Kriya Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that combines specific techniques of breath control, meditation, and inner discipline to accelerate spiritual evolution. Revived in modern times by Lahiri Mahasaya in 1861 after his initiation by the mysterious Himalayan master Mahavatar Babaji, it was later introduced to the world by Paramahansa Yogananda through his book Autobiography of a Yogi.
The word Kriya comes from the Sanskrit root kri, meaning “to do” or “to act,” and in this context, it means union with the Infinite through a certain action or rite. Kriya Yoga is not just about physical posture or external rituals. It is a deep, inner fire ceremony where the breath becomes the offering and the mind becomes still. Through pranayama, or breath control, the practitioner redirects life energy in the spine to awaken spiritual consciousness.
Practiced correctly and under the guidance of a qualified teacher, Kriya Yoga purifies the nervous system, calms the mind, and allows the soul to rise above the distractions of the body and ego. It is a path that emphasizes direct experience over dogma, and it has been described as the science of realizing God through breath and inner stillness.
Kriya Yoga is not taught through casual instruction. It is passed on through initiation, often in a sacred ceremony, from teacher to disciple. This tradition ensures the purity of the techniques and honors the sacred lineage that includes figures such as Krishna, Christ, Babaji, and Yogananda.