Kriya Yoga is the synthesis of all yoga types or techniques of the world.

This post aims to shed light on the profound philosophy of Kriya Yoga, an ancient type of yoga, and how it manifests into practice. Let us begin!

Kriya Yoga Among Other Yogas

Most people deem yoga as a set of successive poses, breathing exercises or pranayama, and meditation to improve the overall health of the practitioner. As body form improves, discipline is evident among these yogis.

Kriya Yoga, on the other hand, does not primarily focus on these preconceived body movements. It rather focuses on the transformation of the spirit or Self-realization, which is highly supported by superconscious meditation, and taking into heart the wisdom of the Vedas.

Going Deeper Into Kriya Yoga 

In essence, the this Yoga philosophy focuses on three primary “pillars”:

• Tapas (asceticism) – In this Yoga, asceticism refers to actions that bring the practitioner closer to Absolute This includes disciplined praying and meditating, or any sets of holy actions that brings one closer to salvation or moksha.
• Recitation (Svadhyaya) – This pillar pertains to the recitation of vedic texts and sacred hymns. Svadhyaya derives from the words sva (self or own) and adhyaya (chapter, reading, lesson, lecture). In literal translation, svadhyaya means “one’s own reading, lesson.”
• Devotion (Pranidhana) – Pranidhana means “to devote, surrender, or dedicate). This means pranidhana is the practice of surrendering ourselves to a higher Self, and becoming closer to It through the process of samadhi or “God-Realization”. This is accomplished by dedicating one’s life to serving the God that dwells within each individual and within every living

Kriya Yoga is All-Encompassing 

It is an ancient yoga – encompassing all practices and methods applied by numerous kinds of yogic practice, including the following:

• Raja yoga – From this practice, Kriya Yoga is manifested through the step-by-step meditation methods and the eight limbs of practice or Ashtanga.
• Bhakti yoga – From Bhakti Yoga, this Yoga is manifested by focus on surrendered devotion, aiming to be open to enlightenment to the divine
• Jnana yoga – From Jnana Yoga, this Yoga is manifested by yearning to discover and know the true Self through the process of Self-realization, liberation, and
• Karma yoga – From Karma Yoga, this Yoga is manifested by constantly exemplifying the importance of selfless actions and service, and the purification of the soul and the mind.

Kriya Yoga Benefits 

While Kriya Yoga does not focus on physical body movements, there are still so-called “Kriya Yoga exercises” Paramahansa Yogananda developed and introduced these exercises in 1916 to prepare the body for superconscious meditation, taking around 15 minutes to perform. These exercises intend to help flush out stress and eliminate nervous tensions, drawing energy into the body.

Kriya Yoga upholds healthy, conscious and purposeful living — an intentional lifestyle that helps provide practitioners with a more holistic view of the truth of the world.

This Kriya Yoga technique reveals the true state of the world and by removing mental hurdles, relaxing the mind, and calming the spirit, the true radiance of the Self and the spiritual world can be realized.

How To Practice Kriya Yoga

Mastering Kriya Yoga is a life-long journey. While it emphasizes on spirituality, Kriya yoga is not a religion but a spiritual path. And just like journeys, it begins with a single step. Kriya Yoga Meditation also plays an indispensable role in every spiritual seeker’s life, making it ideal individuals who yearn to live a more wholesome, awakened and spiritually-fulfilling life.