Kriya Yoga: A Path to Self-Realization

Kriya Yoga, meaning "action toward union with the Divine," is a spiritual practice rooted in ancient yogic traditions. The term is first mentioned in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali:

"Tapah Swadhyayeshwarpranidhanani Kriyayogah"
(Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Chapter II, Sutra 1)

This translates to: "Kriya Yoga consists of discipline, self-study, and surrender to the Divine."

Historical Context

While Patanjali introduced the concept, Kriya Yoga was revitalized in the modern era by Yogiraj Shyama Charan Lahiri, also known as Lahiri Mahasaya. Guided by his guru, Shri Shri Babaji Maharaj, Lahiri Mahasaya brought these ancient techniques to ordinary householders. Breaking the tradition of reserving such practices for monks, he aimed to help common people realize their true nature as Sat-Chit-Ananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss). His mission was to alleviate the suffering that arises from ignorance of one's true self.

Understanding Kriya Yoga

An ordinary life often lacks harmony, with individuals driven by sensory pleasures and the avoidance of pain—essentially two sides of the same coin. This pursuit creates internal conflicts and leads to a life filled with dissatisfaction and misery. Recognizing that material pursuits offer no lasting fulfillment, one may turn to the discipline of Yoga:

"Atha Yoganushasanam"
(Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Chapter I, Sutra 1)

Meaning, "Now begins the instruction on Yoga," this signifies the start of a journey toward inner harmony and self-realization.

To experience Sat-Chit-Ananda, one must achieve stillness in both body and mind. This stillness allows a person to witness life without becoming entangled in it. Through the consistent practice of Kriya Yoga—particularly the disciplined action of the breath—one can calm the fluctuations of the mind:

"Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodhah"
(Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Chapter I, Sutra 2)

Translated as "Yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the mind," this foundational principle leads to self-awareness and enlightenment.

Teachings from Masters of Kriya Yoga

Yogiraj Shyama Charan Lahiri

• "The world is illusory; only Kriya is the truth."
• "Practice Kriya and remain absorbed in its after-effects."
• "Through diligent practice, success will come. Stay devoted to the Divine, dear brother."
• "I am not attached to anybody; nobody belongs to me."
• "A controlled mind is our greatest friend; an uncontrolled mind is our deadliest enemy."
• "Do not abandon your duties as a householder. Instead, strive to eliminate the ego—the sense of 'I,' 'me,' and 'mine.' Liberation lies in transcending the ego."

Pandit Panchanan Bhattacharya

• "Pleasure resides in the state of mind, not in wealth or worldly possessions."
• "Forgiveness, kindness, and equanimity are vital traits for a practitioner of Kriya."
• "If one's attachment to worldly affairs and family is entirely redirected toward the practice of Kriya, miracles can occur."

Netai Charan Bandopadhyay

• "Continue practicing Kriya to the best of your ability. The Guru responds promptly to sincere and devoted practitioners, offering necessary guidance."
• "The bondage created by illusion (maya) is subtle and challenging to transcend. Only the Guru's grace (Guru Kripa) can help overcome it."
• "Avoid making false promises or resolutions. Speak only when necessary; otherwise, practice silence. The initial stages of Kriya instill seriousness in practitioners, fostering a desire to speak less."
• "Dedicated practice of Kriya Yoga is a remedy for all forms of suffering."
• "Always keep your attention focused on the spiritual eye (Kutastha)."
• "Regularly study Yogiraj's commentaries on the Guru Gita and Srimad Bhagavad Gita."
• "Engage deeply in the practice of the first Kriya."

Maheshwari Prasad Dubey

• "Prana sustains life; without it, no being can survive. It nourishes life selflessly. Yet, humans often neglect to serve this vital force that upholds their existence."
• "Only humans have the capacity to honor their prana, but this process is fully understood only by self-realized masters. Those who wish to serve prana should seek guidance from such a master."
• "Through sincere practice, one can comprehend both the manifest and the unmanifest, duality and non-duality; without practice, discussions on these topics are meaningless."
• "A sincere practitioner inevitably receives the Guru's grace, as both divine blessing and personal effort are essential to know one's true source."
• "While there are no strict dietary restrictions, it is advisable to avoid tamasic foods like meat, fish, and eggs. Alcohol should be strictly avoided."
• "The Guru never dies."

Dr. Sudhin Ray

• "After initiation into Kriya Yoga, merely reading books is insufficient; regular and sincere practice is essential."
• "One cannot fully grasp the Guru's words until one's accumulated impressions (sanskaras) are resolved."
• "Attraction to the Divine often arises only after experiencing suffering in the material world."
• "Without simplicity, knowing God is impossible; however, simplicity should not be confused with foolishness."
• "Unless one uncovers the mystery of creation, suffering will persist."
• "Understanding the mystery of creation brings bliss (ananda); self-knowledge (atma-jnana) is the pinnacle of all knowledge and should be sought earnestly."
• "Wise individuals recognize how little they truly know, while many remain unaware of their own ignorance."
• "Wisdom leads to non-violence."
• "To find a true Guru (Satguru), one must cultivate pure thoughts; the Satguru appears naturally when one's mind is purified, enabling the understanding of the Guru's influence."
• "The true service to humanity cannot be comprehended without practicing Raja Yoga."
• "Acquiring techniques from the Guru is not enough; one must understand the purpose behind learning them."