October 12, 2004
Bibliography Links Quotations History Lineage Initiation
Introduction Essential Reading
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.
Links and Bibliography
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. MGC. This course
also includes
2 audio CDs or audiotapes with Lessons in Meditation by John Novak,
2002.
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.
MGC.
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.
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. MGC.
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.
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. MGC.
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)
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. MGC.
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.
Furio's Kriya Yoga
Articles in Italian.
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.
MGC.
ISBN:
1565897161.
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 - 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 Vigyan. By Swami Nitayananda Giriji Maharaj. English
translation by
Dr. Brij Kumar. Yoga Niketan, 1999.
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.
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.
MGC. This book
offers a comprehensive outline of Raja Yoga and Kriya Yoga.
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.
Subject Index to the Cloud Hands Website
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.
Traditional Yoga Studies
Manton, California. An informative and
extensive website
with articles, forums, resources, links, and information
about a variety of types of
traditional yoga. The website provides detailed information about
the 800 hour distance
learning course of traditional yoga studies conduced by the noted scholar
and
author, Georg Feuerstein.
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.
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.
I began my study of study of Kriya Yoga as presented by the
Ananda Sangha (Nevada City, CA).
My notes and observations on Kriya Yoga will differ somewhat
from those presented by other
individuals and organizations. Most lineages speak of the Avatar
Maharaja Babaji, Yogiraj
Lahiri Mayasaha, Sri Yukteshwar, Shrimat Bhupendranath Sanyal and Paramahansa
Yogananda
as the seminal spiritual teachers in the Kriya Yoga lineage or
tradition.
Initially, I was curious and open-minded
and did not concern myself much with defending or justifying
the detailed theory, theology or practices of a particular Kriya Yoga
tradition or lineage. Therefore, one
is likely to find links and references above to Kriya Yoga viewpoints and
practices that differ
greatly, contradict one another, and disagree with each other. I thought
that there must be many
ways to ascend and descend the Great Mountain of
Self-Realization.
Since work on this webpage began in October 2004, it will not have much depth until October, 2005.
I welcome your comments, ideas, suggestions and additions.
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
{Discussed 3/24/04 with
Dianna Smith and Krishna Das LoCicero]
Establish communications with Kriya Yoga Guide, Kriyabans, Teachers
Ananda Lessons in
Meditation Online, Ananda Course in Self-Realization.
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
Develop 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
Coming Later
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, Chaper 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 go 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 camp
there
and attend classes, and I like the Sierra Nevada foothills.
.
Valley Spirit Yoga
Yoga Research and
Education
Red Bluff, Tehama
County, North Sacramento Valley, Northern California, U.S.A.
Cities in the area: Oroville, Paradise, Durham, Chico, Hamilton City, Orland,
Corning,
Rancho Tehama, Los Molinos, Tehama, Gerber, Manton, Cottonwood,
Anderson, Shasta Lake, Palo Cedro, and Redding, CA
© 2004, Green Way
Research, Red Bluff, California
Michael P. Garofalo, All Rights Reserved
Cloud Hands: Taijiquan and Qigong
Cuttings: Haiku and Short Poems
Subject Index to the Cloud Hands Website
Alphabetical Subject Index
Cloud
Hands Website
Taijiquan, Qigong, Taoism, Classics,
Weapons: Sword and Staff
Fitness and Well Being Website
Gardening, Meditation,
Walking, Yoga, Strength Training,
Fitness for Older Persons, Aerobics, Relaxation
The Spirit of Gardening
2,700 Quotes Arranged by 130 Topics,
History, Guides,
Psycho-Spiritual Aspects of Gardening
Web Guides, Bibliographies, Links, Directories, Quotes, Notes
Alphabetical Subject Index
Alphabetical Subject Index to the Cloud Hands Website
Ancient Goddesses - Quotations, Poems, Sayings, Prayers, Songs
Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi): Tiger, Bear, Crane, Deer, and Monkey
Arthritis Therapy - Exercise: T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Chi Kung
Bear, Standing Bear, Level 1 Ranking, Valley Spirit Taijiquan
The Bear: The Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Bird - Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Blog - Valley Spirit Journal by Michael P. Garofalo
California (Northern) T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Directory: Instructors, Schools, Information
Charkas (Energy Centers of the Subtle Body)
Ch'i Kung: Bibliography and Links
Ch'i Kung Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo in Red Bluff, California
Classes, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Instructional Program
Cloud Hands: T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Ch'i Kung
Cloud Hands T'ai Chi Ch'uan Journal
Cold Mountain Poets: Wanderers, Mystics, and Sages
Confucius (K'ung Fu-tzu) (551 - 479 BCE)
Crane - Bird - Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Crane, Soaring Crane, Intermediate Program, Level 3, Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Cuttings: Short Poems by Michael P. Garofalo
The Deer: The Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Diabetes Therapy - Exercise: Taijiquan and Qigong
Disclaimer of the Cloud Hands Website
Eight Section Brocade Ch'i Kung
Embrace the One - Zhan Zhuang - Standing Like A Tree
Entering Tranquility (Ru Jing) Meditation
Exercise - Diabetes Therapy - Taijiquan and Qigong
Feedback, Kudos and Reviews for the Cloud Hand's Website
Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi): Tiger, Bear, Crane, Deer, and Monkey
Five Elements (Wu-Xing) and Taijiquan
Five Stepping Movements of Taijiquan
Five Elements (Air, Earth, Fire, Water, Metal)
Gardening: Quotes, Poems, History, Sayings
Gardening: Quips and Maxims by Michael P. Garofalo
The Four Gates: Grasping the Sparrow's Tail
Michael P. Garofalo's Biography
Michael P. Garofalo's T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Practice
The Goddess - Quotations, Poems, Sayings, Prayers, Songs
Goose - Bird - Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Green Way Research - Taijiquan and Qigong
Gu Shen (Valley Spirit) Taijiquan Instructional Program
Health and Fitness - T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Hidden Tiger, Beginning Program, Level 2, Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Index to the Cloud Hands Website
Instructional Program, Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Journal - Valley Spirit Journal by Michael P. Garofalo
Kundalini (Coiled Serpent) Energy
Kwang Ping Taijiquan of Kuo Lien Ying
Links and Bibliography: Qigong
Links and Bibliography: Taijiquan
Long Form 108 Yang Style Taijiquan
Master Chang San-Feng (circa 1350)
Master Cheng Man-Ch'ing (1901 - 1975)
Mastery, Self Control, Self Mastery, Choices, Will Power, Strength of Character
Meditation Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo in Red Bluff, California
Meditation Methods and Techniques
Meditation - Standing Like A Tree
Meditation - Wu Ji - The Edge of Emptiness
Michael P. Garofalo's T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Practice
Months of the Year: Quotes, Poems, Links
Moving Hands Like Clouds: T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong
Northern California T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Directory: Instructors, Schools, Information
Nine Movement Temple Ch'i Kung Exercise Set
Older Persons Exercise and Wellness Programs
Oregon T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Directory: Instructors, Schools, Information
Original Waving Hands Like Clouds URL
Photography - Valley Spirit Photography Gallery
Pranayama: Breathing Techniques from Yoga
Private Instruction by Michael P. Garofalo, Instructional Programs
Pulling Onions: The Quips and Maxims of a Gardener
Qigong: Bibliography and Links
Qigong, Ch'i Kung - Chinese Mind-Body Exercises
Qigong Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo in Red Bluff, California
Red Bluff, Valley Spirit Taijiquan Instructional Program
Reviews of the Cloud Hand's Website
Self Control, Self Mastery, Choices, Will Power
Senior Citizens Fitness Programs
Sensing Hands: Push Hands - T'ui Shou
Shoong, Sung, Song - Loose, Relaxed, Open, Yielding, Responsive
Short Form, Yang Style, Beijing Simplified 24
Simplified 24 From, Yang Style
Soaring Crane, Intermediate Program, Level 3, Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Speaking to the Spirit Meditation
Staff Weapons: Jo, Bo, Can, Staff, Spear
Standing Bear, Level 1 Ranking, Valley Spirit Taijiquan
Standing Like A Tree - Zhan Zhuang
Stork - Bird - Five Animal Frolics
Subject Index to the Cloud Hands Website
Swordsmanship and T'ai Chi Ch'uan
T'ai Chi Ch'uan: Bibliography and Links
T'ai
Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Directory: Instructors, Schools, Information, Workshops
Northern California,
Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia
T'ai Chi Ch'uan Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo in Red Bluff, California
T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Red Bluff, CA
T'ai Chi Ch'uan Short Form, Beijing Simplified 24, Yang Style
T'ai Chi Ch'uan: Links and Bibliography
Taijiquan: Bibliography and Links
Taijiquan For Good Health, Fitness and Vitality
Taijiquan Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo in Red Bluff, California
Taoism, Nature Mysticism, Alchemy
Temple Qigong - A Nine Movement Exercise Set
Thirteen Postures: 8 Gates and 5 Steps
Thirteen Treasures Walking Qigong
The 300 Missing Poems of Han Shan
The Tiger: The Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Tiger, Hidden Tiger, Beginning Program, Level 2, Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Tree Qigong - Zhan Zhuang - Standing Like A Tree
Trees - Quotations, Poems, Lore, Wisdom
Trees - Lore, Magick, Myths, Magick
Valley Spirit Journal by Michael P. Garofalo
Valley Spirit Photography Gallery
Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan Club
Valley Spirit Taijiquan Instructional Program
Valley Spirit Taijiquan and Qigong Journal by Michael P. Garofalo
Vancouver, B.C., T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Directory: Instructors, Schools
Walking - General Fitness Exercise
Washington T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Directory: Instructors, Schools, Information
Waving Hands Like Clouds: T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong
Will Power, Self Control, Self Mastery, Choices, Strength of Character
Yoga Class, TFFC, Red Bluff, CA
Yang Style Taijiquan Long Form 108 Movements
Yang Style Taijiquan Short Form 24 Movements
Yin-Yang Sensitivity Training: Sticking Hands - T'ui Shou
YogaFit Class, Red Bluff, CA - Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo
Yoga Class, Red Bluff, CA - Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo
YogaFit Training Class in Red Bluff at TFFC, Saturdays
Zhan Zhuang - Standing Like A Tree
Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan Club
Red Bluff, Tehama County, North Sacramento Valley, Northern California, U.S.A.
Cities and small towns in the area: Oroville, Paradise, Durham, Chico, Hamilton
City,
Corning, Rancho Tehama, Los Molinos, Tehama, Proberta, Gerber, Manton,
Cottonwood,
Vina, Anderson, Shasta Lake, Palo Cedro, Igo, Ono, Redding, Shasta, Colusa,
Willows,
Richfield, Fall River, Montgomery Creek, Alturas, McCloud, Dunsmuir, Yreka,
Happy Camp,
Shingletown, Burney, Mt. Shasta City, Weaverville, Williams, Chester, Orland,
Susanville, Weed, Gridley, Marysville, Yuba City, NorCalifia, CA, California.
October 4, 2004
Cloud Hands: T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Ch'i Kung