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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 Lineage
The Kriya Yoga Lineage
Lahiri Mahasaya
Mahavatar Babaji
Jesus Christ
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.
"Kriya, controlling the mind directly through the life force, is the easiest, most effective, and most scientific avenue of approach to the Infinite."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 near Seattle (in Bothell) and online. 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 10 months including the Raja Yoga course, 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.
Breakdown of Next Steps to Learn Kriya Yoga
Suggested: The Ananda Course in Meditation is not required for Kriya preparation, but still provides in depth guidance for beginning meditators. This 8 week course is offered more frequently than Kriya preparation and will give students a solid foundation for their own meditation practice. The next session starts in May.
Suggested: What is Kriya Yoga? (free class)— This class is open to the public and has no pre-requisite. It is appropriate for anyone to take, whether they intend to move forward with learning the technique or are simply curious as to what it is.
Required: The Art and Science of Raja Yoga (3-month course) — offered at the Blue Lotus Temple in Bothell and online. Learn the Hong-Sau meditation technique, yogic lifestyle and core philosophy. This class is required before moving on to Kriya Preparation.
Required: Kriya Preparation – A 6 month program in which students are taught various meditation techniques and take discipleship vows. The program is offered twice a year, and is followed by Kriya Initiation.
Looking for information on Kriya Prep? The class schedule and details have moved. View it here.