“Lightning path” is often used to describe Kriya Yoga. Rooted in ancient teachings, this sacred practice offers a structured approach to self-realisation. Right here, we find ourselves before a place where that transformative journey might begin.
Kriya Yoga’s history reflects the wisdom of Indian traditions. Emerging from ancient scriptures and championed by teachers, this practice has guided seekers on their path to self-realisation. Its lineage, filled with tales of sages and mystics, offers insights into India’s spiritual evolution.
The exact origins of Kriya Yoga remain unclear. Its oral transmission occurred over generations before documentation. Some suggest it has been practised in India for thousands of years. The earliest mention of Kriya Yoga appears in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna guides Arjuna and hints at techniques that resemble Kriya Yoga.
The lineage of Siddhas contributes to Kriya Yoga’s transmission. Babaji, the immortal Himalayan yogi, stands as a central figure. Legends say he reintroduced Kriya Yoga in recent times. He ensured its teachings remained accessible for spiritual seekers.
Paramahansa Yogananda brought Kriya Yoga to prominence in the West. In his book, Autobiography of a Yogi, he describes his encounters with Babaji. He also speaks about his mission to spread Kriya Yoga worldwide. Yogananda’s teachings and the Self-Realization Fellowship made this practice accessible to millions.
Kriya Yoga is known for accelerating spiritual evolution. Its methods include breath control, energy circulation, and meditation. These help speed up spiritual progress. The practice stimulates the chakras in the spine. It purifies energy channels and allows life force to flow freely. This leads to a deeper understanding of the self. It also creates a stronger connection with the divine.
While Yogananda’s lineage is well-recognised, other lineages also claim a connection to Babaji. Lahiri Mahasaya initiated numerous disciples into Kriya Yoga. Some founded their own schools. Each had unique teachings but all traced their roots back to Babaji.
With Kriya Yoga’s growing popularity, many contemporary teachers have emerged. Some claim spiritual connections to Babaji. Notably, Mahavatar Babaji is the Guru of Paramahamsa Vishwananda. Paramahamsa Vishwananda received Atma Kriya Yoga techniques directly from Mahavatar Babaji as a child.
Kriya Yoga is a meditation system based upon ancient tradition. Its basis lies in the breath and the chakras. The system has been developed and tested through thousands of years. In Kriya Yoga, one can experience inner Silence. This is the foundation for peace, happiness and Self-Realization.
The word Kriya is composed of two syllables. Kri means karma dhatu – action of the elements. Ya means Soul or Atma. Kriya indicates action of the Soul or prana karma. The first action of the Soul is breath.
Mahavatar Babaji revived Kriya Yoga through his disciple Sri Shyama Charan Lahiri Mahasaya in 1861. Yogananda brought it into popular awareness through his book. The system consists of levels of Pranayama. These techniques accelerate spiritual development. They engender tranquility and God-communion.
According to Yogananda, Kriya Yoga was well-known in ancient India. It was eventually lost due to secrecy and indifference. Krishna refers to Kriya Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita. He speaks of offering inhaling breath into the outgoing breath. The yogi neutralizes these breaths. He thus releases the life force from the heart.
As we stand here, remember Kriya Yoga’s ongoing significance. Its techniques provide a path to inner peace. They guide individuals toward a deeper understanding of themselves and the universe.