Kriya is a Sanskrit term that is widely used in yoga circles. It refers to a set of practices that are designed to purify the body, mind, and spirit. Kriya yoga is a specific type of yoga that emphasizes the use of pranayama, or breath control, to achieve spiritual growth.
The goal of kriya yoga is to awaken the Kundalini energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine and to channel this energy upward through the chakras, or energy centers, of the body. This process is believed to lead to spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
Kriya yoga has a rich history in India and has been practiced by yogis for thousands of years. It is believed to have been first taught by the legendary sage, Babaji, who passed the teachings down to his disciple, Lahiri Mahasaya. From there, the practice spread throughout India and eventually made its way to the West. Today, kriya yoga is practiced by thousands of people around the world.
Origins and History of Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditation technique that has been practiced in India for centuries. The word “Kriya” means “completed action” or “deed” in Sanskrit. It is believed that the practice of Kriya Yoga was taught by the great yogi Mahavatar Babaji to his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya.
The lineage of Kriya Yoga can be traced back to the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Hindu scripture that describes the path of self-realization. In the Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that the path to spiritual liberation is through the practice of yoga.
The modern form of Kriya Yoga was popularized by the yogi Paramahansa Yogananda in his book “Autobiography of a Yogi“. Yogananda was a disciple of Sri Yukteswar, who in turn was a disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya.
Yogananda brought Kriya Yoga to the West in the early 20th century and founded the Self-Realization Fellowship to teach the practice. Today, Kriya Yoga is practiced by thousands of people around the world.
The practice of Kriya Yoga involves a series of techniques that are designed to accelerate spiritual progress. These techniques include pranayama (breathing exercises), mudras (hand gestures), and meditation. The practice is meant to awaken the dormant spiritual energy at the base of the spine and bring it up through the chakras to the crown of the head.
Kriya Yoga is a powerful tool for spiritual transformation and has been passed down through a lineage of gurus for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient India, and its modern form has been popularized by yogis like Paramahansa Yogananda. Today, Kriya Yoga continues to be practiced by people around the world who seek to deepen their spiritual practice and awaken to their true nature.
Teachings and Principles
Kriya yoga is a spiritual practice that is focused on the realization of the divine through a series of techniques that aim to purify the mind, body, and soul. This practice is based on the teachings of ancient scriptures and is passed down from guru to disciple. The guru-disciple relationship is an important aspect of Kriya yoga, as the guru provides guidance and support to the disciple on their spiritual journey.
One of the key principles of Kriya yoga is the use of mantra and om chanting to focus the mind and purify the soul. Mantras are sacred sounds that have been used for thousands of years to create a connection with the divine. The chanting of om is a powerful tool for spiritual growth, as it helps to awaken the Kundalini energy and bring about a state of deep peace and inner stillness.
Another important principle of Kriya yoga is self-study and self-discipline. The practice of Kriya yoga requires a deep level of commitment and dedication, as it involves a rigorous daily routine of meditation, pranayama, and other spiritual practices. Through this self-discipline, the practitioner is able to overcome the obstacles of the ego and desires, and move towards enlightenment.
The concept of Ishvara pranidhana, or surrender to the divine, is also a central principle of Kriya yoga. This involves letting go of the ego and surrendering to the will of the divine. Through this surrender, the practitioner is able to open themselves up to the infinite possibilities of the universe and move towards a state of higher consciousness.
Kriya yoga is also focused on actions, or karma, and the role of actions in human evolution. Through the practice of Kriya yoga, the practitioner is able to purify their actions and move towards a state of pure consciousness. This involves the purification of the mind and body, as well as the cultivation of devotion and surrender to the divine.
Practices and Techniques
An important technique in Kriya yoga is kriyas, which are specific sets of exercises, breathing techniques, and sound mantras used to unlock energy channels or chakras in the body. The sequence of each kriya is meant to enable subtle and direct changes in the body and mind of the practitioner.
Neti, or nasal cleansing, is another common practice in Kriya yoga. This involves using a neti pot to flush out the nasal passages and clear any blockages in the sinuses. This helps to improve breathing and promote overall respiratory health.
Asana practice is also an important part of Kriya yoga, as it helps to strengthen the body and prepare it for deeper meditation. Mudras, or hand gestures, are often used in conjunction with asanas to help direct the flow of energy throughout the body.
Other techniques commonly used in Kriya yoga include trataka, or candle gazing, and shat kriyas, or six cleansing techniques. These practices help to transform the mind and body and promote inner peace and spiritual growth.
Benefits and Impact of Kriya Yoga
Kriya yoga is a powerful form of yoga that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practices. It has been practiced for centuries and is known for its numerous benefits on the mind, body, and soul.
Benefits of Kriya Yoga
Kriya yoga has numerous benefits on the mind and body. Some of the benefits include:
Reduced stress: Kriya yoga helps to reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and relaxing the body. It helps to reduce negative emotions and promotes a sense of peace and well-being.
Improved immune system: Kriya yoga helps to boost the immune system by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It helps to improve the body’s natural defenses against illness and disease.
Increased mental clarity: Kriya yoga helps to improve mental clarity and focus. It helps to improve concentration and memory, and promotes a sense of calm and balance.
Enhanced spiritual growth: Kriya yoga helps to enhance spiritual growth by promoting a deeper connection with the self and the universe. It helps to promote ananda, or bliss, and cosmic consciousness.