Bibliography Links Quotations History Lineage Initiation
Introduction Essential Reading
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 - 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Valley Spirit Yoga
Yoga Practice, Education, and Research
© 2003-2012, Green Way
Research, Red Bluff, California
Michael P. Garofalo, All Rights Reserved
Red Bluff, Tehama County, North Sacramento Valley, Northern California, U.S.A.
Cities and small towns in the area: Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Vacaville,
Marysville,
Yuba City,
Williams, Colusa, Willows, Orland, Oroville, Paradise, Durham, Chico, Hamilton City,
Corning, Rancho Tehama, Los Molinos, Vina, Tehama, Proberta, Gerber, Red
Bluff,
Manton,
Cottonwood, Olinda, Cloverdale, Dairyville, Bend, Centerville, Summit City,
Anderson, Shasta Lake, Palo Cedro, Igo, Ono, Redding, Shasta,
Richfield, Fall River,
Montgomery Creek, Alturas, McCloud, Dunsmuir, Yreka, Happy Camp,
Shingletown, Burney, Mt. Shasta City, Weaverville, Chester,
Susanville,
Weed, Gridley, NorCalifia, CA, California.
This webpage was last updated on July 11, 2012.
