A kriya is a set of postures, breath, and sound in Kundalini Yoga that work together to achieve a specific goal. When you practice a kriya, you start a chain reaction of physical and mental changes that influence your body, mind, and soul all at once. There are kriyas to assist the liver, balance the glandular system, make you radiant, stimulate the pituitary, promote spine flexibility, and so on. Each kriya works on a separate level of your being, but they all operate together.
Before You Continue...
Do you know what is your soul number? Take this quick quiz to find out! Get a personalized numerology report, and discover how you can unlock your fullest spiritual potential. Start the quiz now!
What does kriya mean in Kundalini Yoga?
Kriy (Sanskrit meaning “activity, deed, endeavor”) is a term used to describe a “finished action,” technique, or practice within the yoga discipline that is intended to accomplish a specific result. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras 2.1 describes three sorts of kriya: austerity, study, and devotion. Kriya yoga is the name for this type of yoga.
What's the difference between kriya and Kundalini?
In the philosophical philosophy of Yoga, the phrases Kriya Yoga and Kundalini Yoga are utilized. In terms of intent, they are not the same. The legendary Paramahamsa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, invented the phrase Kriya Yoga. In his book, he uses the phrase. Kriya Yoga is, in reality, the Yoga method espoused by Paramahamsa Yogananda.
Kriya Yoga strives to achieve spiritual progress in the practitioner's life by regulating the breathing system through intense Pranayama sessions.
In a nutshell, Kriya Yoga denotes the many stages of Pranayama.
Kundalini Yoga, on the other hand, is a physical and mental Yoga practice that attempts to strengthen the purity of the mind and body, setting the way for a state of spiritual absorption.
Meditation techniques can be used to practice Kundalini Yoga.
It's worth noting that Kundalini Yoga is also known as the Yoga of Awareness because it helps to improve human consciousness, intuition, and self-knowledge.
It awakens the limitless human potential that exists within each and every one of us.
Kundalini Yoga strives to awaken the Kundalini Shakti in every human being, allowing them to develop spiritual abilities and the quality of serving others, bringing them closer to God.
It's worth noting that the creator of the Yoga philosophy, sage Patanjali, didn't say much about the Kriya Yoga and Kundalini Yoga parts of practice.
To achieve the ultimate degree of joy, he emphasized the practice of Raja Yoga.
Kundalini Yoga strives to achieve the highest degree of joy as well.
These are some of the distinctions between Kriya Yoga and Kundalini Yoga.
1. What is the difference between Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga?
2. Yoga and Exercise: What's the Difference?
What is the Kriya Yoga technique?
Kriya yoga is also known as “Action Yoga” or “Awareness Yoga.” It's an ancient meditation technique that combines pranayama (breathing exercises), mantra (chanting), and mudras (spiritual hand gestures) to help you improve spiritually quickly. A kriya practice's ultimate purpose is to achieve spiritual awakening or enlightenment (aka Samadhi).
Kriya yoga was not presented to the west until the 1920s by Paramahansa Yogananda, despite being an old technique practiced in India for generations. When he defined kriya yoga as “connection with the infinite through a definite action or rite” in his book Autobiography of a Yogi, the practice attracted widespread notice.
According to Yogananda's book, kriya yoga is the most beneficial yoga practice for personal progress because it increases access to subtle energy and allows it to be channeled in more direct ways. However, it was only intended to be taught to pupils who had obtained formal kriya yoga initiation from a recognized guru on an individual basis (or, basically, a kriya yoga master).
As a result, there aren't many books with kriya yoga teachings. However, as kriya yoga's popularity grows, there are more and more resources and teachers available online to learn from.
The yogi student can reach inner serenity and oneness with cosmic consciousness (in yogi words, “god”) by this daily practice (sadhana, in Sanskrit).
Why do we do kriyas?
To begin, kriya tunes and prepares the body for enhanced kundalini energy levels. The energy is then released and channeled. Normally, one's energy travels outward, where it is wasted since it is not utilised efficiently. Kriya assists us in more effectively channeling our life energy back into the body's energy channels, where it can be used to increase awareness, expansion, and self-realization.
Breath kriyas, which are comparable to pranayama, are available. Mantra kriyas, on the other hand, focus on a single mantra or a group of mantras to generate a particular energy impact. One or more mudras are used in several kriyas (configurations of the body). Some kriyas necessitate the use or understanding of bandhas (body locks). It's easy to see why these approaches necessitate one-on-one coaching. They are based on other advanced yoga techniques and practices.
Furthermore, kundalini is strong, which is why we teach many of these kriya techniques as part of a larger system of yoga that includes asana, pranayama, jna, and other subtle practices in the Elemental Yoga practice to ensure that practitioners' nervous systems and consciousness are ready to receive them. Some kriyas necessitate extensive preparation, followed by grounding and integration. This is why kriya has always been taught in the context of a guru-student relationship. As a result, there aren't many books available that teach kriya.
Kriyas have numerous advantages. Kriyas provide both physiological and psychological advantages. Kriyas can be invigorating, soothing, or sublime in nature. Controlling one's energy, or life force, makes it easier to manage the mind's fluctuations. Furthermore, we can burn away previous karma in a way that frees us from the karma chain by these kriya practices, this evolutionary activity. Kriya assists us in shifting our awareness so that we think thoughts rather than having thoughts think us, allowing us to take spontaneous appropriate action. In other words, rather than a life dominated by past karma, the state established by kriya is a dharmic or purposeful life.
As you can see, kriya is a potent yogic practice that is rarely discussed in most western yoga sessions. Fortunately, more people are becoming interested in kriya. Many yoga students have progressed to the point where they desire to expand their practice beyond asana. I'm thrilled to be able to contribute to bringing kriya and its numerous benefits to a wider audience.
What are the 6 cleansing techniques?
Neti, Kapal Bhati, Dhauti, Basti (Enema), Nauli, and Trataka are the six cleansing procedures. These kriyas cleanse the eyes, respiratory system, and food pipe, as well as tone the viscera and intestines in the abdomen. They also strengthen the immune system, sharpen the mind, and cleanse the colon.
How is Kriya Yoga different?
1. Kriya Yoga Is More Extensive Than Physical Hatha Yoga
The most significant distinction between Kriya Yoga and Hatha Yoga is that Kriya Yoga is concerned with more than only the physical benefits of yoga. The practice of Hatha Yoga is the act of executing yoga poses. The word “hatha” literally means “power,” stressing the physical nature of this kind of yoga.
Hatha Yoga has grown in popularity as a form of physical fitness because the “asanas” (poses) utilized in it can help increase strength and flexibility, as well as enhance general health and wellbeing.
Kriya Yoga, on the other hand, emphasizes not just the physical benefits of yoga, but also its spiritual ones. The Kriya Yoga technique is designed to help you grow your spirit and live a more conscious, full life by using meditation, self-inquiry, and selfless devotion. Learn how to practise Kriya Yoga right now!
2. Kriya Yoga is a form of yoga that focuses on spiritual awakening.
Kriya Yoga is not a religion, but it is a form of meditation that is intended to aid spiritual enlightenment. There are four key steps that can be made to aid in the achievement of this goal:
Meditation is vital for Kriya Yoga practice, particularly wealth meditation. Kriya Yoga incorporates Raja Yoga's meditation philosophy, including its eight limbs of practice.
Contemplation – In order to understand our place in the world, we must contemplate and enquire about the nature of Reality.
Reflection We can discover the keys of inner peace and success by pondering on how to live our lives with wisdom, integrity, and compassion.
Exploration – Each person who practices Kriya Yoga meditation can discover what works for them by investigating and participating with diverse spiritual disciplines. This helps them approach enlightenment.
3. KriyaYoga Aims For Peace And Prosperity
What exactly is prosperity, and what does it imply? Living in accordance with dharma is referred to as prosperity. To put it another way, living for something greater than oneself. Actual abundance, according to Kriya Yoga, can only happen when all of our worries, doubts, and misgivings are cleared away, allowing our true Self to shine through.
According to The Vedas, the oldest Sanskrit spiritual scriptures, there are four basic goals in life. One of these is Artha, which means wealth. Another is kama, which means to enjoy life, and moksha, which means to achieve ultimate liberation. Above all, though, is dharma. The most significant of these goals is dharma, which can provide true serenity and wealth if followed.
Take a look at Ellen Grace O'Brian's website if you have any further questions regarding Kriya Yoga and how it differs from Hatha Yoga. Yogacharya O'Brian, a well-known Kriya Yoga practitioner, can assist you learn more about this spiritual practice and how you might use it to achieve your own enlightenment. Take a look and get started learning today.
Is Kriya Yoga the same as Raja Yoga?
Although Kriya Yoga is a part of Raja Yoga, it is so important in Yogananda's teachings that it can appear to be a different path. That isn't the case at all. When combined with the many complementary Raja Yoga techniques that Yogananda provided, Kriya Yoga is most successful.
How long do Kundalini kriyas last?
Kundalini meditation might be hard due of the multitude of approaches available. A teacher can help you with specific strategies if you want to utilize it to solve a specific issue.
Because Kundalini meditation is a holistic approach, it's best to start with a practitioner or a guided meditation if you're new to meditation.
- Dress comfortably. Wearing light, loose clothing when meditating can make you feel more at ease. Kundalini practitioners frequently cover their heads with shawls or other fabrics, as this is said to protect and increase energy flow.
- To get into a meditative state of mind, start by tuning in. Maintain a straight spine by sitting upright in your chair or on the floor. By pressing your palms together at your chest, make a prayer stance with your hands. Close your eyes partially, allowing a sliver of light to enter.
- Concentrate on the chakra of the third eye. While tuning in, many practitioners find it beneficial to focus on their third eye. Turn your focus to the region between your brows in the center of your forehead while keeping your eyes closed.
- Make use of a mantra. Mantras are a crucial part of Kundalini meditation because they help you focus. Mantras in Gurmukhi, a sacred Indian language, are usually used. But don't stress too much if you don't get it properly the first time. With a mantra that feels good to you, you'll probably get the best results. Say it out loud or silently, whichever is more comfortable for you.
- Begin by concentrating on your breathing. Only breathe in and out via your nose, concentrating on the sensation of breathing. Then start slowing your breathing. Each inhalation and exhale should last 3 to 4 seconds, for a total of 8 seconds each breath. Pay attention to how your breath energizes and flows through your body.
- Add mudras to the mix. Mudras, or hand positions, are commonly used in Kundalini practices. Try the Gyan mudra by touching your first finger to your thumb if you want to develop knowledge, openness, and calmness. Try the Shuni mudra, which involves touching your middle finger to your thumb, to build patience and commitment.
- Dividing your breathing into equal halves is a good idea. Divide each inhale and exhale into four parts instead of taking one lengthy inhale for 4 seconds followed by a long exhale. To put it another way, inhale four times without exhaling in between. Then exhale in the same manner. Draw your navel (belly button) toward your spine with each inhale and exhale.
- When your mind wanders, bring it back to your breath. Even long-term meditators don't always stay concentrated. Return your thoughts to your breath if you feel a lapse of attention. If you have any wandering thoughts, acknowledge them and then let them go.
- Carry on for another 3 to 5 minutes. There's no need to go right into a long meditation practice if you're new to meditation. Starting with a shorter session and gradually increasing the length of your meditation as you get more comfortable is generally recommended.
- Your session has come to an end. Finish your meditation with a full, deep breath (inhale and exhale). Inhale deeply once again as you extend your arms to their greatest length. As you exhale, take a deep breath and relax.
Are you new to meditation? These pointers will assist you in making your meditation practice more fruitful.
What Sat Nam means?
Satnam (Gurmukhi: ) is the most important term in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh sacred scripture. It is part of the Gurbani shabad known as Mool Mantra, which Sikhs recite every day. This word comes after “Ek-onkar,” which means “There is only one constant” or “There is only one God.” The words sat and nam imply “true/everlasting” and “name,” respectively. This would be “whose name is truth” in this case. God is referred to as Satnam because God's Name is True and Everlasting.
In Sikhism, the word nam has two meanings. “It was both a representation and an application of the all-pervading Supreme Reality that kept the universe alive. In his teachings, Guru Nanak emphasized the importance of chanting Sat-Nam in order to realize the All-pervading Supreme Reality.”