by Fern Watson
Those who have read “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda will have already heard of Kriya Yoga but for many of us it is an unfamiliar branch of Yoga.
Kriya Yoga is a scientific technique which leads to self-realization. Paramahansa Yogananda says “It works like mathematics; it cannot fail.” Through practice of the Kriya Yoga breathing techniques, self analysis and determination, sincere seekers can quickly unfold the divine truth within.
Kriya, as Paramahamsa Prajnanananda explained during the last October discourse, can be broken into two words: “kri” meaning activity and “ya” meaning divinity. Divinity is the soul, the true self, without which we would not have life. Kriya Yoga is a path that enables us to generate constant awareness of the soul. In doing so we are able to perceive the omnipresent supreme creator which is hiding within us and activating every action through the breath.
Gurudev Prajnananandaji says “All work is done by the power of God, the living life of God, the breath; this is Kriya".
Kriya Yoga consists of a myriad of teachings. One angle is the pursuit of self control through breath control. Right from Initiation the seeker is able to experience the triple divine qualities of light, sound and vibration. By developing these with concentration and posture alongside the given breathing techniques, one is able to penetrate the deepest levels of the unconscious mind.
Kriya Yoga is a very simple and easy yoga. It is called the Royal Path as it is the quickest way to attain spiritual success. The beauty of Kriya Yoga is that it affects simultaneous development of mind, body and soul in the shortest possible time. Well within one lifetime the goal of self realization is made possible through practice of the Kriya techniques.
Inherent in the practice of Kriya Yoga is a process of purification of the body mind and intellect, helping us to overcome those detrimental mental impressions which are hindering our spiritual development.
The simple and easy breath control techniques given in Kriya Yoga restore balance and equanimity in our life. It gives enhanced memory, strength and youth to the body, patience and brilliance to the mind.
Currently head of the Kriya Yoga institute is the aforementioned Paramahamsa Prajnanananda. He is a Kriya master who is divinely established in God consciousness. He was given the title by his master the late Paramahamsa Hariharanada. Paramahamsa signifies one who has attained the highest realization and is thereby anchored in the truth of ones unity with the universal self.