Kriya Yoga is a spiritual practice that combines techniques of pranayama (breathing exercises), mantra (sound repetition), and meditation to achieve enlightenment. It is a highly advanced form of yoga practice. Until the mid of 19th century it was only available to the Yogis of the Himalayas. With grace of Mahavatar Babaji and Lahiri Mahasaya it came down to the householders, and then spread widely throughout the world because of Paramhansa Yogananda and his book 'Autobiography of a Yogi.' It is a highly accelerated way of making spiritual progress, and once initiated, one breath of Kriya helps the practitioners' mind evolve by one year. A new initiate takes 14 breaths in a day and hence evolves everyday by 14 years. Here are some of the practices involved in Kriya Yoga:
Pranayama: Kriya Yoga emphasizes the use of pranayama as a means to control the mind and purify the body. This includes techniques such as Thokar kriya and Om dhyana.
Energization Exercises: Kriya Yoga also includes certain energization exercises introduced by Paramhansa Yogananda, that are the foundation for meditation and pranayama practice.
Mudras: Kriya Yoga uses certain hand gestures eg Mahamudra and Jyoti Mudra, which help to redirect the flow of energy in the body and focus the mind during meditation.
Bandhas: Kriya Yoga also uses "Bandhas" or energy locks which help to control the flow of energy in the body and enhance the effects of pranayama and meditation.
Trataka: Kriya Yoga includes the practice of "Trataka" or steady gazing, which involves gazing at a single point or object to improve concentration and focus.
Mantra repetition: Kriya Yoga includes the practice of repeating a mantra Hung Sau, as a means of achieving a meditative state.
Kriya initiation: The practice of Kriya Yoga typically starts with an initiation ceremony which is usually conducted by a qualified and authorized teacher who will teach the student the specific techniques and practices of Kriya Yoga. It is during the initiation that the most powerful Kriya breath is taught to the deserving student.
Meditation: The ultimate goal of Kriya Yoga is to achieve a state of deep meditation and spiritual realization through the natural kevala kumbhaka (control of breath and focus of the mind).
It is important to note that Kriya Yoga should be practiced under the guidance of a qualified teacher, as improper technique can lead to serious mental/physical problems.
What is the difference between Hatha Yoga and Kriya Yoga?
Hatha Yoga and Kriya Yoga are both forms of yoga, but they have some key differences:
Hatha Yoga is a broad term that refers to any yoga practice that involves the use of physical postures, or "asanas," as a means to achieve physical fitness, relaxation, and spiritual development. Hatha Yoga focuses on the physical aspects of yoga, such as strength, flexibility, and balance, and it is considered the foundation of all other forms of yoga.
Kriya Yoga, on the other hand, is a more advanced form of yoga that emphasizes the use of pranayama (breathing exercises), mantra (sound repetition), and meditation to achieve enlightenment. It is considered to be an advanced practice that requires a certain level of physical, mental and spiritual preparation.
Hatha Yoga is more accessible to beginners, while Kriya Yoga is considered an advanced practice, and typically requires the guidance of a qualified teacher.
Hatha Yoga is more focused on the physical aspects of yoga, such as improving flexibility, strength, and balance, while Kriya Yoga is more focused on the spiritual aspects of yoga, such as achieving inner peace, self-awareness, and enlightenment.
Hatha Yoga often includes a variety of postures, while Kriya Yoga typically focuses on specific breath control, sounds and meditation techniques to achieve spiritual development.
Hatha Yoga can be practiced by anyone regardless of their physical condition, while Kriya Yoga typically requires that the practitioner have a certain level of physical, mental and spiritual preparation before attempting it.