Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga: The Yoga of Meditative Action

Kriya Yoga is an advanced system of meditation and pranayama, a "jet-path" to spiritual evolution. The word Kriya means "action" or "rite," and in this context, it refers to a specific, internal action that accelerates the practitioner's spiritual growth. The practice was reintroduced to the modern world by Mahavatar Babaji and popularized in the West by Paramhansa Yogananda.

Core Philosophy

Kriya Yoga is based on the science of controlling prana (life force energy). The technique involves mentally guiding a current of prana up and down the spine, around the six spinal centers (chakras). According to Yogananda, one "Kriya," which takes about 30 seconds, produces a spiritual advancement equivalent to one year of natural spiritual evolution. By calming the breath, the yogi can still the mind and accelerate the process of burning past karma.

The Practice

Kriya Yoga is not a system of physical postures; it is a specific, advanced meditative technique.

• Technique: The exact technique is considered sacred and is only transmitted through initiation by a qualified teacher from a recognized lineage.
• Process: The practice involves a specific pranayama (breathing technique) combined with mantra and mudra, which directs a "life-current" along the Sushumna, the subtle spinal channel.

Key Poses

• The only required asana is a comfortable and stable seated meditation posture, such as Adept's Pose (Siddhasana) or Lotus Pose (Padmasana), which allows the practitioner to keep the spine straight for the practice of the Kriya breathing technique.