Kriya Yoga is the central technique of Self-realization brought to the West by Paramhansa Yogananda. Its purpose is to accelerate our spiritual awakening and hasten our liberation from all delusion.
Kriya is more than a technique. It is a way of life: of devotion, service, and discipleship. It includes several techniques in a series of meditation and yoga practices.
In Yogananda’s autobiography he describes Kriya Yoga as:
“…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… A yogi who faithfully follows its technique is gradually freed from karma or the universal chain of causation.”
–Paramhansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi (1946 Edition), Chapter 26
Kriya Yoga Preparation: Segment 1 -
The Path of Kriya Yoga
taught by Hriman McGilloway, Padma McGilloway
Wednesdays, Apr 25 to May 30
6:30 pm – 9:15 pm
Lynnwood, $150.00 / series, plus texts
register for Segment 1
In this 6-week course, graduates of the Raja segment of the Raja Yoga Intensive are invited to learn about Kriya Yoga both as a technique and as a way of life. This class can benefit anyone who would like to see how to make meditation a part of daily life. Topics include the history and description of Kriya Yoga, how to make Gyana yoga (study), Bhakti yoga (devotion), and Karma yoga (action) a new “lifestyle,” and what it means to be a disciple of a God-realized guru.
Students will learn the complete series of 39 Energization (Tension) Exercises created by Paramhansa Yogananda, and meditation techniques preparatory to kriya such as Navi Kriya and the bandhas and pranayams for the chakras.
- History of kriya yoga
- Kriya yoga as a meditation technique/pranayama
- How to establish and deepen your daily meditation practice
- How and why kriya yoga is called the “airplane route to God”
- Importance of the attitude of discipleship
- The need for a guru
- The importance of study, introspection, and fellowship with others
- The purifying effect of selfless service and generosity
- The lives of Paramhansa Yogananda and the Self-realization masters
- Does your guru have to be physically present?
Pre-registration required. Prerequisite: Raja Yoga
A 2-installment payment option is available.
Kriya Yoga Preparation Intensive: Segment 2
taught by Ananda Lightbearer-ministry staff
Cost is $200 plus texts.
Wednesdays, March-July, or July, Sept-Nov
Lynnwood
Segment 2 of the Kriya Yoga training process is for those who have completed the raja segment of the Raja Yoga Intensive, AND, Segment 1 of the Kriya Yoga Preparation. Segment 2 begins with discipleship initiation to Paramhansa Yogananda and the Self-realization line of gurus.
After taking discipleship initiation, you will be taught two key techniques: the Aum Technique of meditation and the Maha Mudra spine-energizing posture-technique.
Then, for the rest of the sub-classes in this Segment you will have the opportunity to practice the four core techniques which are practiced as part of and learned before receiving kriya yoga. These four core techniques are the Energization Exercises, the Hong Sau meditation technique, the Aum meditation technique and the Maha Mudra spine-energizing mudra.
In addition to practicing these techniques each week you will study the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda using four essential textbooks as shown below.
| Class | Dates | Teacher |
|---|---|---|
| Autobiography of a Yogi | Mar 7, 14, 22, 28, Apr 4 | Susan |
| Meditation practice sessions | Apr 11, May 23, Jun 20 | staff |
| The New Path | Apr 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16 | Nivritti |
| Essence of Self-Realization | May 30, June 6, 13 | Prem-Shanti |
| Conversations With Yogananda | June 27, July 11, 18, 25 | Jamuna |
| Fall Session/cycle dates | ||
| Discipleship initiation | Sunday June 3 | Hriman/Padma |
| Aum / Maha Mudra class | June 6 and June 13 | Hriman/Padma |
| Conversations With Yogananda | June 27, July 11, 18, 25 | Jamuna |
| Essence of Self-Realization | Sep 5, 12, 19 | Prem-Shanti |
| The New Path | Sep 26, Oct 3, 10, 17 | Nivritti |
| Autobiography of a Yogi | Oct 24, 31, Nov 7, 14 | Susan |
- Weekly practice of all 4 core kriya preparation techniques
- Autobiography of a Yogi: study one of the most famous and life changing works of modern times.
- The New Path: learn about life with a God-realized master in the 20th century
- Essence of Self-Realization: what are the core precepts of Saanatan Dharma: reincarnation, karma, meditation, guru, disciple and much more
- Conversations with Yogananda:meet the real Yogananda through fascinated, humorous, and profound conversations Yogananda had with Swami Kriyananda
See these related articles:
The Science of Kriya Yoga by Paramhansa Yogananda
The Hidden Reality Within by Swami Kriyananda
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