Already a Kriya Prep student or ready to enroll for Kriya Preparation?
👉 View the course schedule here.

A Sacred Technique and Path


Kriya Yoga is both a specific meditation technique and a comprehensive spiritual path.

Brought to the West by Paramhansa Yogananda in 1920, and made widely known through his spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi, Kriya Yoga is now practiced around the world by countless sincere seekers.

In Chapter 26 of his Autobiography, 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. By stopping the accumulation of venous blood, the yogi is able to lessen or prevent the decay of tissues; the advanced yogi transmutes his cells into pure energy.” 

He continues:

“Kriya Yoga is an instrument through which human evolution can be quickened,” Sri Yukteswar explained to his students.

“The ancient yogis discovered that the secret of cosmic consciousness is intimately linked with breath mastery. This is India’s unique and deathless contribution to the world’s treasury of knowledge.

The life force, which is ordinarily absorbed in maintaining the heart-pump, must be freed for higher activities by a method of calming and stilling the ceaseless demands of the breath.”

The Essence of the Technique

The Kriya Yogi mentally directs life force to revolve up and down along the six spinal centers (chakras), which correspond to the twelve astral signs of the zodiac—the symbolic Cosmic Man.
According to Yogananda, one-half minute of Kriya practice—this conscious revolution of energy around the spine—equals one year of natural spiritual evolution.

Kriya Yoga is an Ancient Science

Kriya Yoga is an ancient science, revitalized in modern times through the Self-Realization lineage of Mahavatar Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, Swami Sri Yukteswar, and Paramhansa Yogananda.

The Kriya Yoga Masters (form the left): Lahiri Mahasaya, Mahavatar Babaji, Jesus Christ, Sri Yukteshwar, and Paramhansa Yogananda

The Importance of Preparation

The lifestyle of a Kriya practitioner, or kriyaban, includes a set of complementary meditation and yoga techniques that accelerate spiritual development for the sincere and committed disciple.

Yogananda emphasized that proper preparation is essential before receiving the Kriya Yoga initiation. This includes a period of approximately 10 to 11 months of weekly practice and study to build a strong foundation.

Ananda’s founder, Swami Kriyananda, was personally trained and authorized by Yogananda in the late 1940s to initiate others into the Kriya path. In turn, Swami Kriyananda empowered specific Ananda ministers around the world to carry forward this sacred initiation.

Interested in Exploring Kriya Yoga?

Nayaswamis Hriman and Padma help carry forward this sacred initiation at Ananda Washington.

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.

Steps to Learn Kriya Yoga

Below you’ll find the required and suggested courses to prepare for Kriya Yoga initiation, offered online and in Bothell or Lynwood, WA.

🔹 Required Courses for Kriya Yoga Initiation

1. The Art and Science of Raja Yoga

3-month course –Offered online & in Bothell (Blue Lotus Temple)

  • Learn the Hong-Sau meditation technique

  • Explore the yogic lifestyle and core philosophy of Raja Yoga

  • 🔹 Required before beginning Kriya Preparation

👉 LEARN MORE & ENROLL.

2. Kriya Preparation Program

6-month course – Offered twice a year

  • Learn additional preparatory techniques  

  • Deepen the foundational teachings of the Kriya path

  • Take Discipleship Vows

  • 🔹 This program leads to Kriya Yoga Initiation

👉 LEARN MORE & ENROLL  

đź’ˇ Suggested (Optional, But Helpful)

The Ananda Course in Meditation

8-week course – Offered frequently online & in Bothell (Blue Lotus Temple)

  • Ideal for beginners

  • Offers a strong foundation in daily meditation

  • Not required for Kriya Preparation

  • 👉 LEARN MORE & ENROLL

What is Kriya Yoga?

(Free class) Offered twice a year

  • Open to all

  • Great introduction for the curious

  • No prerequisites

👉 LEARN MORE & ENROLL

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