What is Kriya Yoga

According to Roy Eugene Davis in his book Paramahansa Yogananda: As I Knew Him Kriya Yoga involves, “disciplined thinking and behaviors, profound Self- inquiry, and awakening from the mistaken sense of Self”. Mr. Davis also states, “Because attentive Kriya Yoga practice weakens and removes the obstacles which may interfere with the emergence of innate knowledge, it is extolled as the fast, direct way to awaken to Self- and God-realization that is suitable to anyone who sincerely aspires to be spiritually enlightened.”

Generally speaking Kriya Yoga is a way of life that involves dedicated practice of advanced meditation techniques and applying the principles outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita.

What is the History of Kriya Yoga?
In the current era the knowledge of Kriya Yoga emerged through a lineage of teachers that began in India. Mahavatar Babaji met and taught Lahiri Mahasaya in 1861. Through intensive training Lahiri Mahasaya was instructed to initiate people in all walks of life the path of Kriya Yoga. Previously the practice was reserved for renunciates unattached to worldly life. Lahiri Mahasaya was married with children and worked for the railway. By day he attended to his secular duties. At night he met with students and practiced Kriya meditation.

Swami Sri Yukteswar was a student of Lahiri Mahasaya. He was a Vedic astrologer and possessed knowledge of Ayurveda. Sri Yukteswar had a keen interest in the West. He authored the book The Holy Science at the request of Babaji in order to demonstrate the similarity in purpose of Eastern and Western spirituality. He was also the teacher of Paramahansa Yogananda, who he trained to carry the teaching of Kriya Yoga to the West.

Paramahansa Yogananda came to America in the early 1900’s. He lectured extensively throughout America teaching Kriya Yoga and established the Self Realization Fellowship in California. Although a prolific writer, he is best know for his book Autobiography of a Yogi, which is an excellent source of information on Kriya Yoga.

On December 23, 1949 Roy Eugene Davis met his teacher, Paramahansa Yogananda at the Self-Realization Fellowship headquarters. Mr. Davis was ordained as a minister of SRF and authorized to teach and initiate others into the practices of Kriya Yoga. After leaving the monastic life of SRF, Mr. Davis also traveled the United States hosting seminars on Yoga. He then became the spiritual director of the Center for Spiritual Awareness in Lakemont, GA.

How do I Learn to Practice Kriya Yoga?
Basic meditation techniques and lifestyle guidelines can be learned from books on the subject. Recommended reading in this regard are any commentaries on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita by Roy Davis or Paramahansa Yogananda, Seven Lessons in Conscious Living by Roy Davis, and Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. If a person feels a strong resonance with this Kriya Yoga tradition they can then learn the advanced meditation practices through an authorized teacher.