Kriya Yoga: Practice in Action

Sutra 2:1 "The yoga of active practice consists of practice causing change, self observation and honoring the divine inner teacher."

- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Kriya in yoga, is a technique or practice designed to rapidly accelerate one’s spiritual progress. In Sanskrit, kriya generally means action, deed or activity. Practiced in India for centuries, it was initially introduced to the west by Paramahansa Yogananda's book "Autobiography of a Yogi" published in 1946. Yogananda was a chief disciple of Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, continuing the kriya lineage passed from Lahari Mahasaya and his guru Mahavatar Babaji.

Mahavatar Babaji is a highly revered and mysterious figure in the yogic tradition, believed to be an immortal yogi who has lived for centuries residing in the Himalayas. According to Yogananda, Mahavatar Babaji initiated Lahiri Mahasaya into the advanced techniques of Kriya Yoga during a mystical encounter in the Himalayas. Lahiri Mahasaya then became instrumental in spreading the teachings of Kriya Yoga in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the region of Varanasi (Benares), India. His teachings emphasize the importance of inner purification, self-discipline and devotion to the divine, ultimately leading to self-realization and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Kriya flows from three of the Niyamas in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Tapas, Svadhyaya and Ishvara Pranidhana.

Tapas: Tapas refers to the practice of self-discipline and self-control. It involves making conscious efforts and sacrifices to overcome obstacles and achieve personal goals. This can include physical disciplines such as maintaining a regular yoga practice, as well as mental and emotional disciplines such as controlling desires, cultivating willpower, and staying focused on spiritual growth. Tapas is seen as essential for burning away impurities and ego-driven tendencies, leading to personal transformation and spiritual awakening.

Svadhyaya: Svadhyaya is the practice of self-reflection, self-study, and the study of sacred texts. It involves introspection and self-awareness to understand one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors more deeply. Through Svadhyaya, practitioners gain insights into their own nature and develop greater clarity about their purpose and path in life. It also involves the study of spiritual teachings and scriptures to deepen one's understanding of yoga philosophy and principles.

Ishvara Pranidhana: Ishvara Pranidhana is the practice of surrendering to a higher power or divine presence. It involves letting go of the ego's desires and trusting in the inherent wisdom and guidance of the universe. This surrender can take various forms, such as devotion, prayer, or simply surrendering the outcome of one's actions to a higher purpose. By relinquishing control and aligning with the divine will, practitioners cultivate humility, acceptance, and a deeper connection to the spiritual dimension of life.

The following exercises are used in the practice of kriya yoga:

Kriya Pranayama: Kriya pranayama consists of advanced breathing techniques designed to purify the energy channels (nadis) and awaken the dormant spiritual energy (kundalini). These techniques involve various patterns of breath control, such as alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana), breath retention (kumbhaka), and rhythmic breathing. Kriya pranayama helps calm the mind, increase vitality, and prepare the practitioner for deeper meditation.

Hong-Sau: Hong-Sau is a form of mantra meditation. The practitioner mentally repeats the mantra "Hong" on the inhalation and "Sau" on the exhalation, while focusing their attention on the breath or the point between the eyebrows. This meditation technique helps quiet the mind, enhance concentration, and facilitate inner awareness.

Energization Exercises: Energization exercises are a series of physical movements combined with breath awareness. These exercises aim to increase vitality, balance the energy flow in the body, and promote overall health and well-being. The practitioner systematically tense and relax different muscle groups while directing energy and awareness to each part of the body. Energization exercises help purify the physical body and prepare it for deeper spiritual practices.

Kriya is a simple, straightforward formula if practiced with purpose and tenacity. When practiced in collaboration, each component informs the others and leads to profound and noticeable changes, as well as being a powerful mechanism for growth and leaning.