The Sacred Path of Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga is an ancient yogic science, revived in modern times by Mahavatar Babaji, transmitted to the world through Lahiri Mahasaya (1828–1895), and spread further by his disciples: Swami Sri Yukteswar, Paramahansa Yogananda, and others who carried this flame across the globe.

 

Paramahansa Yogananda, in Autobiography of a Yogi, wrote:

 

“The ancient yogis discovered that the secret of cosmic consciousness is intimately linked with breath mastery.”

 

 

• Mahavatar Babaji: the deathless master said to dwell in the Himalayas, who reintroduced Kriya Yoga to modern humanity.

• Lahiri Mahasaya: taught Kriya Yoga openly to householders, showing it is a path for all, not only renunciates.

• Sri Yukteswar: emphasized the union of science and spirituality, preparing the ground for Yogananda’s mission.

• Paramahansa Yogananda: brought Kriya Yoga to the West in 1920, calling it “the airplane route to God.”

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• 19th century: Practiced quietly in India, mostly within lineages.

• 20th century: Paramahansa Yogananda established the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in the US. His book Autobiography of a Yogi (1946) became one of the most influential spiritual works of the modern era.

• Today: Kriya Yoga is taught worldwide, across lineages like SRF, Ananda Sangha (Swami Kriyananda), Yogoda Satsanga Society (India), and independent kriya teachers continuing the tradition.

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• Unlike many paths, it is both scientific and universal.

• Open to householders and renunciates alike.

• Free from dogma — it transcends religion, belief, or culture.

• Called the “jet plane to the Infinite” compared to the “bullock cart of ordinary yoga.”​​​​​

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Kriya means “action with awareness”.

It is not just a technique, but a spiritual science that:

 

• Works with prana (life energy)

• Harmonizes body, mind, and soul

• Directly influences the subtle nervous system and chakras

• Shortens the spiritual journey by accelerating inner purification

 

 Sri Yukteswar:

 

“Kriya Yoga is the real ‘prayer without ceasing’.”

 

 Yogananda:

 

“The Kriya Yogi mentally directs his life energy to revolve, upward and downward, around the six spinal centers… thus reversing the normal downward flow of energy and hastening his spiritual evolution.”

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Physical

 

• Regulates breath and nervous system

• Improves oxygenation and longevity

• Balances endocrine glands and hormones

 

 

Mental

 

• Increases concentration and focus

• Reduces stress, anxiety, and mental restlessness

• Brings clarity and resilience

 

 

Spiritual

 

• Accelerates awakening of kundalini energy

• Purifies the chakras and subtle channels

• Deepens meditation and inner silence

• Creates direct experience of Divine Presence

 

✨ Yogananda:

 

“Kriya Yoga gives, through daily practice, the actual contact with God.”

 

✨ Lahiri Mahasaya:

 

“Kriya is the real work of the breath — a sacred union of prana and the Infinite.”

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Kriya Yoga is not philosophy to be believed, but experience to be lived daily.

 

✨ Paramahansa Yogananda:

 

“Kriya Yoga is a simple, psychophysiological method by which the human blood is decarbonized and recharged with oxygen. The atoms of this extra oxygen are transmuted into life current to rejuvenate the brain and spinal centers. By stopping the accumulation of venous blood, the yogi is able to lessen or prevent the decay of tissues.”

 

🌸 Summary line for your page:

Kriya Yoga is the ancient science of breath and spirit — a sacred technique to harmonize body, mind, and soul, open to all who seek truth.

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          Swami Nityananda Giri and I