Kriya Practice Set

[Billy Cromer]

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Through the techniques of pranayama (life-force control) of the Kriya Yoga path, the meditating yogi directs mind and life energy inward, thus stilling the near-constant restlessness that characterizes ordinary, outward-directed consciousness. The techniques provide a needed bridge from chaos and distraction to inner stillness and finally to the bliss of the soul.

The Energization Exercises are a series of psychophysical exercises developed by Paramahansa Yogananda to prepare the body for meditation. Regular practice promotes mental and physical relaxation and develops dynamic will power. Making use of the breath, life force, and concentrated attention, the technique enables one to draw abundant energy consciously into the body, purifying and strengthening all the body parts systematically in turn. The Energization Exercises, which take about fifteen minutes to perform, are one of the most effective means of eliminating stress and nervous tension. Practicing them prior to meditation is a great help in entering a calm, interiorized state of awareness.

Through the practice of the Hong-Sau Technique of Concentration, one learns to withdraw thought and energy from outward distractions so that they may be focused on any goal to be achieved or problem to be solved. Or one may direct that concentrated attention toward realizing the Divine Consciousness within.

The Aum Technique of Meditation shows one how to use the power of concentration in the highest way to discover and develop the divine qualities of one's own true Self. This ancient method teaches how to experience the all-pervading Divine Presence as Aum, the Word or Holy Ghost that underlies and sustains all creation. The technique expands the awareness beyond limitations of body and mind to the joyous realization of one's infinite potential.

Kriya is a highly advanced Raja Yoga technique of pranayama. Kriya reinforces and revitalizes subtle currents of life energy (prana) in the spine and brain. The ancient seers of India (rishis) perceived the brain and spine as the tree of life. Out of the subtle cerebrospinal centers of life and consciousness (chakras) flow the energies that enliven all the nerves and every organ and tissue of the body. The yogis discovered that by revolving the life current continuously up and down the spine by the special technique of Kriya Yoga, it is possible to greatly accelerate one's spiritual evolution and awareness. Correct practice of Kriya Yoga enables the normal activities of the heart and lungs and nervous system to slow down naturally, producing deep inner stillness of body and mind and freeing the attention from the usual turbulence of thoughts, emotions, and sensory perceptions. In the clarity of that inner stillness, one comes to experience a deepening interior peace and attunement with one's soul and with God. The technique is given to students of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons who apply to receive Kriya Yoga after a preliminary period of study and practice of the first three techniques taught by Paramahansa Yogananda listed above.

Kriya Yoga is the highest method of God contact. In my own search for God I traveled all over India, and heard wisdom from the lips of a number of her greatest masters. I can therefore vouch for the fact that in Self-Realization teachings are the highest truths and scientific techniques given to mankind by God and the Great Ones.

In keeping with ancient spiritual tradition, Self-Realization Fellowship makes the advanced spiritual techniques available only to students of the SRF Lessons, a home-study course for which all interested persons may apply. This is the first step to learning the Kriya Yoga science of meditation taught by Paramahansa Yogananda.

After approximately eight months of preparation and practice, students are eligible to apply for initiation in the technique of Kriya Yoga and formally establish the time-honored guru-disciple relationship with Paramahansa Yogananda and his lineage of enlightened masters. Those who choose not to take the step may still continue their study of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons.

Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditation technique of energy and breath control, or pranayama. It is part of a comprehensive spiritual path, which includes additional meditation practices along with right living.

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.

Yogananda then popularized Kriya Yoga through his book Autobiography of a Yogi and through his public teaching in the West. Kriya has been taught in an unbroken link of spiritual succession to this day.

All yoga techniques work with this energy, usually indirectly. Yoga postures, for example, can help open up the spinal channels, and balance the energy in the spine. Yoga breathing exercises or pranayama, can help to awaken that energy.

However, Kriya Yoga is more direct. It helps the practitioner to control the life force by mentally drawing that life force up and down the spine, with awareness and will. According to Yogananda, one Kriya, which takes about half a minute, is equivalent to one year of natural spiritual growth.

Kriya is also very practical in its effectiveness. Kriya Yogis find that it enhances their ability to concentrate, to become more effective in business and in family life, and to become better people in every way.

Kriya Yoga is an instrument through which human evolution can be quickened. The ancient yogis discovered that the secret of cosmic consciousness is intimately linked with breath mastery. 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 Kriya technique is taught through initiation by one of our Kriyacharyas or Kriya Yoga teachers who are authorized by Swami Kriyananda, who himself was authorized by Paramhansa Yogananda, to pass on the Kriya technique. Many of our teachers have been initiating people into Kriya Yoga for more than 30 years, and teaching meditation for over 50 years.

We give Kriya initiations most often in the United States, India, and Italy. However, our teachers often travel to other countries, including Mexico, Russia, Singapore, New Zealand, and others to give initiations.

Regardless of whether you choose to learn in-person or online, you will receive personal spiritual support, resources, and ample opportunity to ask questions of our experienced meditation teachers. After learning Kriya Yoga, Ananda continues to offer ongoing support and guidance in your spiritual practices. Learn more.

Kriyas are Ayurvedic techniques which help cleanse the body. Utilising Kriyas can improve energy levels, improve digestion, reduce common ailments and illnesses, and bring about better bodily awareness, to name a few benefits.

There are many different Kriyas and some of these are ill-advised without proper supervision and guidance. However, below are the most common and easily accessible Kriyas, which have the least contraindications. Making these Kriyas a regular part of your routines can enhance other elements of your yoga practice, reduce illness, and bring vitality to your life.

A neti-pot is a device used to clean out your nostrils. This Kriya will give you energy and clarity. It will help remove any pollutants from the nostril and can help prevent colds and flu, as well as help ease allergy symptoms.

Cleaning our tongue also improves our digestion and our ability to assimilate nutrients, as we are removing bacteria from the tongue which would otherwise be re-absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract, leading to digestive imbalances. Tongue scraping can also improve our dental and general oral health. Tongue scraping is a fantastic tool to bring into our morning routine.

Oil pulling is described as the Ayurvedic version of using mouthwash. Oil pulling is becoming increasingly popular in the West and many people utilise this Kriya because of its teeth whitening benefits.

Kapalabhati is an energising pranayama (breathing technique), however, it is also classified as a Kriya due to its benefits for the digestive system. Kapalabhati is best practiced in the morning, before eating, and after using your neti pot. Kapalabhati is not recommended for those who are pregnant, menstruating or have high blood pressure or eye problems.

Start by sitting in a comfortable upright position. Place your hands on your lap or you can place one hand on your lower abdomen. Having one hand on your abdomen can be helpful to feel the sensation of this Kriya and to check you are doing it correctly.

Once you have done this, you can try the next version of Nauli. Repeat step one. Once you have this position, start to relax and contract the abdomen, making the same movements as you would during Kapalabhati, but without also bringing the breath in. Do this twenty times or as long as is comfortable. Repeat two more times. Nauli can be performed about once a week.

Nauli is great for massaging the digestive organs and for stimulating and promoting healthy digestion. Learning Nauli can also give us a greater understanding of the Uddiyana bandha energy lock, which can aid us in many other areas of our yoga practice.

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