Kriya Yoga is a form of meditation that involves internal action, discipline, trust and the mechanics of life-making. It is based on the science of breath and aims to help spiritual seekers attain constant communion with the Divine. Image source: Patrick Hendry on Unsplash
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Video notes: Paramahansa Yogananda explains what Kriya Yoga is. He offers a simple and introductory explanation for those who are new to it. This video will give you an introduction and overview and encourage you to pursue the path of Yoga by approaching the Kriya Guru and meditating more. The content in this video has been taken from “Autobiography of a Yogi” and other books by Paramahansa Yogananda.
Origins of Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga is a spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. It is a form of yoga that focuses on cultivating inner energy and awakening higher consciousness. It was first introduced to the world by the great yogi and spiritual master, Mahavatar Babaji, who is said to be thousands of years old and still alive today. Babaji passed on the teachings of this yoga to his disciple, Lahiri Mahasaya, in the 19th century.
Lahiri Mahasaya was an Indian yogi and guru who revived the ancient technique of Kriya Yoga, which he learned from his master Mahavatar Babaji. He was born Shyama Charan Lahiri on 30 September 1828 in Ghurni village, West Bengal. He worked as an accountant and lived as a householder with his wife Kashimoni and two sons. He met Babaji in 1861 near Ranikhet and received initiation into Kriya Yoga.
He then taught this technique to many disciples, including Sri Yukteswar Giri, the guru of Paramahansa Yogananda. He was known for his spiritual attainments, miracles, and teachings on the Vedas. He died on 26 September 1895 in Varanasi. He is regarded as one of the great masters of yoga and a pioneer in bringing Kriya Yoga to the world.
It has been handed down by an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters that reaches deep into ancient times. It transforms the body, mind and heart, helping us be calmly active and actively calm. It is a powerful way to walk the spiritual path, but it also requires a lot of dedication and exactness.
The teachings of Mahavatar Babaji were central in the 2002 Tamil movie, Baba starring Rajinikanth as Baba, a hot-headed atheist who is the reincarnation of a saint devoted to Mahavatar Babaji. Baba is taken to Mahavatar Babaji, who tests him with seven wishes and teaches him to overcome the illusions of the material world. Baba uses his divine powers to fight against evil politicians and bring justice to the people. Image source: On Manorama
Benefits of Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga is based on the belief that our true nature is divine and that we can attain self-realization by connecting with our inner self and the universal consciousness. The practice involves a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to purify and energize the body, mind, and spirit.
One of the key benefits of practising yoga is its ability to awaken the dormant spiritual energy within us, known as Kundalini. When Kundalini is awakened, it rises the spine, purifying and activating the chakras, or energy centres, along the way. This leads to a deep sense of inner peace, heightened awareness, and spiritual growth.
One can accelerate their spiritual growth and experience a deep sense of inner peace, joy, and divine communion. The other benefits for the physical and mental health of the practitioner, such as increasing oxygen intake, balancing the nervous system, enhancing memory and concentration, and reducing stress and anxiety.
Regular practice can enhance concentration, focus, and mental clarity. It can also promote physical health by improving flexibility, strength, and balance.
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Video notes: Isha Kriya is a guided 15-minute meditation for health and wellbeing. Through the practice, you learn to use your breath, thought and awareness in a way that your ability to use your mind and body is greatly enhanced. It is a very simple but potent process that is great for beginners to learn. You can do it anywhere: at home, in the office, in the park. Try out the process, pay attention to what it does within you and realize the benefits in no time.
Practising Kriya Yoga
Before starting, it is important to find a quiet and peaceful space where you can be undisturbed.
1. Sit comfortably in a cross-legged posture with your spine erect and your eyes closed. Relax your body and mind.
2. Inhale deeply and exhale completely, making a soft sound like “hmmm” as you exhale. This is called Ujjayi Pranayama. Repeat this for a few minutes to calm your nervous system and prepare for the next step.
3. Bring your attention to the point between your eyebrows, which is called Ajna Chakra or the third eye. This is the seat of intuition and higher wisdom. Imagine a bright light or a flame at this point and focus on it with love and devotion. This is called Dharana or concentration.
4. Now, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, making a sound like “haa”. As you inhale, mentally chant “Hong” and as you exhale, mentally chant “Sau”. Hong means “I am” and Sau means “That”. This is a mantra that affirms your identity with the Supreme Reality. This is called Kriya Pranayama or the breath of life.
5. As you practice Kriya Pranayama, visualize a stream of light or energy flowing up and down your spine, from the base to the crown and back. This is called Kriya Spinal Breathing or the circulation of life force. Feel the energy awakening and purifying your chakras or energy centres along the spine.
6. After practising Kriya Pranayama for some time, stop the breath and enter into a state of silence and stillness. This is called Kumbhaka or breath retention. In this state, you may experience a deep sense of peace, bliss, or oneness with everything. This is called Dhyana or meditation.
7. When you feel ready, gently resume your normal breathing and open your eyes. Offer your gratitude to the Guru and the Divine for this opportunity to practice Kriya Yoga. This is called Arpana or surrender.
Final Say
Kriya Yoga is a powerful spiritual practice that offers numerous benefits for those who embark on the journey. By practising Kriya Yoga, we can awaken our inner potential, expand our consciousness, and experience a deep sense of peace and fulfilment. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, incorporating Kriya Yoga into your daily routine can bring about profound transformations in your life.