Kriya Yoga "The Airplane Route to God"
Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditation technique of energy and breath control, or pranayama. It is the foundation of the comprehensive spiritual path we practice here at Ananda, and includes additional meditation practices along with methods and attitudes for how to live.
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.
The kriya Yoga Masters
Mahavatar Babaji
Lahiri Mahasaya
Swami Sri Yukteswar
Paramhansa Yogananda
Paramhansa Yogananda in time wrote his book Autobiography of a Yogi in which he talks about the path of Kriya Yoga. Through his book and his public teaching in the West Kriya became known to the world. Kriya has been taught in an unbroken link of spiritual succession to this day.
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.
"A yogi who faithfully follows its technique is gradually freed from karma or the universal chain of causation.” Paramhansa Yogananda
In Chapter 26 of his Autobiography of a Yogi, Yogananda describes Kriya Yoga as: “…a simple, psychophysiological method by which the human blood is decarbonized and recharged with oxygen. The atoms of this extra oxygen are transmuted into life current to rejuvenate the brain and spinal centers. A yogi who faithfully follows its technique is gradually freed from karma or the universal chain of causation.” (1946 Edition, Chapter 26).
The technique of Kriya is given through initiation. Before initiation into Kriya Yoga however, there is a process of preparation which includes study of Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings and practice of other meditation techniques necessary to the practice of Kriya.
How can I learn Kriya Yoga?
The technique itself is taught through initiation. We offer an introductory seminar where you’ll learn more about the path of Kriya Yoga and how the technique works directly with the energies in the human spine. You will receive an overview of the various classes and opportunities offered at Ananda for those interested in learning and practicing the teachings of Kriya Yoga.
The preparation process takes about 7 months, and can be done either in-person or online. After learning Kriya Yoga, Ananda continues to offer ongoing support and guidance in your spiritual practices.
How to learn Kriya Yoga:
Here are the steps to learn the art and science of Kriya:
1.The Art and Science of Raja Yoga (3-month course). Learn Hong Sau meditation and core philosophy (Some students may be eligible to skip this step. Please inquire).
2. The Path of Kriya Yoga, Exploring Discipleship (2 months course). Exploring what it means to be a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda and taking discipleship vows if appropriate.
4. Kriya Yoga Preparation 2. Exploring the lives of Paramhansa Yogananda and Disciples
5. Kriya Initiation.
