THE PATH OF KRIYA YOGA
"I came for a special dispensation—the interpretation of the scriptures and giving Kriya Yoga, the key to Heaven."Meditate with Us— Paramhansa Yogananda
What is Kriya Yoga?
Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditation technique of energy and breath control, or pranayama. It is part of a comprehensive spiritual path, which includes additional meditation practices along with right living.
The Kriya technique was hidden in secrecy for many centuries. It was revived in 1861, when the great yogi Mahavatar Babaji taught the technique to his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya. Lahiri then taught the technique to his disciple Sri Yukteswar, who taught it to his disciples, including Paramhansa Yogananda.
Yogananda then popularized Kriya Yoga through his book, Autobiography of a Yogi, and through his public teaching in the West. Kriya has been taught in an unbroken link of spiritual succession to this day.
Scroll down to learn more, find a location near you to join us in person, register for our introductory class series, or contact us directly for questions and further information.
How does Kriya work?
According to Yogananda, Kriya Yoga is the most effective technique available to mankind today for reaching the goal of Yoga: union with the Divine. Kriya Yoga is so effective because it works directly with the source of growth — the spiritual energy deep in our spines.
All yoga techniques work with this energy, usually indirectly. Yoga postures, for example, can help open up the spinal channels, and balance the energy in the spine. Yoga breathing exercises or pranayama, can help to awaken that energy.
However, Kriya Yoga is more direct. It helps the practitioner to control the life force by mentally drawing that life force up and down the spine, with awareness and will. According to Yogananda, one Kriya, which takes about a half a minute, is equivalent to one year of natural spiritual growth.
Kriya is also very practical in its effectiveness. Kriya Yogis find that it enhances their ability to concentrate, to become more effective in business and in family life, and to become better people in every way.
"One thousand Kriya practiced in eight hours gives the yogi, in one day, the equivalent of one thousand years of natural evolution: 365,000 years of evolution in one year."
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda
Read MoreHow Kriya Affects the Brain
with Dr. Peter Van Houten, M.D.
Recommended Read
A spiritual classic, Paramhansa Yogananda's autobiography is a treasure trove of miraculous tales, rich wisdom and deep spiritual insight. Truly an inspiring must read!
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The Path of Kriya Yoga
Receiving Kriya through Ananda
The Kriya technique is taught through initiation by one of our Kriyacharyas or Kriya Yoga teachers who are authorized by Swami Kriyananda, who himself was authorized by Paramhansa Yogananda, to pass on the Kriya technique. Many of our teachers have been initiating people into Kriya Yoga for more than 20 years, and teaching meditation for over 40 years.
We give Kriya initiations most often in the United States, India, and Italy, however our teachers often travel to other countries including Mexico, Russia, Singapore, New Zealand, and other countries to give initiations.
Preparation for Kriya Initiation
Before you can be initiated into Kriya Yoga, there is a process of preparation which includes study of Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings and practice of other meditation techniques.
Over the years, Ananda has helped thousands of truthseekers all over the world to prepare for initiation into Kriya Yoga. We’ve seen that the practice of Kriya is infinitely more effective after the proper preparation and study of the Kriya teachings.
Kriya Yoga FAQs
What are the benefits of Kriya Yoga?
There are other groups that teach different “kriya” yogas — what’s the difference?
How Long Does it Take to Prepare for Kriya?
Kriya Support
Ananda LA offers ongoing support for Ananda Sangha Kriyabans. To find out more about Kriya, email [email protected] or use the form below.
