KRIYAYOGA MEDITATION
The Ancient, Ever-new Spiritual Science Of God-Realization
Kriyayoga is the original, ancient yet ever-new spiritual science of God-Realization, preached and practised by all Prophets, Realized Masters, fully illumined Saints and Sages. The knowledge ( Light ) of Kriyayoga is present within the medulla ( Centre of Christ / Prophet-consciousness- the Kutastha centre ) of each and every human being. This Light is Eternal and Immortal. It will never be destroyed by the darkness of ignorance. Anyone who will have an eternal deep desire to know God, will discover the sacred knowledge of Kriyayoga within the realm of their consciousness and will experience the Bliss of oneness with Spirit- God.
Meditation Techniques of Kriyayoga Meditation
1. Standing Recharging 1 - 42 Steps (Energization Exercises)
The Science of Recharging of body and mind
The science of Recharging is the practice of various steps to experience presence of life force in countless dimensions in our body. It provides balanced health of body, mind and Soul. Recharging helps the conscious control of the life force, keeping the body in a state of calmness, peace and joy, which is essential for experiencing Savikalpa and Nirvikalpa Samadhi. The primary purpose of Standing Recharging is to recharge the body battery with Cosmic Energy (life force). Remember that Standing Recharging is the important step of Kriyayoga Meditation and that it is not a physical exercise.
Mastery over Recharging brings an ability to stop restlessness and sense perceptions at will. Recharging rejuvenates and strengthens the muscles and purifies the blood. Recharging increases spiritual vibrations in the protoplasm of cells and tissues of the body which stops destructive behavior of viruses and bacteria within body. In this state, bacteria and viruses do not disturb the various activities of cells and tissues in the body. After learning the Standing Recharging 1-42 steps, it takes about 20-25 minutes to complete. This is one of the most effective means of eliminating stress and nervous tension.
2. Concentration on Altar of God ( Head and Spine )
The region of the Head and Spine is the Altar of God. It has been referred to in the various scriptures by different names such as " The Staff " of Moses, or the " Bow and Arrow " of Lord Ram and Lord Shiva, as well as, "Gandeeva" of Arjuna. The flow of Life Force into our body temple happens through the "Mouth of God" situated in the Head and Spine. The Mouth of God is the Medulla Oblongata which is a part of the hind brain. This region is called the nucleus ( Naabhee Centre ) of the body. This centre is responsible for creation and preservation of the various organs of the body.
3. Hong-Sau Technique ( Science of Breath )
Breath is the structural and functional unit of visible existence of human being and is the unique bridge between visible and invisible cosmos. By practice of concentration on breath, we establish conscious connection of both visible and invisible cosmos. Breath is the structural and functional unit of body. Perfect concentration on breath brings realization of knowledge and power needed to repair and rejuvenate body.
4. Bhrumadhya Sadhana ( Concentration on Spiritual Aura )
This is the science of experiencing oneness with Omniscient Consciousness by concentration on the spiritual aura. In this lesson, we learn conscious control of Egoistic nature of Jiva-Atma and brings a stage where it crosses the boundary of limitations to becomes one with The Infinite.
5. Conscious Awareness on Holy Vibration ( Science of listening to AUM Sound)
Science of experiencing oneness with Omniscient consciousness by scientific concentration on Cosmic Holy vibration ( Om - Amin - Amen ) . We are able to remove ignorance to become one with Omnipresent Consciousness ( God ).
6. Kriya Initiation ( Science of Liberation )
After a few months of practice of the beginning Initiation Kriyayoga steps which include the above steps - Standing Recharging 1-42 steps, Concentration on Breath, you are eligible for Kriyayoga Initiation which includes Mahaamudraa, Divine Breathing , Jyoti Mudra and Paraavasthaa.
QUESTION AND ANSWERS
What is Kriyayoga Meditation and its benefits ?
Kriyayoga Meditation is the highest form of meditation that combines physical and mental techniques. It enables one to experience, very quickly, the infinite potential within. Kriyayoga Science is based on the principle that each particle of the cosmos is connected with all of creation; thus making a change in one's self is making a change in the cosmos. By learning and practicing Kriyayoga, the universal force of Omnipresent God unfolds, allowing us to experience our oneness with the infinite. Kriyayoga meditation practice gives one unshakable faith in Truth, boundless peace, patience, and will power, which leads to a perfectly balanced life free of all physical and mental inharmonies. Kriyayoga awakens the hidden potential and abilities that lay dormant within a person.
Is Kriyayoga, as taught by Guruji, the same as other yogas ?
No. First of all, the term 'yoga' has been greatly misunderstood by the majority of the population at large. 'Yoga' is not considered to be exercise. By definition, 'yoga' is the state when one has attained union with the Infinite cosmos. Kriyayoga enables one to achieve this state by employing a systematic approach of simple, yet effective psycho-physiological techniques to reduce the distance between body and mind to zero. During this process, one experiences healing of physical and mental illnesses, improvement in socio-economic status and a general feeling of well-being as a mere by product of Kriyayoga practice.
What is the fundamental concept behind Kriyayoga Meditation ?
For Kriyayoga practice to be most effective, the practitioner must understand the fundamental concept upon which it is based- that God is Omnipresent, Omniscient, and Omnipotent. In other words, God's all-knowing power resides in each atom, cell, and tissue of our body, and is responsible for the creation, preservation and change of the visible ad invisible worlds. To find God takes one million years of diseaseless life. Kriyayoga practice reduces this enormous time span because we learn to seek God first within, which is much easier and faster than seeking God in the external condition. When a person knows about the one's self, he knows about everything. Guruji explains that "when the distance between body and mind is reduced, then life-trons are produced which heals, repairs, and creates new cells and tissues in the body and gives realization of immortality. Then a person bravely proclaims victory over death."
Who can practice ? Is it difficult to do ?
Many people incorrectly think that yoga is something that belongs to the Hindus and so it cannot be practiced by all. It is also a common misconception that all ‘yogas’ are the same. In fact, they are not. Kriyayoga is a pure science, just like mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology. Kriyayoga practice employs a scientific technique which effectively works to promote real health.
The science of Kriyayoga, like any other science, is free from sectarian religious sentiment. All people can practice Kriyayoga. Scientists, physicians and philosophers are now appreciating the wonderful results that are obtained from practicing Kriyayoga. The scientific practice of Kriyayoga not only cures the body, mind, and spirit, but also synthesizes and accelerates the skill of all sincere practitioners.
If one is practicing Kriyayoga scientifically, one is able to understand the truth hidden in all religions. It unites all races, all sects, and all countries.
How much time does it take ?
This depends on our own individual needs. Practice can extend from 15 minutes to many hours. It is entirely up to the practitioner, keeping in mind that a greater effort produces a greater result. Kriyayoga can be practiced at any time, throughout the day, whether working, eating, resting, or during daily activities. You can gain benefits at all levels of practice.
Where can I learn Kriyayoga Meditation ?
You can learn Kriyayoga from Guruji Swami Shree Yogi Satyam by visiting one of his worldwide Centres in India and North America, or by attending an Introductory Kriyayoga program at other locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and India.
Because of the absolute importance of the guru-disciple relationship in the search for Ultimate Truth, we only recommend our Centres and Self-Realization Fellowship / Yog Satsanga Society of India for where to learn Kriyayoga Meditation. To prepare yourself for the opportunity to learn, we recommend the following:
1) Autobiography of a Yogi by Shree Paramahansa Yogananda ( available in most languages )
2) Holy Science by Swami Shree Yukteswar Giri ( Hindi ; English )
3) Science of Food by Swami Shree Yogi Satyam ( Hindi & English - mixed language )
4) Recharging by Swami Shree Yogi Satyam ( Hindi ; English )
5) Kriyayoga Vigyaan ( Kriyayoga Science ) ( Hindi language )
6) YouTube ( available in English, Hindi, bilingual Hindi & English )
7) Akhand Bharat Sandesh ( bilingual Hindi & English )
What are the charges to learn Kriyayoga Meditation ?
Just as a mother can not charge a fee to care for her children, Kriyayoga must be provided free to all. Since the beginning of his work in 1983, Guruji Swami Shree Yogi Satyam has provided free classes of Kriyayoga around the world. As devoted children help their mothers, true devotees of Kriyayoga support Kriyayoga worldwide services. To our knowledge, no other meditation Institute in the world operates in this manner, and it is a testament that when a person serves with unconditional love, the Omnipresent-Omnipotent Consciousness God provides.
Free-will donations are welcome to support the mission of Kriyayoga. The friends and devotees who donate to the mission experience fast progress in all dimensions of life and realize that " the Universe is one home ". Here, Universe means visible and invisible Cosmos. Then, one reaches to the conclusion that through Kriyayoga Meditation, one can solve all problems permanently. Now it is clear that spreading Kriyayoga worldwide is the highest service to mankind.
Kriya Yoga
The science of breath and the path to freedom
Kriya Yoga is a simple, yet extraordinarily powerful, meditation technique -a quick path to reach higher states of consciousness and change your life by developing mind, body, intellect and awareness of the soul.
Kriya Yoga is non-sectarian, requires no painful austerities, and suits lay practitioners involved in modern, daily life as much as it does those who meditate in the quiet caves of Himalayan peaks.
The word 'kriya' itself signifies the unity of work and worship of activity and divinity. Continuous awareness of the power of the indwelling soul can transform all of our actions - however mundane into worship, and our whole lives can be made divine. Calmness, peace, joy, love and compassion are the fruits of practice - fruits that are available to all who wish to practice with sincerity and humility.
Based on the science of breath, Kriya Yoga greatly enhances all spiritual practice. The technique emphasizes the relationship between the breath and mind. The breath influences the mind and vice-versa. This reciprocal relationship reveals the secret of controlling the mind: 'Breath control is self-control. Breath mastery is self-mastery.' When the breath is mastered, the face of the divine can be seen.
A sincere spiritual seeker who follows the path of Kriya Yoga with love and devotion and a desire for spiritual growth can attain self-realization or enlightenment -in this very lifetime. This powerful yoga is a manifestation of the many yogas described in the Bhagavad Gita, but primarily it derives from:
Karma Yoga
Detachment from the fruits of actions in the world, and more importantly, from the inner activity of mind.
Jnana Yoga
A disciplined intellect acquires spiritual knowledge, and this wisdom creates freedom through detachment from the fruits of actions.
Bhakti YogaUnconditional love is awakened by gratitude and by the joy arising from the openness with all creation, which is cosmic consciousness.
Direct transmission from teacher to student
This spiritual tradition technique has been practiced by saints, seers, and sages from time immemorial. The rishis (seers) of the Upanishads, Shri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, Maharshi Patanjali in his Yoga Sutra, and many other masters of yoga practiced and taught this scientific method through the ages. Kriya Yoga is a powerful tool to be used by seekers of all religions in order to hasten spiritual development.
For generations, Kriya teachings have been lovingly handed down from teacher to student, year after year, century after century. In 1861, the great Himalayan yogi Mahavatar Babaji re-introduced the ancient practice of Kriya Yoga to modern times from hidden Himalayan cavesto our contemporary cities, streets and villages through his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya.
Still taught directly from teacher to student, Kriya Yoga through the compassion of our lineage of masters and yogis is now available to seekers across the globe. The Kriya Yoga techniques are passed on only by word of mouth from an authorised teacher directly to the student.
How to get started
At Kriya Yoga ashrams and centers throughout the world, guided meditations are open to those initiated by authorized teachers. Introductory programs and initiations are offered regularly.
We are happy for the opportunity to help you in any way we can with your Kriya practice. To learn more about Kriya Yoga, please see the listing of the ashram or center nearest you and call the contact person directly.
What Is Kriya Yoga?
Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditation technique of energy and breath control, or pranayama. It is part of a comprehensive spiritual path, which includes additional meditation practices along with right living.
The Kriya technique was hidden in secrecy for many centuries. It was revived in 1861, when the great yogi Mahavatar Babaji taught the technique to his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya. Lahiri then taught the technique to his disciple Sri Yukteswar, who taught it to his disciples, including Paramhansa Yogananda.
Yogananda then popularized Kriya Yoga through his book Autobiography of a Yogi and through his public teaching in the West. Kriya has been taught in an unbroken link of spiritual succession to this day.
How Does Kriya Work?
According to Yogananda, Kriya Yoga is the most effective technique available to mankind today for reaching the goal of Yoga: union with the Divine. Kriya Yoga is so effective because it works directly with the source of growth — the spiritual energy deep in our spines.
All yoga techniques work with this energy, usually indirectly. Yoga postures, for example, can help open up the spinal channels, and balance the energy in the spine. Yoga breathing exercises or pranayama, can help to awaken that energy.
However, Kriya Yoga is more direct. It helps the practitioner to control the life force by mentally drawing that life force up and down the spine, with awareness and will. According to Yogananda, one Kriya, which takes about half a minute, is equivalent to one year of natural spiritual growth.
Kriya is also very practical in its effectiveness. Kriya Yogis find that it enhances their ability to concentrate, to become more effective in business and in family life, and to become better people in every way.
FREE WEBINAR
Introduction to the
Path of Kriya Yoga
Discover what Kriya Yoga IS
and how its practice can radically transform your life.
How Kriya Yoga Affects the Brainwith Dr. Peter Van Houten, M.D.
The Science of Kriya Yogafrom Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda
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. The life force, which is ordinarily absorbed in maintaining the heart-pump, must be freed for higher activities by a method of calming and stilling the ceaseless demands of the breath.
Read More
“One thousand Kriyas practiced in eight hours gives the yogi, in one day, the equivalent of one thousand years of natural evolution: 365,000 years of evolution in one year.”Autobiography of a Yogi, by Paramhansa Yogananda
Where and How Do I Learn It?
Receiving Kriya Initiation Through AnandaThe Kriya technique is taught through initiation by one of our Kriyacharyas or Kriya Yoga teachers who are authorized by Swami Kriyananda, who himself was authorized by Paramhansa Yogananda, to pass on the Kriya technique. Many of our teachers have been initiating people into Kriya Yoga for more than 30 years, and teaching meditation for over 50 years.
We give Kriya initiations most often in the United States, India, and Italy. However, our teachers often travel to other countries, including Mexico, Russia, Singapore, New Zealand, and others to give initiations.
Preparation for Kriya Initiation
Before you can be initiated into Kriya Yoga, there is a process of preparation which includes study of Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings and practice of other meditation techniques.
Over the years, Ananda has helped thousands of truth seekers all over the world to prepare for initiation into Kriya Yoga. We’ve seen that the practice of Kriya is infinitely more effective after the proper preparation and study of the Kriya teaching
How Long Does it Take to Learn Kriya?
This process takes about a year, but this also depends on each individual. It is natural to think of any training we receive in terms of outer goals, yet with the Path of Kriya, much more is involved. The Path of Kriya Yoga involves learning and practicing spiritual techniques that promote inner transformation. Each of these techniques needs to be integrated into one’s life before moving forward. How quickly one can move forward with the material depends on personal karma and inner realities. The instructors work with each individual, according to their needs and realities.
How Do You Learn Kriya?
The Path of Kriya can be studied in in-person or through our online courses. If you are near one of our Ananda Centers, we encourage you to learn the techniques in-person. If you are not near an Ananda Center, they can be learned very effectively through Ananda’s online classes.
Regardless of whether you choose to learn in-person or online, you will receive personal spiritual support, resources, and ample opportunity to ask questions of our experienced meditation teachers. After learning Kriya Yoga, Ananda continues to offer ongoing support and guidance in your spiritual practices. Learn more.
Why Is Kriya Given as an Initiation?Ananda teaches Kriya Yoga as a comprehensive spiritual path – which includes meditation techniques, discipleship, and study of the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda. Yogananda taught four central techniques on the path of Kriya Yoga. The four work together to maximize the effectiveness of the Kriya technique.
Also fundamental to successful practice of Kriya is the understanding and experience of discipleship. The power of the Kriya technique comes through the blessings of the Guru.
We are noticing that some sincere seekers, after reading about Kriya in Autobiography of a Yogi, decide to see if the Kriya technique is now available online, which it is. This is unfortunate. As Yogananda says in the Autobiography:
“Because of certain ancient yogic injunctions, I cannot give a full explanation of Kriya Yoga in the pages of a book intended for the general public. The actual technique must be learned from a Kriyaban or Kriya Yogi; here a broad reference must suffice.”Paramhansa YoganandaIn Autobiography of a Yogi we also have the example of how Kriya Yoga was first introduced in this modern age. It was given through a sacred initiation. This tradition is carried on even today.
Kriya is not a “magic pill” that involves simply following a technique. The depth of Kriya comes from careful preparation, using the techniques given by Yogananda, as well as a deep understanding of the attitudes of discipleship and willingness to attune with the Guru.
We have seen that when people practice Kriya without proper instruction, they often practice this subtle technique incorrectly and don’t gain the benefits. If people practice without trying to attune to the Guru’s grace, again, they don’t feel the full results and often lose interest in the practice. By preparing more completely, people usually embark on a lifelong commitment.
Swami Kriyananda has said, “I’ve seen that people who try to do the path on their own, ‘going directly’ to Master, don’t show the same purity and depth as those who connect with the direct disciples of the Guru.”
Kriya is a technique that works with our inner energies. Our nervous system needs to be properly prepared for it—not only in terms of outward practices, but especially in terms of the right understanding, humility, and devotion in our attunement to the Guru. These are subtle qualities that take time to develop.
Preparation for Kriya InitiationOver the years, Ananda has helped thousands of truth seekers around the world prepare for initiation into Kriya Yoga. We’ve seen that the practice of Kriya is infinitely more effective after the proper preparation and study of the Kriya teachings.
This process takes about a year, but also depends on each individual. How quickly a person moves forward with the material depends on personal interest and life circumstances. The instructors work with each individual, according to their needs and realities.
Testimonials on the Path of Kriya Yoga.
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