Kriya yoga has its origin in the old yogic traditions, especially the lineage of the Himalayan masters. It is a complete system that uses various approaches to foster development from a physical, psychological and theological point of view. This blog discusses the background, key concepts, methods, and benefits of Kriya Yoga.
Kriya Yoga: History and Origins
The root of Kriya Yoga is based on the ideals of the spiritual practices of India in the early centuries. This line of humans in particular originates from Himalayan masters. The practice is discussed in classical texts of yogic texts such as the Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Kriya Yoga became accessible or available in the modern era through Paramahansa Yogananda’s book “Autobiography of a Yogi” from which it was popularized in the Western nation.
Important Kriya Yoga Concepts and Principles
The philosophy of Kriya Yoga is founded on some important ideas and notions. They are the foundation of this versatile transformative method. These principles are mainly founded on the knowledge that we are attached to our body, mind, and spirit as one. Regeneration and enlightenment come from these three parts of the human being in harmony and balance.
Kriya Yoga has a very high degree of consciousness as one of its focal points. It also stresses the regulation of breathing and waking up the sleeping phenomenon of Kundalini energy in the body. Repeated practice endows the practitioners with the power to manipulate the energies. This in turn allows bypassing limits and enhancing their consciousness.
Concepts of Kriya Yoga:
1. Kriya Yoga is practising the control of one’s breath (pranayama). It also pays particular attention to the visualisation of subtle energy (prana) and its circulation through the body. This facilitates attaining a higher state of consciousness.
2. For the promotion of inner calm, meditation and introspection should be practised.
3. Self-Realisation is the very heart of Kriya Yoga. Fully comprehending one’s self beyond ego limitations is the ultimate goal.
4. In Kriya Yoga a guru-disciple bond is a normal characteristic. The guru provides guidance and support to the disciple whilst walking the spiritual path.
Fundamental Stages of Kriya Yoga Practice
Kriya Yoga is characterised by stages rooting fundamental movements that guide the practitioners in an inward journey. Some of these practices include Asanas, Pranayama, and Meditation.
1. Mental and physical preparation is also an integral part as practitioners have several ways to do so. Such include asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (breath control).
2. The initiation to the practice of Kriya Yoga comes from the guru who is a trained person. It entails instruction in specific techniques and mantras for use in daily meditation.
3. Regular Practice: Practitioners of the Kriya Yoga carry out the practice daily. Such inclusive practice involves breathing exercises, mind meditation, and visualisation exercises.
4. Therefore, practitioners examine both inwards in reflection and self-inquiry to learn about themselves and their spiritual direction.
Advantages of Kriya Yoga
Kriya yoga does not focus on physical health alone but also on mental, emotional and spiritual health. The benefits of Kriya Yoga are helpful for practitioners.
1. Kriya Yoga is also geared towards better health of the body. As it reduces anxiety and improves relaxation, it helps increase the strength of presence.
2. Kriya Yoga techniques help people get clarity concerning their focus and mental centring.
3. The spirituality in Kriya Yoga is regained through building up the connection to the divine power. It also promotes feelings of satisfaction and feelings of inner peace.
4. The realization of self is the ultimate end-aim of Kriya Yoga. It leads to a deep understanding of what human beings are and a wider knowledge of the universe.
Myths of Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga Is the Easy Solution to Any Issue:
One common misconception is that Kriya Yoga gives a reliable universal remedy for every problem to crop up before one’s eyes. The practice of Kriya Yoga may also result in considerable changes in one’s physical, intellectual and spiritual health levels. But it’s also important to note that it is not a magic bullet that cures everything in a single shot. As with any other form of practice, Kriya Yoga has its prerequisites in terms of commitment, perseverance, and requisite balance of operations.
Advanced Yogis Only Should Practice Kriya Yoga:
Some people think that only advanced practitioners with years of yoga and meditation expertise can do Kriya Yoga. Many newcomers to Kriya Yoga find it intricate. This misperception can be demoralizing. In reality, Kriya Yoga is accessible to practitioners at all levels. They can approach it with an open mind and a commitment to study and practice assiduously, even beginners.
Kriya Yoga Is a Faith-Based Religious Practice Only:
The other common misconception is that Kriya Yoga is religious yoga. Many link it to a particular religion such as Hinduism. Kriya Yoga is by no means limited by any specific religious dogma. It stems from ancient spiritual practices. It is a science of humanities that is open to people of all faiths or even no faith. Moreover, Kriya Yoga does not pay much attention to religious beliefs and laws. It aims to establish inner awareness more than personal growth.
Kriya Yoga Is Merely Physical Work:
Some people mistakenly think Kriya Yoga is only physical exercise. They believe the main focus is on doing yoga postures, or asanas, to improve physical fitness. Kriya Yoga involves physical postures. But, it’s a more comprehensive spiritual discipline. It also focuses on self-realisation and spiritual progress. This is achieved through breath control or pranayama. Kriya Yoga incorporates techniques that promote overall well-being. It does this by bringing the body, mind, and spirit into balance.
Conclusion
Kriya Yoga is a healing technique based on age-old yogic customs. Kriya Yoga provides a complete path for mental, physical, and spiritual development. It does this through its fundamental ideas, practice techniques, and many advantages. Regular practice can lead practitioners to significant self-transformation and self-realization. They develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their spiritual journey.
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Who established Kriya Yoga?
The yogi and guru Paramahansa Yogananda popularised Kriya Yoga when he brought it to the West in the early 1900s. He did this through his teachings and the Self-Realisation Fellowship.
What advantages can Kriya Yoga practice offer?
Practitioners of kriya yoga highlight several mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits related to their practice. Potential results include an enhanced state of inner tranquillity, contentment, and complete satisfaction. Better focus and concentration, increased self-consciousness, relaxation, and reduction of stress are other possibilities.
Is Kriya Yoga appropriate for all levels?
Kriya Yoga is not for a particular age group or region. Remember, the benefits include mental and physical discipline. Novices can gradually add length and intensity to the practice.
How can I learn Kriya yoga?
A certified teacher is necessary to learn Kriya Yoga. Learners can join a respectable yoga school such as Mind FLow Harmony Yoga Academy that trains learners at their ease. Mind Flow Harmony teaches yoga in the form of courses, retreats, and workshops.