This bustling world has us dealing with an abundance of problems, and stress or distractions are one of them. Neither we nor you want to go down the path of stress, where disparity and depression are waiting at the end.
Our holy sages from the past had already foreseen the future, therefore they had crafted some breathing techniques to deal with modern world problems such as stress, depression, anxiety, etc.
In theory, breathing exercises are plenty, and this article will specifically discuss one of them which is Kriya Yoga. This breathing exercise is blessed with lots of physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits. So, stick around a little more and find everything about kriya yoga.
What is Kriya Yoga?
Kriya yoga is a primitive breathing style for breath and energy control. This meditation technique allows you to walk down a spiritual path, and experience spiritual enhancement in yourself.Ā
Kriya yoga offers a spiritual path along with living the right way of life. Despite being hidden for eons, this technique was revived in 1861 by the hands of spiritual sage Mahavatar Babaji after he taught kriya yoga meditation to his follower Lahiri Mahasaya.
Following that, Lahiri Mahasaya taught this technique to his disciples, and so on. Paramananda Yogananda - one of the renowned yogic sages, then made kriya yoga famous through his book name autobiography of Yogi.
Transforming body, mind, intellect, and awareness of spirit is one of the key targets of kriya yoga, being calmly active and actively calm is what kriya yoga wants from its practitioners.
How Does Kriya Yoga Work?
Kriya yoga has the functionality to work deep within the source of growth, letting the practitioner feel great while performing this meditation.
Yoga postures related to kriya yoga greatly assist in opening spinal channels and balancing the power in the spine. With awareness and will, kriya yoga helps to draw the life force up and down the spine and control it.
When it comes to effectiveness, kriya yoga practitionersā successful yet simple life is an epitome. Kriya yogis find no hardships in concentrating on their work, hence it helps them in their businesses and family life.
Principles and Philosophy of Kriya Yoga
Self-Realization
At its core, Kriya Yoga is about achieving self-realization ā the direct experience of one's true nature beyond the limitations of the ego.
Union with the Divine
Kriya Yoga aims to facilitate union with the divine, recognizing the inherent connection between the individual soul (jivatman) and the universal consciousness (paramatman).
Elevation of Consciousness
Through dedicated practice, practitioners seek to elevate their consciousness, expanding their awareness beyond the confines of the material world.
Harmony of Body, Mind, and Spirit
Kriya Yoga emphasizes the holistic nature of well-being, promoting harmony and balance between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of existence.
How to do Kriya Yoga
Kriya yoga consists of a series of techniques designed to awaken and channel the latent energy within the practitioner. These techniques include asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), mudras (hand gestures), bandhas (energy locks), and meditation.
The practice often begins with asanas, which help prepare the body by loosening tension, increasing flexibility, and promoting relaxation. Asanas are usually performed with a focus on alignment, breath, and mindful awareness.
Pranayama, or breath control, plays a central role in Kriya yoga. Through specific breathing techniques, practitioners learn to regulate and expand their vital life force energy (prana). Deep, rhythmic breathing patterns help calm the mind, balance the nervous system, and facilitate inner stillness.
Mudras and bandhas are symbolic gestures and energy locks employed to redirect and amplify the flow of prana within the body. These subtle practices enhance concentration, awaken dormant energy centers (chakras), and promote spiritual awakening.
Meditation is the cornerstone of Kriya yoga, serving as a gateway to inner exploration and self-discovery. Practitioners are guided to cultivate single-pointed focus, witness their thoughts without attachment, and connect with their higher self or divine consciousness.
Consistency and commitment are fundamental in Kriya yoga. Regular practice, ideally performed daily, fosters deepening awareness, inner peace, and spiritual growth. Progress may be gradual, requiring patience, perseverance, and trust in the transformative power of the practice.
Ultimately, Kriya yoga is a series of techniques and a holistic path to self-realization and union with the divine. It invites practitioners to embody virtues such as self-discipline, compassion, and surrender as they journey toward greater harmony, fulfillment, and enlightenment.
Kriya Yoga Benefits
Reduces Stress
As mentioned before, the reduction of stress is the key benefit of kriya yoga. The incorporation of pranayama techniques allows kriya yoga to inject calmness into the mind.Ā
By activating the parasympathetic nervous system and promoting a relaxation response, it has been shown that kriya yoga do reduces stress.
Improved Respiratory System
Pranayama practices in Kriya yoga emphasize conscious breathing techniques that enhance lung capacity, improve respiratory efficiency, and promote healthier breathing patterns.Ā
This can help individuals with respiratory problems like asthma, breathing problems, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Emotional BalanceĀ
Kriya yoga fosters emotional well-being by helping practitioners develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and inner peace. It provides tools to navigate challenging emotions, cultivate positive states of mind, and foster a sense of equanimity amidst life's ups and downs.
Spiritual Growth
Kriya yoga is ultimately a spiritual practice aimed at self-realization and union with the divine. Through deep meditation and inner exploration, practitioners may experience profound spiritual insights, expanded consciousness, and a deeper connection to their innermost essence or higher power.
Improves Digestion
It has been noted over the centuries that practicing yoga for digestion is also beneficial for gut and overall health. So, it wonāt be wrong if we say that you can choose kriya yoga to improve your gut system.
Holistic Healing
Kriya yoga is a holistic practice that addresses the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. By promoting balance and harmony on all levels of being, it supports holistic healing and integration, leading to greater overall health and wellness.
Increased Energy and Vitality
Kriya yoga techniques help to awaken and channel the flow of prana (life force energy) within the body, leading to increased energy levels, vitality, and a heightened sense of aliveness.
You can check out the Nirogayurved website to learn more about kriya yoga, or if you are lucky then you can also win a free consultation from yoga experts.
Conclusion
Kriya Yoga is a profound spiritual path that offers practitioners a systematic approach to self-realization, inner peace, and spiritual awakening. Rooted in ancient wisdom and timeless teachings, it provides a transformative journey toward the realization of one's highest potential and the ultimate union with the divine.
FAQ
What is the Kriya Yoga technique?
Kriya yoga is the door to spiritual well-being that combines various yoga techniques to facilitate self-realization and inner transformation.
How powerful is Kriya Yoga?
To walk on the spiritual path, kirya yoga is the foremost method, as it consists of powerful meditation and pranayama techniques.
What are the 4 techniques of Kriya Yoga?
Following are the 4 techniques of kriya yoga to achieve greater spiritual heights.Ā
- Spiritual action
- Discriminatory wisdom
- Self-effacing love and
- Meditation.
What are the 5 branches of Kriya Yoga?
- Kriya Hatha yoga
- Kriya Kundalini Pranayama
- Kriya Dhyana yoga
- Kriya Mantra yoga andĀ
- Kriya Bhakti yoga
What are the 7 Kriyas?
- Basic Practice of Meditation
- Focusing Mind
- Devotion Toward Divine Forms
- Disciple to Guru Relationship
- Expanding Awareness
- Kriya Yoga Preparation
- Kriya Initiation
