What is Kriya Yoga? Philosophy and Practice

Kriya Yoga is an integral body-mind-soul methodology for spiritual awakening. Self-discipline, self-study, and self-surrender remove impediments to direct knowledge of our essential spiritual nature, and the natural experience Self-realization ensues.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

YS 2.1 Self-discipline, self-study, and surrender of the illusional sense of separate self constitute Kriya Yoga.

YS 2.2 Kriya Yoga facilitates superconscious union with Absolute Reality and reduces and removes the causes of suffering.

The principal path of yoga delineated in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is Kriya Yoga. Patanjali (beyond the name, nothing is known of this sage) compiled the Yoga Sutra from the Vedic body of yogic wisdom around 200 C.E. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali consists of 195 concise aphorisms called “sutras” which connect to vast reservoirs of ancient teachings as well as inner knowledge.

The four sections of the Yoga Sutra are: the cultivation of pure awareness, the path or way including the eight limbs of practice, soul powers, and spiritual liberation.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga Practice

In the second chapter of the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali introduces the eight limbs or means for accomplishing the cessation of thought activity and experiencing pure awareness. The eight limbs (or components of practice) are:

1. The Restraints (Yamas): Harmlessness, Truthfulness, Nonstealing, Right Use of Vital Force, and Nonattachment
2. The Observances (Niyamas): Cleanliness, Contentment, Self-Discipline, Study of Nature of Consciousness, and Surrender of the Sense of Separateness
3. Posture (Asana)
4. Control of Vital Force (Pranayama)
5. Interiorization (Pratyahara)
6. Concentration (Dharana)
7. Meditation (Dhyana)
8. Oneness (Samadhi)

The limbs provide a structure for combining the practice of meditation and cultivation of virtues. This systematic approach to Self – and God-realization brings forth the inner experience that fuels the devotee’s ability to make real change. This experience of knowing the truth of who we are provides the sustaining motivation for changing our life. The combination of meditation and cultivation of the virtues brings stability as we awaken and our lives transform.

How To Practice Kriya Yoga

"God can be realized through Kriya even while leading a worldly life." –Lahiri Mahasaya

Yogacharya O'Brian's spiritual teacher, Roy Eugene Davis, often remarked that many reached out to him for initiation and instruction in the practice of Kriya pranayama after reading Paramahansa Yogananda’s autobiography, thinking that pranayama comprised the entirety of the practice. He would clarify: Kriya Yoga is a complete practice that includes a disciplined, healthy lifestyle, study of the nature of Reality, adherence to ethical precepts, regular practice of superconscious meditation, dedicated discipleship, living with higher purpose while contributing to the well-being of all, and surrender of the illusional sense of separate existence.

Kriya is a dynamic form of pranayama. Still, the comprehensive enlightenment path of Kriya Yoga is so much more than a technique. The Sanskrit word kriya means action or practice. It can refer to those actions we take to purify the body and mind, as well as the spontaneous purificatory actions (kriyas) initiated by awakened kundalini (primordial cosmic energy). The word kriya combined with the word yoga (Kriya Yoga) refers to the comprehensive philosophy and practices for spiritual realization and actualization.

Kriya Yoga brings together the most effective elements of all systems of yoga including:

• Step-by-step meditation methodology of Raja Yoga with its eight limbs of practice;
• Surrendered devotion of Bhakti Yoga;
• Focused self-inquiry of Jnana Yoga; and
• Importance of selfless service that is Karma Yoga.

Complete Practice of Kriya Yoga

The emphasis in this tradition is placed on healthy, purposeful, conscious living, supported by superconscious meditation practice. It is an intentional, universal approach to Self-realization and spiritual enlightenment. Enlightenment is not only the goal for every person; it is considered the certain destiny. Since we are already spiritual beings, enlightenment is the revelation of that, waking up to it. Knowing it. Living it. Everyday.

The Components of the Kriya Yoga Practice

Here are the steps and actions we take that contribute to spiritual analyzing the realization of Oneness.

• We meditate and experience our essence of being.
• We contemplate and inquire into the nature of Reality.
• We reflect on how to live with wisdom and compassion.
• We explore, engage in spiritual practices, and discover what works for us.

Kriya Yoga offers a timely and time-tested perspective that enlightenment is a natural revelation of what is true. It occurs when the mental obstacles to it are removed. When the mind becomes calm and quiet, it is illumined by the radiance of the Self. Then the truth of what we are is naturally revealed. It is experienced directly. This experience transforms us because it changes our point of view. We are no longer a person identified with the body and mind who thinks they might have a soul. We now know we are the soul—we are That. We are the divine Self, expressing through the body and the mind.

There is no spiritual condition to create and no enlightenment to attain. Only the realization of what is so.

Kriya Yoga Lineage

This system of Kriya Yoga reflects the teaching emphasis and specific procedures of the Kriya Yoga tradition brought from India to the West by Paramahansa Yogananda. Yogananda came to America in 1920 with the blessings of his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar, to spread the liberating teachings of Kriya Yoga in the West. He initiated thousands into the spiritual practices of Kriya Yoga and inspired seekers worldwide to discover the liberating truth of their spiritual nature and their relationship with the Infinite. His seminal book, Autobiography of a Yogi, remains a bestseller today and continues to attract seekers to the path.

Did you find this post helpful? Then kindly share it: