Unlock Inner Peace: Mastering the Art of Kriya Yoga

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Welcome to the world of Kriya Yoga, an ancient practice that has been passed down through centuries and continues to be embraced by many for its profound benefits. Whether you are new to this form of yoga or looking to deepen your understanding, this article will guide you through the steps of how to do Kriya Yoga. As we embark on this journey, we will explore the background and principles of Kriya Yoga and how it can transform your mind, body, and spirit. So take a deep breath, clear your mind, and let’s begin our exploration into the wondrous world of Kriya Yoga.

Kriya Yoga is a powerful spiritual practice that originated in ancient India and has since been adapted and taught by various masters. It is a combination of pranayama (breath control), mudras (hand gestures), and meditation, making it a holistic approach to achieving inner peace and enlightenment.

While the word “kriya” has multiple meanings, it can be interpreted as “action” or “transformation.” This reflects the goal of Kriya Yoga, which is to transform oneself and reach higher levels of consciousness. This practice has gained global popularity for its effectiveness in reducing stress, anxiety, and improving overall well-being.

The Origins of Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga was first introduced to the world by the great sage Babaji around 1861. He taught this ancient technique to his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya, who then spread it to other students. In 1920, Paramahansa Yogananda introduced Kriya Yoga to the western world through his book “Autobiography of a Yogi.”

However, the roots of Kriya Yoga can be traced back to the great Himalayan yogi Babaji himself. It is widely believed that this practice was passed down from Lord Shiva to his consort Parvati, who then shared it with Babaji. Since then, this powerful technique has been passed down through an unbroken lineage of gurus.

The Principles of Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga follows certain principles that are essential for achieving inner peace and enlightenment. These include:

1. Breath Control (Pranayama) – Breathing is at the core of Kriya Yoga. It involves specific breathing techniques where you control your breath to still your mind and awaken your inner energy.

2. Meditation – Meditation is an essential part of Kriya Yoga, which involves focusing the mind on a particular object or mantra to achieve a state of deep relaxation and awareness. Through meditation, one can experience inner peace and connect with the divinity within.

3. Mindfulness – Kriya Yoga emphasizes living in the present moment and being mindful of our thoughts and actions. It teaches us to let go of distractions and focus on the present, leading to a more fulfilling and conscious life.

The Benefits of Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga has countless benefits for both the mind and body. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Stress Relief – In today’s fast-paced world, stress is inevitable. However, regular practice of Kriya Yoga can significantly reduce stress levels by calming the mind and bringing balance to emotions.

2. Improved Health – The breathing techniques involved in Kriya Yoga help purify the body by removing blockages in the energy channels. This leads to improved physical health and helps prevent diseases.

3. Emotional Well-Being – Kriya Yoga helps one connect with their inner self, leading to better emotional well-being. It aids in managing emotions such as anger, fear, and anxiety, promoting peace and harmony within.

4. Increased Energy – As stagnant energy is released through Pranayama exercises, one experiences increased vitality and energy levels.

5. Spiritual Growth- With regular practice, Kriya Yoga awakens our spiritual consciousness, leading to inner peace, joy, and a sense of oneness with all beings.

How To Practice Kriya Yoga

To start your journey with Kriya Yoga, first find an experienced teacher or a trusted source for learning this technique properly. Here are some essential steps to follow:

1. Learn The Basics – Before diving into advanced techniques, it is crucial to master the basics like proper breathing techniques (Pranayama), basic mudras (hand gestures), and sitting postures.

2. Build A Disciplined Practice – Kriya Yoga requires consistent practice, ideally on a daily basis. It is crucial to integrate it into your routine and dedicate time for it every day.

3. Focus On Breath Control – Breathing is the foundation of Kriya Yoga. It would be best to focus on the breath throughout your practice to calm the mind and awaken your inner energy.

4. Practice Meditation – Meditation helps deepen your connection with yourself and the universe. Dedicate some time for meditation after practicing Pranayama and mudras.

5. Learn From An Experienced Teacher – While there are many resources available for learning Kriya Yoga, it is beneficial to learn from an experienced teacher who can guide you through the correct techniques and help you progress further in your practice.

The Journey To Spiritual Awakening

Kriya Yoga is not just a physical exercise or a temporary stress-relief technique, but a spiritual journey towards self-discovery and inner peace. With regular practice, one can experience a profound sense of interconnectedness with all beings, leading to spiritual growth and enlightenment.

The path of Kriya Yoga requires dedication, patience, and consistency, but the rewards of

What is Kriya Yoga?

Kriya Yoga is a spiritual practice that has its roots in ancient Indian yogic tradition. It combines various techniques of breathing exercises, meditation, and self-inquiry to help individuals reach a state of inner peace and self-realization. In Sanskrit, ‘kriya’ means action, while ‘yoga’ refers to union. Therefore, Kriya Yoga can be understood as the path of action towards achieving union with the divine.

The practice of Kriya Yoga was made popular by the Indian yogi and saint Paramahansa Yogananda, who introduced it to the western world through his book ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’. He learned this technique from his guru Sri Yukteswar Giri, who in turn learned it from his master Lahiri Mahasaya, also known as the “prophet of modern yoga”. Kriya Yoga has since gained widespread recognition and has helped countless seekers in their spiritual journey.

The Purpose of Kriya Yoga

The main purpose of Kriya Yoga is to awaken the individual’s consciousness and connect them with their true Self. The ultimate goal is to achieve liberation or moksha from the cycle of birth and death. It aims at purifying the body and mind, removing all impurities, and promoting good health on all levels – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Through regular practice of Kriya Yoga techniques like pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation, one can experience an expansion of consciousness and heightened awareness. This helps individuals to overcome negative patterns of thoughts and emotions and achieve inner peace.

The Core Principles

There are four core principles that form the foundation of Kriya Yoga:

1) Self-discipline – This involves following a strict daily routine that incorporates practices like meditation, chanting, and introspection.

2) Self-inquiry – This involves questioning oneself and seeking answers to the deepest questions of existence, such as “Who am I?” and “What is the purpose of life?”

3) Surrender – Surrendering to a higher power or the divine is an essential aspect of Kriya Yoga. It helps individuals let go of their ego and connect with a higher state of consciousness.

4) Service – Serving others selflessly is an integral part of Kriya Yoga. It encourages individuals to contribute to the well-being of society and realize their interconnectedness with all beings.

The Techniques

Kriya Yoga involves a specific set of techniques that are designed to awaken the individual’s inner energy and promote spiritual growth. These techniques may vary depending on the tradition or lineage one follows, but they all revolve around controlling the breath and calming the mind.

The most commonly practiced technique is pranayama, which involves various breathing exercises like kumbhaka (holding the breath), nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), and ujjayi (victorious breath). Pranayama helps in balancing the energy flow in the body, purifying it from within, and calming the mind.

Another essential technique is meditation, which helps individuals focus their mind on a single point or object, leading to a state of deep relaxation and peace. Through regular practice, meditation can help individuals access their innermost self and gain insights into their true nature.

Kriya Yoga also includes mantra chanting. Mantras are powerful sounds or vibrations that help in balancing our chakras (energy centers) and promoting overall well-being. The chanting of mantras helps one shift their attention from external distractions to internal awareness.

The Benefits

The regular practice of Kriya Yoga has numerous benefits on all levels – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Some of the key benefits include:

1) Improved physical health – Pranayama helps in increasing the oxygen supply to the body, which promotes better functioning of organs and improved overall health.

2) Stress reduction – The breathing exercises and meditation techniques used in Kriya Yoga promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, leading to better mental health.

3) Emotional balance – Through introspection and self-inquiry, one can gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and learn to manage them better, leading to improved emotional well-being.

4) Increased focus and concentration – Regular practice of Kriya Yoga helps in calming the mind, which leads to increased focus and concentration. This can be beneficial for students or professionals who need to concentrate for long periods.

5) Spiritual growth – Kriya Yoga provides a path for individuals seeking spiritual growth. It helps in connecting with the divine within oneself and leads to self-realization.

The Importance of a Guru

In Kriya Yoga tradition, having a guru or spiritual teacher is considered crucial for one’s progress on the spiritual path. A guru is someone who has already attained enlightenment or a state of higher consciousness and can guide others towards it. They provide instructions and techniques tailored to each individual’s unique needs,

Q: What is Kriya Yoga and what are its benefits?
A: Kriya Yoga is a form of yoga that involves a combination of breathing techniques, meditation, and physical postures. Its benefits include stress reduction, improved concentration, and increased self-awareness.

Q: How do I begin practicing Kriya Yoga?
A: To start practicing Kriya Yoga, you can either join a class or learn from an experienced instructor. It is important to understand the techniques properly before practicing them on your own.

Q: What are the basic principles of Kriya Yoga?
A: The primary principles of Kriya Yoga include proper breathing techniques, mindfulness, and detachment from worldly desires. These principles help practitioners achieve physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

Q: Can I practice Kriya Yoga if I am not physically fit?
A: Yes, anyone can practice Kriya Yoga regardless of their physical fitness level. However, it is recommended to consult a physician before starting any new exercise routine.

Q: How long does it take to see the results of practicing Kriya Yoga?
A: The results of practicing Kriya Yoga vary from person to person. Some may experience immediate benefits such as reduced stress and improved mood, while others may take longer to see changes in their overall wellbeing.

Q: Can I combine other forms of yoga with Kriya Yoga?
A: Yes, you can incorporate other types of yoga with your regular Kriya Yoga practice. However, it is essential to first consult with an experienced instructor who can guide you on how to combine different forms for the most effective results.

In conclusion, Kriya Yoga is a powerful tool for achieving self-realization and spiritual growth. It offers a holistic approach that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of our being. The key to practicing Kriya Yoga lies in its foundational principles of breath control, concentration, and meditation.

Through regular practice of Kriya Yoga, one can experience numerous benefits such as increased physical health, improved mental clarity and focus, reduced stress and anxiety, and heightened spiritual awareness. The integration of breathwork and meditation in this practice allows individuals to tap into their inner power and unlock their full potential.

It is important to note that Kriya Yoga is not a quick fix solution, but rather a lifelong journey towards self-discovery. It requires discipline, commitment, and patience to experience its full benefits. However, its rewards are immeasurable as it can ultimately lead to the realization of true inner peace, joy, and enlightenment.

As with any practice or discipline, guidance from a qualified teacher is crucial in order to gain a deeper understanding of Kriya Yoga and its techniques. With dedication and guidance, anyone can learn how to do Kriya Yoga and incorporate it into their daily lives for greater well-being.

In today’s fast-paced world where stress levels are high

Author Profile

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.