Kriya Yoga school

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The chakras

Simplified diagram of the mode of action of Mudras and Bandhas on the Sushumna, leading to liberation in Hatha Yoga philosophy. The subtle fluids affected have numerous names including prana, bindu, and amrit

Kriya Yoga is a spiritual practice within the broad spectrum of Yoga, emphasizing the importance of meditation and direct experience of spiritual truths. It is a path that seeks to awaken Kundalini energy and facilitate spiritual growth through specific meditation techniques and ethical disciplines. The term "Kriya" comes from the Sanskrit root kri, meaning "to do" or "action," and refers to the practice of yoga techniques or actions that lead to spiritual liberation (moksha).

Origins and History

Kriya Yoga was revived in modern times by Mahavatar Babaji, who is said to have reintroduced it to the world through his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya in the mid-19th century. Lahiri Mahasaya, in turn, taught it to his disciples, including Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri and Paramahansa Yogananda, the latter of whom played a significant role in bringing Kriya Yoga to the attention of the Western world through his book Autobiography of a Yogi. This lineage emphasizes the unbroken transmission of the practice from guru to disciple.

Philosophy and Practice

The philosophy of Kriya Yoga is rooted in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, where it is described as a scientific technique of meditation that accelerates spiritual growth. It involves practices that purify the body and mind, leading to self-realization and the experience of oneness with the divine.

Kriya Yoga practices include a series of techniques that are imparted to students through initiation by a qualified teacher or guru. These techniques involve breath control (Pranayama), meditation, and certain postures (Asanas), which are said to lead to the awakening of Kundalini energy, promoting a deep state of meditation and spiritual enlightenment.

Ethical Precepts

Adherents of Kriya Yoga follow ethical precepts similar to those found in many other spiritual traditions, including truthfulness, non-violence (Ahimsa), non-stealing, celibacy, and the avoidance of intoxicants. These ethical guidelines help prepare the practitioner's body and mind for the deeper spiritual practices of Kriya Yoga.

Modern Practice

Today, Kriya Yoga is practiced worldwide, with numerous organizations and teachers offering initiation and instruction in its techniques. It remains a vital part of the spiritual landscape, appealing to those who seek a direct, experiential approach to spiritual realization.

Notable Figures

• Mahavatar Babaji: Considered the reviver of Kriya Yoga in modern times.
• Lahiri Mahasaya: Disciple of Mahavatar Babaji and key figure in the dissemination of Kriya Yoga.
• Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri: Guru of Paramahansa Yogananda and a significant teacher in the Kriya Yoga lineage.
• Paramahansa Yogananda: Author of Autobiography of a Yogi and a major proponent of Kriya Yoga in the West.

See Also

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Kundalini
• Yoga Sutras of Patanjali