About Kriya Yoga
Babaji's Kriya Yoga is a scientific art of perfect God Truth union and Self-Realization. It was revived by a great Master of India, Babaji Nagaraj, as a synthesis of ancient teachings of the 18 Siddha tradition. It includes a series of techniques or "Kriyas" grouped into five phases or branches. Paramahamsa Yogananda taught that practice of Kriya Kundalini Pranayama can accelerate the natural progression of Divine Consciousness in human beings. Kriya Hatha Yoga: including "asanas," physical postures
of relaxation, "bandahs," muscular locks, and "mudras," gestures,
all of which bring about greater health, peace and the awakening
of the principal energy centers, the "chakras". Babaji
has selected a particularly effective series of 18 postures, which
are taught in stages and in pairs. One cares for the physical body
not for its own sake but as a vehicle or temple of the Divine.
Kriya Hatha Yoga: including "asanas," physical postures of relaxation, "bandahs," muscular locks, and "mudras," gestures, all of which bring about greater health, peace and the awakening of the principal energy centers, the "chakras". Babaji has selected a particularly effective series of 18 postures, which are taught in stages and in pairs. One cares for the physical body not for its own sake but as a vehicle or temple of the Divine. .
Kriya Kundalini Pranayama: the potential technique is a powerful breathing exercise to awaken powerful latent energy and circulate it through the 7 principal chakras between the base of the spine and the crown of the head. It awakens their corresponding psychological states and makes one a dynamo on all five planes of existence.
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Kriya Dhyana Yoga: meditation, the scientific art of mastering the mind: to cleanse the subconscious, develop concentration, mental clarity and vision, to awaken the intuitive and creative faculties, and to bring about the breathless state of communion with God, "samadhi".
Kriya Mantra Yoga: the mental repetition of subtle sounds to awaken the intutition, the intellect and the chakras; the mantra becomes a substitute for the "I" centered mental chatter and facilitates the accumulation of great amounts of energy. The mantra also cleanses habitual subconscious tendencies.
Kriya Bhakti Yoga:
devotional activities and service to awaken pure Divine universal love and spiritual bliss; it includes chanting and singing, ceremonies, pilgrimages, and worship. Gradually, all of one's activities become soaked with sweetness, as the "Beloved" is perceived in all.
Om Kriya Babaji Nama Aum
(The guru mantra of Babaji's Kriya Yoga)
Om is pranava, the primordial sound of the Universe that runs through the prana.
Kriya is one of the three kinds of shakti, Kriya shakti, action, icchi shakti, will , and jnana shakti, wisdom, or knowledge of the Self.
Babaji is Divine Father, the form of the Lord as The Father ... the same Babaji who was described by Paramahamsa Yogananda in his “Autobiography of a Yogi.”
Nama is Salutations or “I call to you”
Aum the primordial sound resonating within
This guru mantra, Om Kriya Babaji Nama Aum has the power to connect our pulse to the pulse of Babaji, tuning us into the Grace of the legendary Himalayan Siddha , Kriya Babaji Nagaraj. Through the mantra he reveals himself to his Devotees. Moreover, it is said that the inner guru abiding in the crown chakra is accessible and associated with the disciple's use of the mantra. The mantra is shakti, conscious energy. It has power, as the Guru transmits his shakti through the mantra and the shakti enters the disciple through the mantra. The root of the mantra is the guru's word. And indeed the mantra is a form of the guru himself.
Kriya Yoga is “Action with Awareness.” It is a means of self-knowledge, of knowing the truth of our being. Babaji's Kriya Yoga incorporates “awareness” in the practice of asanas, pranayama, meditation, mantras, but, also teaches to incorporate awareness in all thoughts, words, dreams and desires, in all actions. This sadhana has the enormous potential to make us more conscious human beings. It requires, however, the willingness of the body, mind, heart and will, to align with the soul in aspiration of purification and perfection. The sadhana of BKY is a collection of 144 exercises and spiritual practices for self development, but, it is also a way of life for our entire being.
The first objective of Kriya Hatha Yoga is deep physical and mental relaxation. Asana deals directly with the material part of the physical totality. The body can become purified of many disorders and irregularities by asana. The variety of asana grants flexibility and a sense of lightness and buoyancy in the body, so that gravity has less an effect on it. Ultimately the 18 asana series will awaken the energy centers along the spine and stimulate the uncurling of kundalini, our potential power and consciousness.
Kriya Kundalini Pranayama deals more directly with the subtler vital parts of the nervous system. The first objective of pranayama is to purify the nervous system and to circulate life energy through all the nerves and sublte energy channels without obstruction. Ultimately these pranayama will awaken the sushumna and direct kundalini upward through it.
Babaji's Kriya Yoga Dhyana , demands that truth realized in our inner consciousness will penetrate to our waking consciousness and become effective there. Our consciousness determines the nature and quality of the life we live. So, rather than trying to stop thoughts and drop into a void, our meditations focus on dynamic methods of strengthening the power of the mind, the power of visualization and stimulate a ready flow of intuition and inspiration, which can be used in our life. The meditations help us to develop our power of concentration, in order to orient the whole of our consciousness towards our soul.
Kriya MantraYoga is silent repetition of powerful chakra seed syllables and sound, which stimulates divine qualities. This practice tunes one's whole being and turns one's consciousness turned toward the Divine, and opens one to the a flow of divine energy and grace.
To begin Babaji's Kriya Yoga sincerely, one must be willing to study one's self. In Yoga, by repeatedly exerting one's self, repeatedly, one can drop anything from his/her mind and personality. Negative habits can be eliminated by fostering new useful disciplines. One can recreate his/her self. Babaji's Kriya Yoga is a concentrated practice, which can be undertaken to rid ones' self of weaknesses and shortcomings and take one to a place of peace and inner prosperity. A regular disciplined practice of Babaji's Kriya Yoga creates an internal heat, which helps to overcome the distinctions of mind and body, which has been established, relating to personal likes and dislikes, aversions and desires, discomfort and pleasure. One can directly change a habit of responding in a negative way, or create a positive attribute, by doing the kriya practices over and over again, until they are no longer an exertion, and have become or way of life. The techniques blossom outwardly within our own life.
Babaji's Kriya Yoga is a spiritual tradition designed to “wake one up,” to the reality that one has been merely dreaming with their eyes open. Babaji's Kriya Yoga leads one on a path of Self-realization. But this path is comprehensive and is a practical discipline and an open-hearted approach for living life fully and compassionately.
The Origin of Kriya Yoga
This tradition flows directly from the Yoga Siddhas, the perfected masters of Siva Yoga. Kriya Babaji Nagaraj synthesized his Kriya Yoga from techniques taught by the Siddhas, Agastyar and Boganathar. Babaji initiated a great yogi, S.A.A. Ramaiah into these techniques in 1954 and 1955, near Badrinath in the Himalayas .
In 1983, Yogi Ramaiah began to prepared one of his students to teach the 144 techniques, when he gave Marshall Govindan a stringent set of conditions to fulfill. Govindan had, in 1983, already been practicing Kriya Yoga for more than twelve years, for at least fifty-six hours per week without a break. In addition, in 1981 he completed a year long silence in retreat, alone, by the seashore in Sri Lanka , engaging in a non-stop practice of Yoga. It took Govindan three more years to fulfill all of the additional conditions. At that time Yogiar told him simply to wait, that the message will come. Yogiar had often said that once he had brought his students to the feet of the “Guru,” his work with them would be completed. On Christmas Eve, 1988, in a series of profound spiritual experiences, the message came that Govindan was to leave his teacher's ashram and organization and begin initiating others into Kriya Yoga.
Henceforward, Marshall Govindan's life was directed by the Light of the Guru,(as a persisting inspiration and intuition, filled with insight), which focused on “showing the path to others.” Beginning in 1989, his life moved in this new direction; doors opened automatically, and everything facilitated a new mission. Govindan began to share Kriya Yoga with others, first, on weekends, in Montreal , and then after the publication of his first book on Kriya Yoga, to persons all over the world. It has been a joy for him ever since to personally share this “light,” this precious spiritual science, with more than 10,000 students in more than twenty countries, and to train over a dozen advanced students to do the same.
Would Kriya Yoga benefit me?
Babaji's Kriya Yoga is taught in a series of initiation seminars. It consists of a progressive series of Kriya Yoga techniques which bring about an integrated development of the individual. The rich variety of techniques brings about a complete transformation of the sincere practioner. Among its benefits are physical healing and increased levels of energy, balancing of the emotions, mental calm, increased concentration, inspiration, wisdom and spiritual Self-realization. It includes a daily Yoga practice, which a rich variety of Kriyas, or techniques, which not only provides great strength, stability and peace, but also makes one dynamic and visionary. It brings balance and tranquility to the body and mind by reducing both restlessness and inertia. It is appropriate for anyone who wishes to transform themselves in the body, mind and spirit. It is for anyone who is searching to establish an open pathway towards their soul. It is for anyone who seeks discover how in the words of Jesus, the Kingdom of Heaven is accessible here on Earth. It is for anyone who wants to have more joy and happiness in their life and in their relationship with others. It is effective for one and all, regardless of their cultural, social or religious affiliation, their age, sex or previous experience.
Kriya Yoga views life as series synchronistic events, pleasurable and problematic, unfolding at the right time and place. The techniques of Kriya Yoga, including Kriya Yoga asanas (physical postures), Kriya pranayama breathing, Kriya mantra (sacred sound syllables) and Kriya meditation work integrally to raise one's consciousness and energetic level. This allows one to view both kinds of events as opportunities for growth and for lessons learned.
Kriya Yoga is a physical, vital, mental, intellectual
and spiritual sadhana or discipline; a discipline, in which
one remembers one's true Self, pure Witness consciousness, and
lets go of the false egoistic identification with the body and
mental movements. It grants more control over one's life. Interestingly
enough, as control is gained, there is less need to exercise control,
and so one begins to accept and enjoy of life as it unfolds. Kriya
Yoga develops trust, gratitude and devotion for God's Presence
in one's life. One begins to meditate on God, and speak to God,
as if his/her truest and closest Friend, and begins to hear His
response.
Greater mental clarity and focus is achieved through Kriya Yoga, and it is easier to act consistently in the right and best way both for oneself and for others. With this clarity and heightened intellectual strength one'es consciousness expands and one accomplishes more with less energy, accepting less credit for the work done, and with more gratitude for the Supreme Doer in our life.
Kriya Yoga techniques strengthen our and intuition and our power of healing. Our immune system is strengthened and we enjoy vibrant health, a strong nervous system and more energy and a relaxed, peaceful demeanor.
The integral alignment of body, mind, and spirit
gained through the practice of Kriya Yoga awakens our potential
power and consciousness, known as “kundalini.” The level of our
consciousness determines the nature and quality of the life we
live. We must develop an advanced spiritual consciousness, which
opens the mind to other dimensions of existence. Only then, can
we use that consciousness in the activities of our life to positively
affect the world and those around us.
Kriya Yoga and Christianity?
In the West, many persons, even those who are not practicing Christians or Jews, fear that by practicing a spiritually based Yoga such as Babaji's Kriya Yoga, they will somehow be disloyal to their own religion. Is Yoga a religion? How is it related to Hinduism? Can I practice Yoga and still be a Christian? A Jew? A Muslim? These are questions that persons with this religious background may seriously ask.
1. The late KriyaYogi Ramaiah was fond of simplifying
the solution by stating: “Yoga is the practical side of all religions.
It will make a Christian a better Christian, a Jew a better Jew,
and a Buddhist a better Buddhist.” Because it emphasizes what
one does, not what one believes. Religions distinguish themselves
in particular by their systems of belief, usually defined in scriptural
sources or formal creeds. Yoga on the other hand, says that if
you practice it, you will feel healthier, more energized, peaceful,
and this will enable you to experience within yourself the presence
of the Divine.
2. Religions are the creation of men and women,
purportedly inspired by God. In the case of the religions of Christianity,
Islam and Judaism, God's inspiration passed through the founders
over many years and was only later collected by others in the
form of scriptures, written accounts. Religious people, including
Hindus and Buddhists, attribute ultimate authority to such scriptures.
Yogis, like other Gnostics and mystics, however, attribute ultimate
authority to their own inner experience of the Divine, through
meditation and spiritual experience. This appeals to those who
appreciate a more experimental or scientific approach. Such persons
do not want follow some belief blindly, and they may have serious
doubts about miraculous or mythological claims made by scriptures.
They want you to “show me.”
3. Religions emphasize forms: belief systems, temples, churches, personalities, symbols, ceremonies, words and prayers. Yogis and mystics emphasize the spirit, which has no form,m but which can be experienced by raising one's consciousness, for example in meditation. A Yogi or mystic or a gnostic, however, can participate in religion without difficulty, recognizing that the forms are symbolic reminders of the inner truths. Religious persons are sometimes afraid of the spiritual, out of ignorance, but as they mature, a minority of them become seekers after spiritual experience and realization.
4. Religions begin with the spiritual experiences of their founders. Mystics and yogis seek to recreate those experiences and realizations within themselves, by practicing spiritual disciplines. Religious persons seek to reach a heavenly afterlife by following the tenets of their religion, which promises reward in return for righteous conduct and or accepting Jesus as one's personal savior.
5. By understanding the relationship mentioned above between the world of religious forms, and the spiritual formless truths accessible by spiritual disciplines such as meditation, it is possible for religious persons to mature spiritually. This depends however upon their overcoming of fears, born of ignorance, as to the nature of spirituality and its disciplines. The wisdom teachings of all spiritual traditions are a good place to begin, and then one is open to experimenting with basic meditative practices.
6. Modern critical scholars of the New Testament
have concluded that Jesus was an itinerant wisdom teacher, and
that while not much can be know about what he did, as there are
no eyewitness reports, we can say that the most authentic sayings
attributed to Jesus are limited to a few dozen parables and short,
provocative statements. These often paradoxical statements are
remarkably similar to those of the Yoga Siddhas, and therefore
indicate that even if Jesus never went to India or practiced Yoga,
he did realize and taught what the Yoga Siddhas realized and taught.
A comparison between these authenticated sayings and parables
of Jesus with those of the Yoga Siddhas, exemplify the best of
universal wisdom teachings. By reflecting deeply upon them, anyone
can experience their truth. For such a comparision, with an illuminating
commentary, see our publication “The Wisdom of Jesus and the Yoga
Siddhas.”“Highly recommend for Christian spiritual seekers of
all denominations.” - Midwest Book Review.
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