Many people show Kriya Yoga practices on social media, but that is not the type of Kriya Yoga I learned during my stay at Swami Shankarananda Giri’s Ashram in Rishikesh. The original technique is still taught all throughout the world, particularly in India, by a few masters who appreciate and uphold the Sri Yukteswarjee heritage.

For me, Kriya Yoga has been a source of awakening insights. I have studied and practised a variety of spiritual practices throughout the years, so my personal experience with Kriya Yoga should be very informative for my fellow Soul Family on a spiritual journey.

Kriya Yoga instruction is only taught when one has received initiation by the Guru. The techniques are divided into different “Kriyas”.

The first Kriya is the cornerstone, the basic foundation that enables for spiritual advancement. It provides access to information about the body, the Soul, and the chakras. It enables comprehension of the gross body, astral body, and causal body. It also explains the breath and how it works, as well as its controlling laws. First Kriya is the foundation for all other Kriyas. The techniques that comprise it are vital tools for spiritual existence.

When my Spirit Guides taught me the Light Meditation to the God Source, I found it a bit of a struggle to maintain the heightened condition of being in the God Source energy. When Swami Shankarananda Giri led the Kriya Yoga meditation in the hall in Rishikesh I found it extremely easy and flowing to reach that heightened state and saw the Divine White Light.

The practice by myself didn’t always provide the same effects, but it is undeniably a practice that will propel you to the next stage of your spiritual journey.

The idea with spiritual practices is that one works their way to Samadhi.  The Kriya Yoga practices assist the gross physical body withdraw into the astral body, which is located in the spine. This is the pratyahara stage. When the causal body rises and crosses the pituitary gland during pratyahara, the yogi achieves Samadhi, which is the ultimate outcome and purpose of practice.

The formless state of Samadhi is referred to as nirvikalpa Samadhi. When it is returned to the physical level, the yogi is said to be in savikalpa Samadhi, which implies he is operating in the material world without pain or suffering while remaining in Samadhi. This is the ultimate goal of Kriya Yoga.

My personal experience:

  • I could feel the flow of Prana through the Shushmna, which gently swayed my body.
  • Holding Khecarī Mudra centred my thoughts in the higher energies.
  • Hum So is the same “secret” mantra given in the Ananda Marga. It can lead one to a mindless state, and Swami said that solely with this practice one can achieve a state of Samadhi.
  • I received confirmation that indeed that the heightened state of being I experience during meditation is indeed the feeling of the God Source.

Through regular practice of Kriya Yoga, I have noticed an increase in my energy levels and focus while also feeling more connected to my spiritual side. My personal experience with Kriya Yoga has been nothing short of transformative and I highly recommend it as a means of self-discovery and personal growth.

Have you learned Kriya Yoga directly from the Sri Yukteswarjee heritage? What’s your experience?

Many Blessings