What is Kriya Yoga?
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.
"Kriya, controlling the mind directly through the life force, is the easiest, most effective, and most scientific avenue of approach to the Infinite.”Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramhansa Yogananda
How Does Kriya Work?
According to Yogananda, Kriya Yoga is the most effective technique available to mankind today for reaching the goal of Yoga: union with the Divine. Kriya Yoga is so effective because it works directly with the source of growth — the spiritual energy deep in our spines.
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.
Path of Kriya
This 4 week course introduces you to transformative techniques from the path of Kriya Yoga, including the Hong-Sau method of concentration. You’ll learn how to sit comfortably for meditation, quiet the restless mind, and carry the peace and joy of your practice into daily life. With guidance and support, this course will help you establish a steady and fulfilling meditation routine. Learn More
This 8-week course, based on The Art and Science of Raja Yoga by Swami Kriyananda, provides a comprehensive exploration of Raja Yoga and Patanjali’s eight-limbed path. With meditation as its core practice, the course offers lessons and practical tools to help spiritualize all aspects of life. Its primary focus is to prepare participants for Kriya Yoga initiation, offering a deeper understanding of this transformative spiritual path. Learn More
Based on A Handbook on Discipleship by Swami Kriyananda, offers profound insights into the meaning of discipleship and the practice of the Guru-Disciple relationship. Through inspiring stories and personal experiences, the course helps prepare students for initiation into discipleship—either at home or in person—to Yogananda and the lineage of Masters of Self-Realization, for those who feel ready to embrace this deeper commitment. Learn More
This course provides instruction in the AUM technique of meditation and offers further preparation for Kriya Yoga initiation. Available by permission from the Ananda Kriya Sangha after completing the first three steps of the Path of Kriya, the course builds on previous teachings while deepening your practice. Participants receive personalized, one-on-one guidance and support from instructors, ensuring a meaningful and transformative experience. Learn More
The actual Kriya technique is given through in-person initiation, and only after establishing a regular daily practice of the first three techniques: Energization Exercises, Hong-Sau, and AUM. This process takes about nine months to a year or more, depending on the student.
Over the years, Ananda has helped thousands of truth seekers all over the world to prepare for initiation into Kriya Yoga. We’ve seen that the practice of Kriya is infinitely more effective after the proper preparation and study of the Kriya teachings. When you have completed the first four steps on the Path of Kriya Yoga, a Minister at our center will help you to schedule a Kriya Yoga Initiation. Learn More
Kriya Questions? Speak to a Minister
Our Spiritual Director, Kyle McDonald is happy to connect with you about all Path of Kriya related questions.
Please email anandarhodeisland@gmail.com with “Kriya” in the subject line and she will reach out to you personally.
