Steps towards Kriya Initiation

In today's Information Age, there is much that can be learned about a wide variety of spiritual paths. The curious will easily find more than enough to satisfy their curiosity. The step beyond curiosity is "investigation," and the most fruitful form of investigation is through personal experience. If one wants to know, for example, about ayurvedic massage, he goes to an ayurvedic center and has one. The Eiffel Tower is known by seeing it; a mango by tasting it.

Thus if you would like to know Kriya Yoga, you will want to experience the techniques of Self-realisation and evaluate for yourself their effects on your consciousness and your daily life. Here are some suggestions for how you can become familiar with these teachings and with the Kriya masters.

1. Studying the Teachings of Self-realisation

Kriya Yoga belongs to a body of teachings called Sanatan Dharma in India, which Yoganandaji called "Self-realisation". Swami Kriyananda explains:

Sanatan Dharma, rightly understood, is rooted in the foundations of the universe. As a teaching, it excludes no practice that is designed to ennoble and uplift the mind, to awaken selfless love in the heart, to inspire longing for the truth, to loosen the bonds of egotism and selfishness, and to deepen our awareness of what is as opposed to what merely appears to be.
Put more simply still, the goal of Sanatan Dharma is twofold: the upliftment of human consciousness, on the one hand, and the expansion of our self-identity through love, on the other, that we embrace all life and all reality as our own. Any practice that inspires people in this direction, even if it doesn't define the goal so specifically, belongs rightfully within the domain of Sanatan Dharma.

—Swami Kriyananda, The Hindu Way of Awakening

The following books by Yoganandaji and Kriyanandaji will give you both an idea and a feeling for this approach to enlightenment. They are essential for Kriya Yoga initiation.

Autobiography of a Yogi, original 1946 edition, by Paramhansa Yogananda
The Essence of Self-realization, by Paramhansa Yogananda, edited by Swami Kriyananda
Awaken to Superconsciousness, by Swami Kriyananda
The Art and Science of Raja Yoga, by Swami Kriyananda
The New Path, by Swami Kriyananda
Conversations with Yogananda, by Swami Kriyananda

2. Practicing Two Basic Techniques on the Path of Kriya Yoga

Yoganandaji taught two basic techniques that can be learned and practiced by anyone, of any faith, on any path. These techniques bring spiritual and practical benefits to everyone. They are even recommended by some doctors as an aid to improving a wide variety of physical and mental/emotional conditions.

The Hong-Sau technique of concentration is an ancient and well known practice used widely throughout India. It involves the observation of the breath in conjunction with a mantra to quiet the mind and focus it at a single point.

As a youth, Yoganandaji would practice this technique for up to eight hours a day.

Experience and expertise in this technique are necessary for the successful practice of the more advanced technique of Kriya, which requires deep concentration. Hong-Sau is practiced two times a day on the path of Kriya Yoga.

The Energisation Exercises were formulated by Yoganandaji himself, initially as a means by which the boys at his school in Ranchi (India) could focus their youthful energies and develop their will power. He called this practice the "Tissue-Will System of Body and Mind Perfection". It consists of thirty-nine exercises to be practiced each day in a specific order. Practice takes about twelve minutes. It furnishes the body tissues, muscles, and organs with fresh, vital energy (prana), while at the same time developing will power and concentration.

3. Preparing for Kriya Yoga Initiation

You can learn all the practices of the path of Kriya Yoga at Ananda Sangha (Gurgaon) and at Ananda programmes in various locations around India. Through our courses, you will be guided in your preparation for Kriya Yoga Initiation by Ananda acharyas. Classes are held on a regular basis during the year, the details of which you can find on our Web site, www.anandaindia.org .

Level I: Energisation Exercises and the Hong-Sau Technique, as described earlier. Energisation is practiced once a day; Hong-Sau twice a day.

Level II: Raja Yoga, provides a practical experiential approach to meditation, yoga philosophy, the Energisation Exercises, yoga postures, affirmations, diet, and healing techniques. (Required for Kriya Yoga initiation.)

Level III: Discipleship Initiation and the AUM Technique, is for those who feel a deep inward connection with the masters of Kriya Yoga and who want to explore the guru-disciple relationship, which is explained in the next chapter. Discipleship initiation ceremonies are performed through Ananda Sangha. On receiving discipleship, the initiate is taught the AUM meditation technique which he adds to his daily meditation practice in preparation for Kriya initiation.

Level IV: Kriya Yoga Preparation and Initiation, includes the history, purpose, and benefits of Kriya Yoga as well as advanced instruction and practice of meditation using specific Kriya preparation techniques. The AUM technique and the Kriya preparation technique are practiced for several months before one is eligible for Kriya Yoga initiation.

Kriya Yoga initiation is given in person through Ananda Sangha around India several times a year. After about one year of preparation and upon approval by an Ananda Kriyacharya, one can take initiation. The technique is given in an initiation ceremony. A Kriya technique review, checking, and question and answer session is held after the initiation. The kriyaban one who receives Kriya initiation) is given study materials—Kriya Yoga lessons, a question and answer booklet, and inspirational CDs—at that time.

Ananda Sangha offers continued support to all its Kriya initiates through a monthly inspirational newsletter, individual guidance by phone, e-mail or in person, as well as through guided Kriya meditations and retreats with Ananda Kriyacharyas. We also provide a kriyaban Web site updated regularly with a library of inspirational articles and streaming videos.

What is Kriya Yoga?

Commitment—The Importance of Discipleship

Your Questions on Kriya Yoga Answered

The Kriya Yoga Masters

What Kriyabans Say

Quotes on Kriya from Paramhansa Yogananda