What is Kriya Yoga and How to Practice It?

What is Kriya Yoga and How to Practice It?

Kriya Yoga is a spiritual discipline and meditation practice that involves specific techniques to accelerate spiritual growth and self-realization. The word “Kriya” comes from the Sanskrit root “Kri,” which means “action” or “doing.” It refers to the techniques or practices used to cleanse the body and mind, and to unite the practitioner with higher states of consciousness. Kriya Yoga is particularly associated with the works of Paramahansa Yogananda and his teachings in the book Autobiography of a Yogi, where he explains how it can help an individual achieve self-realization.

Core Principles of Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga is based on the understanding that there are three main aspects of life that need to be mastered for spiritual awakening:

1. Control of the Mind– Learning to master thoughts and focus them.
2. Control of the Breath– Regulating the breath, as it influences the flow of energy (prana) within the body.
3. Spiritual Wisdom– Gaining insight into the nature of existence, soul, and the universe.

The primary goal of Kriya Yoga is to awaken the dormant spiritual energy within the practitioner (often referred to as Kundalini) and to raise their level of consciousness.

How to Practice Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga involves a combination of physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements involved in the practice:

1. Preparation

• Physical Postures (Asanas): Begin with a few simple yoga posesto prepare the body. Seated poses such as Sukhasana (Easy Pose), Padmasana (Lotus Pose), or Ardha Padmasana (Half Lotus) are often used. This helps in creating a stable base and alignment for sitting in meditation.
• Spinal Alignment: It is important to keep the spine straight and the body relaxed so that energy can flow freely. This alignment allows the body to remain still for longer periods during meditation.

2. Pranayama (Breathing Techniques)

• Complete Breathing: This involves filling the lungs to their maximum capacity with a smooth, even, and deep breath. Practicing complete breathing can help increase the flow of prana (vital energy) in the body.
• Kapalbhati (Breath of Fire): This breathing technique involves short, quick exhales and passive inhales, which helps in cleansing and energizing the mind and body.
• Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing): This pranayama balances the left and right nostrils, harmonizing the energy flow and calming the mind.
• Kriya Pranayama: The most essential technique in Kriya Yoga. It is a specific, advanced breathing technique that involves rapid, rhythmic breath cycles to circulate energy in the body and balance the nervous system. This is usually taught by a qualified teacher because it involves subtle adjustments in the breath that require guidance.

3. Meditation

• Focused Meditation: In Kriya Yoga, practitioners use a highly focused form of meditation to experience deep states of consciousness. The main aim is to calm the mind and experience spiritual tranquility.
• Dhyana (Meditation): Meditation practices help bring awareness to the breath and can include focusing on a mantra, the third eye (the point between the eyebrows), or the breath itself.
• Kriya Meditation: Involves concentration on the breath and visualization of prana (life force) moving through specific energy centers, which accelerates spiritual awakening. It is said to purify the mind, control distractions, and bring greater self-awareness.

4. Chanting Mantras and Affirmations

• In many forms of Kriya Yoga, mantrasor specific affirmations are chanted mentally or aloud to elevate consciousness. The mantra “Om” or “So Hum” (meaning “I am that”) is frequently used to invoke divine energy and connect with the highest level of consciousness.

5. Energy Awareness (Prana)

• Kriya Yoga emphasizes the awareness of prana, the subtle energy that flows through the body. By practicing Kriya techniques, practitioners learn to circulate prana efficiently through the chakras(energy centers) and increase the vibrational frequency of the body.
• Kundalini Awakening: Kriya Yoga works on awakening the Kundalini energy, which resides at the base of the spine. Through controlled breathing and meditation, this energy ascends through the chakras, bringing spiritual awakening and heightened awareness.

6. Detachment (Vairagya) and Selflessness

• The practice of Kriya Yoga encourages detachment from materialistic desires, negative thoughts, and ego-based actions. Cultivating a sense of selflessness allows practitioners to develop the qualities of compassion, humility, and inner peace.

Health Benefits of Kriya Yoga

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Through the calming effects of deep breathing and meditation, Kriya Yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The practice activates the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the mind and body.
2. Improves Mental Clarity: The practice enhances focus, concentration, and cognitive function by clearing the mind of distractions and helping practitioners achieve mental stillness.
3. Balances Energy Flow: Kriya Yoga helps balance the prana (life force) within the body, promoting emotional stability and physical well-being.
4. Improves Breathing and Lung Function: The breathing techniques improve the efficiency of the respiratory system, providing more oxygen to the body, enhancing lung capacity, and improving vitality.
5. Promotes Physical Health: Regular practice can boost circulation, improve digestion, and promote overall health by stimulating the autonomic nervous system and enhancing organ function.
6. Spiritual Growth: Kriya Yoga accelerates spiritual progress by helping practitioners achieve deeper states of meditation, self-awareness, and union with the Divine.

Tips for Practicing Kriya Yoga

1. Seek Guidance: Kriya Yoga is a deep and advanced practice. It’s recommended to learn the techniques from a certified teacher or through a reputable spiritual organization to ensure proper understanding and safety.
2. Start Slowly: If you’re new to yoga or meditation, begin with basic yoga postures and simple pranayama techniques. Gradually progress to more advanced practices.
3. Consistency is Key: Regular practice is essential for the transformative effects of Kriya Yoga. Aim for a consistent, daily routine.
4. Create a Calm Environment: Practice in a peaceful space free from distractions. A quiet and clean environment is crucial for deeper meditation and spiritual growth.

Conclusion

Kriya Yoga is a comprehensive and powerful spiritual practice designed to promote physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual awakening. By mastering breathing techniques, meditation, and energy awareness, practitioners can achieve higher states of consciousness, experience deep peace, and accelerate their journey toward self-realization. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Kriya Yoga offers profound benefits for your overall well-being.