Meditation

Kriya Yoga

Learn a Simple Technique Online

Ananda Course in Self-Realisation

The Path of Kriya Yoga

More Meditation Resources

Meditation &
Kriya Yoga,
Level 1, Weekends

NCR Schedule of Classes and Events

Kriya Yoga | Yogananda on Kriya | Kriya Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions
about Kriya Yoga Initiation at Ananda

1. What is Kriya Yoga?

Kriya Yoga is a technique of pranayama (energy control) which, when practiced during meditation, greatly accelerates one's spiritual progress. Kriya is one of the most effective techniques available for reaching the goal of Self-realisation—union with the Infinite. "Kriya Yoga" means divine union through a certain act or technique.

2. Why do you have to wait a year to receive Kriya through Ananda? Why can't you take Kriya initiation right away?

Kriya is a very powerful technique that transforms the brain and removes blockages of energy along the spine-seeds of attachments and desires-that slow our pathway to Self-realisation. Paramhansa Yogananda described the body of the average person as similar to a 50-watt bulb—it cannot accommodate the powerful transforming energy that comes with regular Kriya practice.

Ananda prepares you to receive Kriya initiation properly through regular practice of techniques that Yogananda taught to strengthen the brain and nervous system—the Energization Exercises, Hong-Sau, the AUM technique and other Kriya preparation practices. Also you need time to establish a regular, committed practise of meditation.

3. How does one prepare to take Kriya Yoga initiation through Ananda?

Kriya Yoga preparation through Ananda includes:

• Taking Kriya preparation classes through Ananda Sangha or through our home-study course, the Ananda Course in Self-Realisation. The course of study and preparation normally takes about one year.
  
• Developing a daily practice of the meditation techniques of this path: the Energisation Exercises, and the Hong-Sau and AUM techniques. By the time you take Kriya Yoga initiation, you should have a daily meditation practice of an hour and a half per day.
  
• Making an inner commitment to this path and taking discipleship initiation. (see below)

4. What is discipleship and why is it required for Kriya Yoga initiation?

After a silence, Babaji added, "Repeat to each of your disciples this majestic promise from the Bhagavad Gita- 'Swalpamasaya dharmasya, trayata mahato bhoyat'—'Even a little bit of practice of this religion will save you from dire fears and colossal sufferings.'" —From Autobiography of a Yogi (original 1946 edition), by Paramhansa Yogananda

Discipleship means making an inner commitment to Paramhansa Yogananda as your guru, or spiritual guide, and to the line of masters and spiritual path that he represents. Attunement to the blessings and grace of God flowing through these channels is essential to spiritual growth on this path. Discipleship initiation ceremonies, in which one takes this formal step, are offered at each Ananda centre.

5. Why do you have to receive Kriya Yoga initiation in person?

Taking Kriya in person places you in the Guru's vibration and creates a link with him that enables you to draw upon his power in your Kriya Yoga practice. Paramhansa Yogananda primarily taught Kriya Yoga in person in a formal ceremony. Ananda gives the same ceremony.

6. What is the difference in the Kriya Yoga that Ananda and other yoga groups teach?

There are some teachers and groups who offer variations of the Kriya Yoga technique. At Ananda we give the Kriya technique that Yogananda taught and find that doing Kriya as he taught it draws a powerful flow of grace that blesses our practice.

7. By what authorisation does Ananda teach Kriya Yoga?

"The Kriya Yoga which I am giving to the world through you in this nineteenth century," Babaji told Lahiri Mahasaya, "is a revival of the same science which Krishna gave, millenniums ago, to Arjuna, and which was later known to Patanjali, and to Christ, St. John, St. Paul, and other disciples." —Paramhansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi (original 1946 edition)

Paramhansa Yogananda ordained Swami Kriyananda in 1949 to give Kriya Yoga initiation. Kriyanandaji has continued to do so ever since and has felt guided by Yoganandaji to designate other Ananda Kriya Yoga acharyas.

8. What happens after I take Kriya Yoga initiation? What support will I receive?

Ananda Sangha offers support to all our Kriya initiates through Kriya Yoga review materials—written lessons, question and answer booklets, an inspirational newsletter, audio and video tapes, as well as guided Kriya meditations and retreat on a regular basis around India. We also provide a Web site dedicated to Ananda Kriya initiates, as well as e-mail counseling and support.