538303X.  


Bhagavad Gita    In English and many other languages.  18 Chapters.  


The Christ Consciousness.  By Norman Paulsen.  Solar Logos Foundation, 2002.  528 pages.  ISBN: 0941848094.  


Clarity Online Magazine from Ananda
  


Center for Spiritual Awareness.   Roy Eugene Davis, 1931-, Spiritual Director.  Teachings in the Kriya Yoga Tradition.  Publisher of the Truth Journal.  Lakemont, Georgia, USA.  Selected quotations from R. E. Davis.


Center for Spiritual Awareness: Books, Publications, Audiotapes, Videotapes.    


Chakras and Kundalini Yoga  


Ch'i, Prana, Qi, Ether, Orgon, Ching


Criticism of Kriya Yoga of Self-Realization Fellowship  


Criticism of Mahaavatar Babaji, Immortal Enigma, by Anjali Bagwe.  


Critique of Self Realization Fellowship Teaching


Cyberspace Ashram for Kriya Yoga, God Yoga, Divine Love and God realization  Brief articles, worksheets, and suggestions in both English and German.  


Daily Mediation Newsletters from Ananda Sangha
   


Roy Eugene Davis: Interview Seminars - Comments, Links


Energization Exercises.  Based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and his direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda.  19 page pamphlet.  Crystal Clarity Publishers, Nevada, CA.  VSCL.     


Energization Exercises Online.   Instruction offered in videotapes, poster, audiotapes, booklet.  Presented by the Ananda Sangha in Nevada City.  Many of the energization exercises will be familiar to students of Chinese Qigong.  Qigong means "Qi Exercises" or "Qi Training."  The Chinese word "Qi" or "Chi" means "vital energy, life force, air, internal vitality" and is generally identical in meaning to the Sanskrit term "prana."  


Energization Exercises (Qigong, Chi Kung, Chinese Yoga)


The Expanding Light Sadhana.  An instructional videotape featuring Barbara Bingham.  Includes Paramahansa Yogananda's Energization Exercises, gentle Ananda yoga, deep relaxation, and meditation.  Available from The Expanding Light, Nevada City, CA.  VSCL.   


The Eternal Way: The Inner Meaning of the Bhagavad Gita.  A New Comprehensive Commentary in the Light of Kriya Yoga.   By Roy Eugene Davis.  CSA Press, 1999.
ISBN: 0877072485.


Fitness and Well Being    


Furio's Kriya Yoga  Articles in Italian.  


Google Index - Kriya Yoga    


Gray Mist at Dawn: The Story of Kriya Yoga's Hidden Master - Sri Sheliji.  By Steven Cozzi.  1st Books Library, 2002.  160 pages.  ISBN: 140338892X.  


Hatha Yoga Pradipika.  By Swami Svatmarama.  Foreward by B. K. S. Iyengar.  Commentary by Hans Ulrich Rieker.  Translated by Elsy Becherer.  Harper Collins, Aquarian/Thorsons, 1972.
Complete text online, 321 Kb.  


The Holy Science
.   By Swami Sri Ukteswar.   Encinitas, California, Self-Realization Fellowship, 1990.   First published in 1894.  128 pages.  ISBN: 0876120516.  


How I Became a Disciple of Babaji.   By Marshall Govindan.  Kriya Yoga Publications, 1997.  90 pages.  1895383048.


How to Meditate
.  By John Jyotish Novak.  A Step by Step Guide to the Art and Science of Meditation.  Nevada City, CA, Crystal Clarity Publishers.  119 pages.  ISBN: 1565897161.   VSCL. 


How You Can Talk With God.   By Paramahansa Yogananda.   Encinitas, California, Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers, 1985.  ISBN:  0876121601.


Important Online Resources for Kriya Yoga Students


The Initiation.  By Donald Schnell.  Inner Ocean Publishing, 2002.  184 pages.  ISBN: 1930722060.  Prema Baba Swamiji, Dr. Donald Schnell, met Babaji in India in 1997 and received Babaji’s blessing of Prema (divine love).


International Babaji Yoga Sangam.   Founded by: Porfessor, Doctor Yogi S. A. A. Ramaiah.  Main temple in Grahamsville, New York.  Pledge   


Jewel in the Lotus: The Tantric Path to Higher Consciouness.  A Complete and Systematic Course in Tantric Kriya Yoga.  By Sunyata Saraswati and Bodhi Avinasha.  Ipsalu Publishing, 3rd Edition, 2002.  260 pages.  ISBN: 0929459024.


Journey to Self-Realization: Collected Talks and Essays on Realizing God in Daily Life.  By Paramahansa Yogananda.  Encinitas, California, Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers, 1997.  462 pages.  ISBN: 0876122551.  


Kriya
   By Carl Schmidt.   40Kb.


Kriya Yoga


Kriya Yoga at Ananda   


Kriya Yoga - Highway to the Infinite   J. Donald Walters.  


Kriya Yoga - Short Bibliography


Kriya Yoga Institute  Versions of this website are available in German, French, Spanish, Portguese, and Polish.  Information, artwork, photographs, class and seminar information, links, articles, books and audiotapes, and news.  


Kriya Yoga, International Babaji Yoga Sangam   


Kriya Yoga Lore in the Lahiri Mayasaya Family


Kriya Yoga of Babaji: The Lahiri Mahasaya Lineage 


Kriya Yoga Philosophy and Lifestyle Practices     


Kriya Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali and the Siddhas.  Translated by Marshall Govindan and Georg Feuerstein.  Kriya Yoga Publications, 2001.  320 pages.  ISBN: 1895383129.


Kriya Yoga Tree   


Kriya Yoga Vigyan.  By Swami Nitayananda Giriji Maharaj.  English translation by Dr. Brij Kumar.   Yoga Niketan, 1999.


Kriya Yoga Website


Kundalini Yoga


The Laws of Karma: Deeper Insight to the Esoteric Teachings of Kriya Yoga.  By Goswami Kriyananda.  Temple of Kriya Yoga, 1997.  187 pages.  ISBN: 092952201X.    


Learn Meditation - Ananda Sangha   


Life Surrendered in God: The Philosophy and Practices of Kriya Yoga.  By Roy Eugene Davis.  CSA Press, 2nd Edition, 1995.  ISBN: 0877072469.


Light on Authentic Original Kriya Yoga
- Satgurudeva Paramahamsa.  Articles by Paramahamsa Hariharananda.


The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita: A Commentary for Modern Readers.  Translation and Commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda.  Integral Yoga Pubs., 1997.  326 pages.  VSCL. 


Meditation: Guides, Links, Bibliography, Quotations, Notes   Michael P. Garofalo.


Meditation for Starters
.  By J. Donald Walters (Swami Kriyananda).  Nevada City, CA, Crystal Clarity Publishers.  136 pages.  ISBN: 1565890795.   For information on this book, and its audiotape, CD, and videotape versions go to Crystal Clarity.


Meditation Support Online from Ananda Sangha    


Metaphysical Meditations
.  By Paramhansa Yogananda.  Nevada City, CA, Crystal Clarity Publishers, 2003.  144 pages.  ISBN: 1565891791.  Topics include: devotion and worship, meditations on God, finding God, expansion of consciousness, Self-Improvement, material concerns, and special Christmas meditations.  


Mind Portals to Superconsciousness (Kriya Yoga Sojourn to God).  By Gerald Kuwada.  Self-Mastery Publications, 1997.  112 pages.  ISBN: 0964338637.


The Natural Science of Kriya Yoga
.   By Goswami Kriyananda.   Chicago, Illinois, The Temple of Kriya Yoga, 1976, 2002.  Index, 367 pages.  ISBN: 0961309911.  This book offers a comprehensive outline of Raja Yoga and Kriya Yoga.   VSCL. 


Online Kriya Yoga Support: Welcome to the Holy Science of Kriya Yoga Meditation.


Original Kriya Yoga with Yogi Dhirananda    


The Path of Light: A Guide to 21st Century Discipleship and Spiritual Practice in the Kriya Yoga Tradition.  CSA Press, 1998.  155 pages.  ISBN: 0877072779.


Qigong (Energization Exercises): Guides, Links, Bibliography, Lessons
   Michael Garofalo.  


A Recipe for Bliss: Kriya Yoga for a New Millennium.   By Carl Schmidt.  New Falcon Publications, 2002.  272 pages.  ISBN: 1561841595.   


Religious Movements Homepage: Self-Realization Fellowship


Research and Study of Kriya Yoga


Sacred Science: Meditation, Transformation, Illumination.   By Norman Paulsen.  Solar Logos Foundation, 2000.   159 pages.  ISBN: 0941848086.   


The Science of Kriya Yoga.  Chaper 26 of "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogaananda.  This is a very important explanation of Kriya Yoga.  49Kb.  


Scientific Healing Affirmations.   By Paramahansa Yogananda.  Encinitas, California, Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers, 1987.  78 pages.  ISBN: 087612144X.


Self-Realization Fellowship Gurus


Self-Realization Fellowship's Kriya Yoga Pledge and Others  A critical view of SRF Kriya.  


Self-Realization Fellowship Links


Seven Lessons in Conscius Living: Kriya Yoga Philosophy and Practices.  By Eugene Roy Davis.  Lakemont, Georgia, Center for Spiritual Awareness.  144 pages.  ISBN: 0877072809.  


Shrine to the Kriya Masters   Presented by Yoga Niketan.  


The Spiritual Science of Kriya Yoga.  By Goswami Kriyananda.  Chicago, The Temple of Kriya Yoga, 1976, 2002.  Index, 367 pages.  ISBN: 0961309911.  VSCL. 


Swami Yogananda and the Self-Realization Fellowship.  A Successful Hindu Countermission to the West.  By Elliot Miller.  A critical essay.  


T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong: Guides, Links, Bibliography, Quotes, Notes   Michael Garofalo.


Tantric Kriya Yoga
   By Alan Verdegraal.  


Tantric Yoga: Links, Bibliography, Quotes, Notes


Tantra Yoga Nada Yoga Kriya Yoga.   By Swami Sivananda.  Divine Life Society.  ISBN: 8170520428.


Temple of Kriya Yoga   Based in Chicago, Illionis.  Spiritual Director: Goswami Kriyananda Classes, news, information, books and audiotapes.  


The Unitybreath from Sri Ykteshwar and Drunvalo Melchizedek
.   By Hseetam Ra.  


The Upanishads.  Translated with comments by Eknath Easwaran.  Tomales Bay, California, Nilgiri Press,1987.  311 pages.  ISBN: 0915132397.


Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan   Compare energization exercises from Yoga tradition to Taoist Qigong (Energy Training) exercises life the Five Animal Frolics or Eight Section Brocade.  


The Voice of Babaji: A Trilogy of Kriya Yoga.  By V. T. Neelakantan and S.A. A. Ramaiah.  A recording by V.T. Neelakantan of a series of talks given by Satguru Kriya Babaji in 1952.
Quebec, Canada, Kriya Yoga Publications.  534 pages.  ISBN: 1895383234.  


What is Kriya  A very informative essay.  31Kb.      


What is Kriya Yoga    


YinSights: A Journey Into the Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga.  By Bernie Clark.  Foreword by Sarah Powers.  Index, 417 pages.   ISBN: 096876651X.  VSCL. 


Yin Yoga: Outline of a Quiet Practice.   By Paul Grilley.  Ashland, Oregon, White Cloud Press, 2002.  118 pages.  ISBN: 1883991439.  VSCL. 


Yin Yoga: The Foundations of a Quiet Practice.  Instructional DVD featuring Paul Grilley.  Pranamaya, Inc., 2005.  2 DVDs, 338 minutes.  ASIN: B000B5871I.  VSCL. 


Yoga Bibliography and Links


Yoga for Krishna and Shiva Consciousness.  By Shailendra.  


Yoga: Guides, Links, Bibliography, Quotations, Notes   Michael P. Garofalo.


Yoga Niketan: Devoted to the Preservation of Kriya Yoga as Taught by Yogiraj Sri Sri Lahire Mahasaya.  Portland, Maine.  Excellent articles and information.  


Yoga Niketan Library.  A large collection of articles and essays. 


Yoga Techniques as Taught by Paramahansa Yogananda


Yoga, Red Bluff, California - Michael P. Garofalo

 

Yukteswarji, Swami Sri Giriji Maharaji  (10 May 1855  - 9 March 1936)
Other Names:  Sriyukteshwar, Priya Nath Karar.

    Yukteswarji, Swami Sri

    Sri Yukteswar Teachings

 

 

Kriya Yoga Initiation Steps
A 12 to 15 Month Preparation Program

 

Step 1:  Meditation, Qigong, and Relaxation Practices  
12 Months

Establish a "Sadhana" (Daily Spiritual Practice) consisting of:
    Practice a Qigong (Energy Exercises) set each day.
    Practice a style of Hatha Yoga each day.
    Practice a relaxation method each day.  
    Practice a Meditation style each day.
    Establish and use a home meditation room and altar.
    Keep a spiritual journal
    Study books, videotapes, or CDs about meditation.
    Meet with Kriya Yoga Guide or Mentor
    Develop study and practice plan for Initiation
         

 

Step 2.  Raja Yoga
6 Months

Continue with daily Sadhana
Study books, videotapes or CD's about Raja Yoga 
Gain a good understanding of the Eight Limbs of Yoga (Astanga)  
Meet with Kriya Yoga Guide or Mentor
Establish communications with  Kriya Yoga Guide, Kriyabans, Teachers 

 

Step 3.  Specific Kriya Yoga Knowledge and Practices
3 Months

Attend Kriya Yoga Preparation Workshop
Become a Disciple of Kriya Yoga Lineage
Study specific Kriya Yoga principles and practices
Study books, videotapes or CD's about Kriya Yoga 
Practice meditation, qigong, and relaxation each day
Continue a daily spiritual practice (Sadhana)  
Meet with Kriya Yoga Guide or Mentor
Establish communications with  Kriya Yoga Guide (Kriyabans) Teachers 

 

Step 4.  Receive Kriya Yoga Initiation

Participate in Kriya Yoga Initiation Retreat
Participate in Kriya Yoga Initiation Ceremonies
Receive Kriya Yoga Initiation
Resolve to Continue to be a Disciple of Kriya Yoga Lineage
Resolve to coniine daily Sadhana
Resolve to learn more about Raja and Kriya Yoga
Meet with Kriya Yoga Guide or Mentor
Establish communications with  Kriya Yoga Guide, Kriyabans, Teachers 
Resolve to attain to higher levels of self-development
Seek advice on personal preparation of higher Kriya Yoga Initiations


Definitions of Kriya Yoga

 

 

"Yoga of ritual action (kriya yoga)"
-  Georg Feuerstein, The Yoga Tradition, p. 36

 

 

Lineage and History of Kriya Yoga

 

 

Sri Yukteshwar and Paramahansa Yogananda
1936

 

 

Lahiri Mahasaya (Yogiraj Shyama Charan Lahiri)
A Modern Kriya Yoga Saint
September 29,  1828 - September 26, 1895

 

 

 

Principles of Kriya Yoga

 

Kriya Yoga Philosophy and Lifestyle Practices

 

 

Kriya Yoga: Quotations, Poems, Sayings

 

 

"Kriya Yoga is referred to by Krishna, India's greatest prophet, in a stanza of the Bhagavad Gita: "Offering inhaling breath into the outgoing breath, and offering the outgoing breath into the inhaling breath, the yogi neutralizes both these breaths; he thus releases the life force from the heart and brings it under his control." The interpretation is: "The yogi arrests decay in the body by an addition of life force, and arrests the mutations of growth in the body by apan (eliminating current). Thus neutralizing decay and growth, by quieting the heart, the yogi learns life control."
-  Paramahansa Yogananda, 
The Science of Kriya Yoga, Chaper 26. 

 

 

"My worship is of a very strange kind.
In this, Ganga water is not required.
No special utensils are necessary.
Even flowers are redundant.
In this puja all gods have disappeared.
And emptiness has emerged with euphoria."
Lahiri Mahasaya

 

 

"The yoga of action (kriya), leading to union with the soul is fiery aspiration demonstrated by consistent kriya practice with detachment from expectations (tapahs), study of the inner-self (swadhyaya), and devotion to Ishvara (Isvarapranidhani).  Ishavara is the primordial teacher, Gurudeva.  For the Yogi, he is Shiva.  His closest representative within us is the Soul.  Om is its mantra and it appears in the world as shakti (energy) in the form of light and sound."
-  Pantanjali

 

 

"The Sanskrit word kriya means "action." Yoga can mean the practice of procedures to facilitate overall well-being and spiritual growth, or it can mean wholeness: the final result of spiritual practice. In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a two thousand year old treatise on superconscious meditation, kriya yoga is defined as: disciplined regulation of mental and sensory impulses, self analysis, study of metaphysics, meditation, and surrender of self consciousness (egoism) in favor of God-realization.  Kriya yoga is a concentrated approach to Self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment: awakening to full knowledge of the Infinite and of cosmic processes. It includes the most effective processes of all systems of yoga, with emphasis on wholesome, constructive living and superconscious meditation practice. Superconscious states are clear, refined states of consciousness superior to ordinary waking states and subconscious and unconscious states. The purpose of kriya yoga practice is to restore the practitioner's awareness to wholeness. This is accomplished by acquiring knowledge of one's true nature as a spiritual being; cultivating rational thinking, emotional balance, and physical health; purposeful living; and meditation."
Kriya Yoga Philosophy and Lifestyle Practices

 

 

"Kriya is a gentle, skillful, balanced approach to life -- a way of conscious and creative living.  It is a methodology of self-reliance, self-discipline, and self-inquiry. An ageless esoteric system which transcends both historical and cultural reference, Kriya Yoga unifies the mystical philosophies which are the foundation of all spiritual traditions. It is a way of self-study and meditative attunement which induces a direct perception and insight into the nature of consciousness, the pattern of your mind, and Life itself. Through the study of universal principles, and the use of specific spiritual techniques, it is a system for experiencing a transformation in consciousness which will enrich your life on every level."
Kriology: Temple of Kriya Yoga 

 

 

"Tantra consists of methods to expand consciousness to perceive trancendental states. Certain practices referred to as "kriyas" help initiate this expansion. In literature, one will find the word kriya used in several different contexts. It is applied to yogic cleansing practices that maintain the health of the physical body as well as in reference to certain rituals, devotional attitude, and prayers. In the context of this on-going column, Tantric Kriya practices are techniques used to open up the chakras and purify the nadi system. Direct experience of these aspects of esoteric physiology is not necessary to begin the practice of Tantric Kriya Yoga."
-  Alan Verdegraal, Tantric Kriya Yoga   

 

 

"Kriya yoga teaches man that God is to be discovered in his own body first, concentrating his gaze on the point between his eye-brows. Once man realizes God within his own body, he automatically realizes Him in others too. His body is the temple where he starts worshipping the Prana which controls the entire physical machinery. Each and everybody has this Prana
vitalizing force in common and by realizing its mystery through Pranayama, etc., man realizes the Supreme Consciousness that controls the universe, for it is the same force that impels the individual and the universe. Thus, Kriya yoga will go a great way in bringing about a sense of unity amongst all men and women, and ultimately in bringing about world peace."
-  
What is Kriya

 

 

"Kriya Yoga is mentioned twice by the ancient sage Patanjali, foremost exponent of yoga, who wrote: "Kriya Yoga consists of body discipline, mental control, and meditating on Aum."  Patanjali speaks of God as the actual Cosmic Sound of Aum heard in meditation.   Aum is the Creative Word,  the sound of the Vibratory Motor.  Even the yoga-beginner soon inwardly hears the wondrous sound of Aum.   Receiving this blissful spiritual encouragement, the devotee becomes assured that he is in actual touch with divine realms."
-  Paramahansa Yogananda, 
The Science of Kriya Yoga, Chapter 26. 

 

 

"Life is yoga or unity.  Primarily, this means the experience of unity of body, mind and soul and secondly, the unity between the individual personified or embodied soul and the universal divine soul. Kriya-Yoga is a method which furthers the physical, mental and spiritual development of a human being. This leads us to the conclusion that the state of yoga-unity can be reached by 
gradual degrees. Further, Kriya-Yoga means unity between body, mind and soul in each action at every moment of the daily life."
-   What is Kriya Yoga

 

 

"Kriya Yoga is a five-fold path of Kriya Hatha Yogum, Kriya Vasi Yogum (pranayam), Kriya Dhyana Yogum (meditation), Kriya Mantra Yogum and Kriya Bhakti Yogum ( the Yoga of Love and Devotion). It is, in short, the gospel of Kriya Mulaguru Babaji Nagaraj."
-   Kriya Yoga, International Babaji Yoga Sangam

 

 

"The science of Kriya Yoga, mentioned so often in these pages, became widely known in modern India through the instrumentality of Lahiri Mahasaya, my guru's guru. The Sanskrit root of Kriya is kri, to do, to act and react; the same root is found in the word karma, the natural principle of cause and effect. Kriya Yoga is thus "union (yoga) with the Infinite through a certain action or rite."  A yogi who faithfully follows its technique is gradually freed from karma or the universal chain of causation."
-  Paramahansa Yogananda, 
The Science of Kriya Yoga, Chaper 26. 

 

 

"Consider yourself very humble.  This means that one should do seva (service), vandana (prayers) and maintain a feeling of being a servant of all.  Always do Satsanga by associating with moral and spiritually oriented people.  Inquire inquire into the nature of yourself and read spiritually uplifting literature (svadhyaya).  From time to time congregate in a place and talk about God.  Do not show disrespect to any name or form of God.  At the end of the year, at least once, leave the worldly duties and go to a retreat for a month, or a week, or at least three days and enjoy the solitude."
-  Lahiri Mahasaya,
Five Guidelines for Householders  

 

 

"Yogananda's main teaching was the use of Kriya Yoga. Kriya Yoga, meaning "union (yoga) with the Infinite through a certain action or rite (Kriya)" (Yogananda 242), is a technique of relaxation, meditation and concentration which leads to a personal experience with God. When the inner peace arrives, one can then feel God's overwhelming presence and reach greater clarity.  Kriya Yoga is the method by which carbon is pulled from the blood and exchanged with fresh oxygen to rejuvenate the tissues and prevent decay.  Furthermore, the extra oxygen is transformed into energy, "life current," to reinvigorate the brain and the spinal centers. Thus, Kriya Yoga quiets the body and the mind to clear it from troubling daily thoughts to reach the final goal, bliss or 
self-realization. This is the freedom from karma, the laws of cause and effect. One who practices these methods will halt the decay and growth of the body by acquiring additional life force and eliminating current. The body and mind will then be trained and the soul will eventually be liberated and truly freed."
-   Religious Movements Homepage: Self-Realization Fellowship

 

 

"The Way of Kriya is 5% technique, and 95% practice and understanding the heart.  The path of Kriya begins as a completely inward journey.  You must rise up inside your apparent form, perhaps for a very long time, until a moment comes when inward and outward are no longer relative, and no longer relevant.  In samadhi there is no division of Self whatsoever.  Kriyas will take you to a point where this samadhi is possible, but it won't happen as long as you hold yourself back by imagining yourself as separate.  So know from the outset that the only obstruction in your way is that which you imagine. What is being falsely imagined is that the Self is separate from the Whole."
-  
Kriya

 

"Of all such yoga techniques, the most effective, according to Paramhansa Yogananda and his line of gurus, because the most central and direct in its application, is Kriya Yoga.  This was the technique, they said, that was taught in ancient times by Lord Krishna to Arjuna.  And Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, states that he gave this technique to humanity in an incarnation long prior to the one in which he taught Arjuna. Of all the techniques of yoga, Kriya is quite probably the most ancient.  Kriya Yoga directs energy lengthwise around the spine, gradually neutralizing the eddies of chitta. At the same time it strengthens the nerves in the spine and brain to receive cosmic currents of energy and consciousness. Yogananda stated that Kriya is the supreme yoga science.  Beside it, other yoga techniques that work on calming the breath, concentrating the mind, etc., though important in themselves (Yogananda also taught a number of them), must be classed as subsidiary."
-  
Kriya Yoga - Highway to the Infinite   J. Donald Walters.  

 

 

 

 

Notes on Kriya Yoga

 

I like the idea that "personal daily practice" is the paramount concern.  Practice will reveal the truth and provide the insight.  Theories are useful, but personal experience counts for a great deal of the meaningfulness in mystical and insight traditions.  I concede that other practices may work even better for others.   I try to stay flexible, smile, keep an open heart and mind, and express gratitude for the spiritual inventiveness of the millions of seekers past and present.  

"An ounce of practice is better than tons of theory"
-  Swami Sivananda

I appreciate the robustness of Indian philosophy and religion.  For example, I favor a Goddess in religious worship and most Indian religions make ample room for the Goddess.  I never found much tolerance for the Goddess in the popular Judeo-Christian-Islamic traditions.  So we part, and find different Pathways (Tao) up the Great Mountain and down into the Valley Spirit.  As far as I can tell, Kriya Yoga welcomes us Goddess Lovers.    


It appears that Kriya Yoga was developed by Lahiri Mayasaya, himself a householder and civil service employee, to provide a simplied form of Yoga for ordinary people.  It was intended to have popular appeal, rather than a appeal to a small group of devotees.  In this respect, its methods and practices are Tantric.   Everyone can enter, relatively quickly, into the practice.  A Guru-priest provides the initiation ceremony - open to all seekers regardless of their religion. 

There seems to be considerable disagreement about the function and actions of the Self-Relization Fellowship and Ananda.  These insider politics are somewhat out of my league.  I have gone to the Expanding Light retreat and education center of Ananda in Nevada City because their seminars and activities are interesting, the facilities and food are very good, it is close to my home, Crystal Clarity offers some good publications, the staff are friendly and helpful, their web presence and email newsletters are informative, the costs are very reasonable for me to go there and attend classes, and I like the Sierra Nevada foothills.  


 

 

 

 


 

 

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Valley Spirit Yoga
Yoga Practice, Education, and Research

 

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This webpage was last updated on July 11, 2012.