Kriya Yoga is an ancient science given by god millions of years ago
in Satya yuga-the golden era of spirituality. In the Bhagavad Gita (Hindu scripture), it is mentioned that Lord Krishna gave
this science to the Sun who, in his turn, passed it on to Manu (author of the ancient Indian text Manu Samhita) but with the
vagaries if time this great science was on the verge of extinction Before Babaji revived it .
Essentially, Kriya Yoga is the science of controlling prana (life force
energy). Through its practice, the mind gets engrossed at the Kutashta Brahman, that critical point between the eyebrows,
and is released from bondage.
Kriya Yoga was introduced to the world by Lahiri Mayasaya in the 19th century, after
he made contact with Babaji, the Divine Himalayan Yogi. Babaji achieved immortality and enlightenment around the 2nd
century AD through Siddha Yoga. Kriya is a synthesis of the four higher steps of Ashtanga Yoga taught by Great
Rishi Patanjali - Pratyhara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. It consists of several techniques, but the common one involves
circulating pranic currents through the Sushumna channel of the spine combined with breathing and visualization exercises.
Tradition requires that disciples are initiated by a Guru and taught the techniques - for this reason, the precise details
of Kriya are not published on the internet or in any books. There are, however, many Kriya teachers throughout the world who
disseminate the practices.
The Kriya Yoga taught by Lahiri Mahasaya contains four initiations.
More can be found in the books "Babaji and the 18 Siddha
Kriya Yoga tradition",Patanjali Yoga Sutras, "Autobiography of a Yogi","God Talks with Arjuna-Bhagvad Gita "-by Sri Sri
Yogananda.
