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How To Practise Kriya Yoga: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, what is Kriya Yoga? Kriya Yoga is a sacred practice of breath and meditation. It helps calm the mind and energy. It is a powerful spiritual path. Who can practice Kriya Yoga? Anyone with a sincere desire can learn and practice it. It requires proper guidance from a qualified teacher. This guide will walk you through the journey of practicing this ancient science.
Gazing at Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga is more than just breathing exercises. It is a complete spiritual path. It uses pranayama (breath control) and meditation techniques. These methods work on the life force, called ‘prana’. They help the mind become still. This stillness helps you connect with your inner self.
The practice aims to speed up spiritual growth. It works by clearing blocks in the energy channels. These channels run along the spine. When the energy flows freely, consciousness expands. Kriya Yoga helps unite body, mind, and spirit.
It is a practical science. It does not ask you to just believe things. It asks you to practice. Through practice, you experience the results.
Following the Kriya Lineage
The Kriya Yoga path was lost for many years. Then, in 1861, a great master brought it back. His name was Lahiri Mahasaya. He lived in India. He received the techniques from his guru, Mahavatar Babaji. Lahiri Mahasaya was a householder. He showed that you could live a normal life and practice Kriya Yoga.
Lahiri Mahasaya taught many students. One of his notable disciples was Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri. Sri Yukteswar’s most famous disciple was Paramahansa Yogananda.
Paramahansa Yogananda brought Kriya Yoga to the West in 1920. He wrote the famous book “Autobiography of a Yogi.” This book introduced Kriya Yoga to millions around the world. He founded Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in the USA. He founded Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) in India. These organizations continue to teach Kriya Yoga today. They teach it as Paramahansa Yogananda received it.
Today, there are other lineages as well. They trace their roots back to Lahiri Mahasaya. They offer Kriya Yoga initiation and guidance. Choosing a true lineage is key for authentic practice.
Steps Before Starting Kriya Yoga Practice
You cannot just pick up a book and learn Kriya Yoga. It needs preparation. There are certain prerequisites for Kriya Yoga. These help make sure you are ready.
Cultivating Inner Readiness
Before starting, ask yourself:
* Why do I want to do this?
* Am I ready for a serious spiritual practice?
* Can I commit time every day?
A sincere desire for truth is important. You should feel drawn to a deeper life. Kriya Yoga is a long-term path. It asks for patience and effort.
Laying the Groundwork
You need to build a foundation. This includes certain practices:
* Meditation: Learn to sit still. Quiet your mind. Basic concentration methods help.
* Breathing: Start simple breath awareness. Watch your natural breath.
* Simple Yoga Poses (Asanas): Gentle yoga helps the body sit still for meditation. It opens energy paths.
* Ethical Living: Try to live a good life. Be kind, honest, and disciplined. This helps purify the mind.
SRF/YSS and other true lineages offer preliminary lessons. These lessons teach basic techniques. They prepare you for Kriya Yoga. They build discipline. They usually take about a year. This time helps you decide if you are ready. It also helps you develop good habits.
The Importance of Kriya Yoga Initiation
You must get initiated to learn Kriya Yoga. Kriya Yoga initiation is a sacred ceremony. A qualified teacher or minister performs it. During the initiation, the teacher shares the techniques. These techniques are specific and powerful. They are not written openly in books.
Why is initiation needed?
* Receiving Energy: The teacher passes spiritual energy. This energy helps awaken the student’s inner potential.
* Learning Correctly: The techniques must be taught right. Small errors can reduce their power. A teacher ensures accuracy.
* Joining a Lineage: Initiation connects you to the line of masters. You become part of a spiritual family.
* Committing to the Path: It is a formal step. It shows your commitment.
Initiation is not a one-time event with no follow-up. It is the start of a journey. The teacher guides you after initiation. You get support for your practice.
Grasping the First Kriya Technique
Once you are initiated, you learn the First Kriya technique. This is the main practice. It involves several steps. It is a specific method of breath and mental focus.
Remember, I cannot give the exact, secret steps here. Only an initiated teacher can do that. But I can describe the practice in a general way. I will explain what practicing the First Kriya technique feels like and aims for.
The First Kriya technique works on the spine. The spine is the path of energy. It has six centers, or chakras. These relate to states of consciousness.
Practicing the First Kriya
Here is a general idea of the practice routine after initiation:
Step 1: Preparation
* Find a quiet place.
* Sit on a firm surface, like a cushion or bench.
* Keep your spine straight. This allows energy to flow.
* Close your eyes gently.
* Relax your body. Let go of tension.
Step 2: Calming the Mind
* Spend a few minutes in still meditation.
* Watch your breath naturally. Do not change it.
* Let thoughts come and go. Do not follow them. This prepares you for deeper practice.
Step 3: Performing the Kriya
* Now you begin the specific Kriya breath technique.
* This involves focusing awareness on the spine.
* You move life force (prana) up and down the spine with the breath.
* This process is done slowly and with concentration.
* Each ‘Kriya’ round is one ascent and one descent of energy.
* You do a specific number of Kriyas, as taught by your guru or organization. This number is often around 12 or 24 in the beginning.
Step 4: Resting and Absorbing
* After completing the Kriya rounds, sit still.
* Just rest in the silence.
* Feel the effects of the practice.
* Observe the energy flowing within.
* Do not try to force anything. Just be present. This absorption period is very important.
Step 5: Ending the Practice
* Gently bring your awareness back to your body.
* You can offer a prayer or affirmation.
* Slowly open your eyes.
This is a simplified overview. The actual Kriya Yoga techniques are much more detailed. They involve specific mental instructions, visualization, and techniques for focusing attention at the spinal centers. These are taught by the guru.
The purpose of the First Kriya technique is to awaken the dormant energy at the base of the spine (kundalini). As you practice, this energy rises. It flows through the spinal centers. This purifies the system. It brings higher states of awareness.
Delving into Kriya Yoga Techniques (Beyond the First)
The First Kriya technique is the start. But Kriya Yoga is a path with higher levels. Lahiri Mahasaya and Paramahansa Yogananda taught several Kriyas. These are called the Second Kriya, Third Kriya, and so on.
Each higher Kriya technique builds on the previous one. They work on different aspects of energy and consciousness. They are given only after the student masters the earlier Kriyas. This mastery takes time and regular practice.
You receive these advanced techniques only from a qualified teacher in the lineage. They are given when the teacher sees you are ready. This ensures safe and effective progress. The focus is always on mastering the current technique before moving on.
Enjoying the Benefits of Kriya Yoga
People practice Kriya Yoga for many reasons. The benefits of Kriya Yoga are profound. They touch every part of your life.
Here are some key benefits:
- Physical Wellbeing: The practice calms the nervous system. It reduces stress. This helps the body heal. It can improve sleep. It boosts energy levels. It balances bodily functions.
- Mental Calmness: Kriya helps quiet the constant flow of thoughts. It increases focus and concentration. It reduces anxiety and worry. You feel more centered and peaceful.
- Emotional Balance: You become less reactive to emotions. You can observe them without being swept away. This leads to greater emotional stability and joy.
- Spiritual Growth: This is the main goal. Kriya speeds up evolution. It helps you feel connected to a higher power. It awakens intuition. It brings inner peace and bliss. You start to see life from a higher perspective.
- Increased Energy: The practice circulates life force (prana). This makes you feel more alive and vibrant. It removes fatigue.
- Self-Awareness: You gain deep insight into yourself. You understand your thoughts, feelings, and motives better. This self-knowledge helps you grow.
- Deeper Meditation: Kriya Yoga is a form of meditation. It makes traditional meditation deeper and more effective. It helps you enter states of higher awareness more easily.
These benefits unfold over time with regular practice. They are not instant. Commitment is key.
Figuring Out How Often to Do Kriya Yoga
A common question is: how often to do Kriya Yoga? Consistency is more important than length at first.
- Daily Practice: It is best to practice Kriya Yoga daily. Twice a day is ideal. Morning and evening are traditional times. The morning practice sets a positive tone for the day. The evening practice releases stress and prepares for rest.
- Duration: Start with a manageable time. Your teacher will give guidance. Often, beginners practice for 30-60 minutes per session. As you progress, the time may increase. It depends on your commitment and ability.
- Listen to Your Body: Sometimes you might feel tired or unwell. It is okay to reduce the length or skip a session if needed. But try not to make it a habit.
- Quality over Quantity: Doing the techniques with focus is vital. Rushing through the practice is not helpful. Better to do fewer Kriyas with deep attention than many without focus.
Regular practice creates momentum. It builds discipline. It allows the techniques to work deeply within you. Even short sessions are better than no practice. The key is to make it a regular part of your life.
Building Your Kriya Yoga Routine
Having a routine helps you stay consistent. Here are some tips:
- Choose a Time: Pick times you can stick to daily. Early morning before the day starts is popular. Evening before sleep is also good.
- Find a Space: Have a dedicated place for your practice. It should be quiet and clean. This space becomes sacred. It helps you enter a meditative state faster.
- Prepare Your Body: Do a few simple yoga poses or stretches first. This loosens the body. It makes sitting still easier.
- Prepare Your Mind: Leave your daily worries outside your practice space. Tell yourself this time is for your soul.
- Be Punctual: Start your practice on time. This builds discipline.
- Be Patient: Progress is not always linear. Some days will feel easier than others. Do not get discouraged. Just keep practicing.
- Review Instructions: From time to time, review the Kriya Yoga techniques. Make sure you are doing them correctly. Your teacher or organization can help with this.
Setting up a strong routine makes practice easier. It reduces excuses. It shows your commitment to the path.
Interpreting Kriya Yoga as Spiritual Practice
Kriya Yoga is fundamentally a spiritual practice Kriya Yoga. It is not just physical or mental exercise. Its main goal is God-realization. It aims to bring you closer to your true divine nature.
The techniques work on the energy body. By controlling prana, you control the mind. A still mind can experience the divine presence within. Kriya helps turn your energy and attention inward. It leads you from the outer world to the inner world.
It helps purify the mind and heart. It burns up karma. It removes ignorance. It reveals the soul’s connection to the Infinite.
Practicing Kriya Yoga involves:
* Devotion: Having love for God, the guru, and the path.
* Self-Discipline: Committing to regular practice and ethical living.
* Introspection: Looking within yourself honestly.
* Surrender: Giving your efforts and results to a higher power.
The practice helps you feel the guru’s presence. This provides guidance and strength. Kriya Yoga is a path of love and light. It leads you step-by-step back to your source.
Addressing Common Hurdles
Every practitioner faces challenges. This is normal. Recognizing them helps you overcome them.
- Distractions: Thoughts, sounds, body sensations.
- Solution: Gently bring your mind back to the technique. Do not fight thoughts. Just return your focus.
- Physical Discomfort: Aches, stiffness.
- Solution: Adjust your posture slightly. Use cushions for support. Gentle stretches before practice help. With time, sitting becomes easier.
- Lack of Time: Feeling too busy.
- Solution: Prioritize your practice. Even a shorter session is valuable. Wake up earlier or schedule it like any other important task.
- Doubt or Discouragement: Not feeling benefits right away.
- Solution: Trust the process. Kriya works on deep levels. Keep practicing. Talk to your teacher or fellow practitioners. Remember the stories of those who gained much.
- Sleepiness: Falling asleep during practice.
- Solution: Make sure you are well-rested. Splash cold water on your face before sitting. Sit upright with a straight spine. Do some energizing exercises first.
- Loss of Motivation: Not wanting to practice.
- Solution: Remember why you started. Re-read inspiring books (like “Autobiography of a Yogi”). Connect with your teacher or spiritual community. Sometimes just starting the practice helps motivation return.
Facing these challenges and working through them makes your practice stronger. It builds inner resilience.
Finding the Right Guidance
As mentioned, initiation is vital. But where do you get it?
- Established Organizations: Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) and Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) teach Kriya Yoga as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda. They offer preparatory lessons and initiation.
- Other Authentic Lineages: There are other teachers and organizations that trace their lineage back to Lahiri Mahasaya. Do your research carefully. Look for a teacher whose life reflects the teachings. Look for a clear lineage connection.
- Personal Teacher: Some people find a personal teacher within an established lineage. This teacher provides one-on-one guidance.
Do not try to learn Kriya Yoga techniques from unqualified sources. This can be ineffective or even harmful. The guru-disciple relationship is central to this path. Seek out an authentic teacher or organization.
Living the Kriya Principles
Kriya Yoga is not just something you do on the meditation cushion. It is a way of life.
- Awareness: Be mindful throughout the day. Bring the calmness from your practice into your activities.
- Right Action: Try to act from love and wisdom. Be kind and compassionate.
- Evenmindedness: Stay balanced through ups and downs. Kriya helps you see the bigger picture.
- Inner Reliance: Learn to listen to your intuition. Kriya helps you connect with inner guidance.
- Service: Share your energy and time to help others. Seeing the divine in others deepens your practice.
Integrating Kriya into daily life makes the practice more powerful. Life becomes your spiritual discipline.
Conclusion: The Path Ahead
Practicing Kriya Yoga is a sacred journey. It begins with sincere desire and preparation. It requires initiation from a true teacher. Then comes the dedication to daily practice.
The First Kriya technique is the foundation. Mastering it opens the door to higher techniques. The benefits touch your body, mind, and soul. You find peace, joy, and a deeper connection to the divine.
There will be challenges, but with perseverance, they can be overcome. Seeking guidance from an authentic lineage is crucial. Remember, Kriya Yoga is not just techniques; it is a spiritual practice Kriya Yoga aimed at transforming your life.
Embark on this path with faith and dedication. The rewards are beyond measure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kriya Yoga
Is Kriya Yoga hard to learn?
The techniques themselves are not overly complex. But they require discipline and focus. The main effort is in committing to regular practice. Learning from a qualified teacher makes it easier.
Can I practice Kriya Yoga without initiation?
No. Kriya Yoga techniques are meant to be received through initiation from an authorized teacher. This ensures correctness and passes on spiritual energy. Trying to learn from unauthorized sources is not advised.
How long does it take to see benefits?
Benefits vary for each person. Some feel changes quickly, like more peace or energy. Deeper spiritual benefits take time and consistent practice. Patience is key.
Do I need to be vegetarian to practice Kriya Yoga?
Many practitioners find that a vegetarian diet helps their practice. It purifies the body and mind. However, most lineages do not strictly require vegetarianism for beginners. They emphasize inner cleanliness first.
Is Kriya Yoga a religion?
No, Kriya Yoga is not a religion. It is a spiritual science. People of any religious background can practice it. It helps you deepen your own connection to the divine, whatever your faith is.
How is Kriya Yoga different from other yoga?
Other yoga often focuses more on physical poses (asanas). Kriya Yoga focuses mainly on breath control (pranayama) and meditation techniques. It is a specific system for rapid spiritual growth.
What is the role of the guru in Kriya Yoga?
The guru (like Lahiri Mahasaya and Paramahansa Yogananda) is central. The guru imparts the techniques and provides guidance. The guru’s grace and energy support the disciple’s path. This connection is vital.
Can I teach Kriya Yoga after practicing for a while?
Teaching Kriya Yoga requires authorization from the lineage. It is not something you decide to do on your own. Teachers are chosen and trained by the organization or guru.