Kriya Yoga: Spiritual Progress Through Kundalini Awakening
The objective of Kriya Yoga is to use a combination of mudras, mantras, and pranayama techniques to awaken the master energy.
Yogic thought has always maintained, that the different paths of yoga have the same goal. It is us, that must choose which is most appropriate for us, according to our lifestyle and temperament. The paths propagated and adopted by various prominent masters and yogis may differ, but ultimately their goal remains the same. To enhance our awareness; eventually reaching the state of “self-realization” or “enlightenment”.
Kriya yoga is a powerful yogic system, which produces noticeable changes very quickly. It was popularised by the great master “Paramahansa Yogananda”; especially in his book – “Autobiography of a yogi”.
Currently, there are only two recognized Kriya yoga systems in the world: The system of Yogananda and the system of the Bihar School of Yoga.
What is Kriya Yoga?
The term Kriya is derived from the root ‘Kri’ in Sanskrit, which literally means to perform an action. It is commonly called The Yoga of Activity, since it uses a combination of active techniques, with the goal of developing a deeper understanding of the self. This ancient system of yoga, uses a blend of mudras, mantras, pranayama, asanas, and bandhas which it calls “Kriyas” in a strategic way, to enhance the movement of vital energy (prana) within the body.
In simple terms, the practice of Kriya Yoga involves controlling the vital energy by consciously moving it up and down two central energy passageways (nadis), which are located in the spine, called Ida and Pingala.
Over time, practicing the Kriyas results in a revolutionary inner change which is known in yoga as “Awakening the Kundalini”. In technical terms, Kundalini is the most potent form of energy in the human body, which lies “dormant” at the root of the spine; in an energy centre known as the Root chakra (Mooladhara).
Kriya yoga is closely related to Kundalini Yoga, which is based on very similar principles. Since both Kriya and Kundalini yoga work with energy directly, even beginners can quickly experience great improvements in mood, concentration, and physical and mental energy. However, different people require different Kriyas, based on lifestyle, character, health, etc. This is why Kriya Yoga must always be commenced under expert guidance, otherwise we run the risk of further unbalancing the body and creating very undesirable and often irreversible consequences.
What makes Kriya Yoga different from other techniques?
Most yogic paths work with consciousness, rather than energy. These are safer and more stable paths, but usually take longer. Kriya yoga is one of the few yogic practices that deals with energy straightforwardly. It directly influences Kundalini energy, awakening it over time. Not only does this make it highly effective, but the changes are noticed faster than with many other yogic methods. The various Kriyas are designed specifically to keep the energy system balanced and in harmony.
Paramhansa Yogananda explained that the system of Kriya Yoga is a faster method of conscious evolution because it’s more direct and effective. It has even been said by eminent yogis, that some people could attain the natural conscious growth achieved in a year in just a matter of minutes with Kriya yoga.
The three major energy pathways: Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna
Yogic theory states that beyond the components which form the physical body, there is an energy body known as Pranamayakosha (pronounced prana-maya-kosha). This energy body is formed by a network of 72,000 energy pathways (nadis) which carry our prana throughout the body.
This entire network emanates from the three major energy pathways which are located in the spinal cord. They are called Ida nadi (left), Pingala nadi (right), and Sushumna nadi (center). These three passageways originate at the tailbone (in the base of the spine) and end at the crown of the head. They also connect the six main energy centres known as chakras.
The yogi’s aim is to awaken the dormant Kundalini which is located at the root chakra (Muladhara), and drive it up the central energy pathway – sushumna nadi. Kundalini is then directed through each and every chakra (as they are all located in the spine), until its destination at the crown chakra (Sahasrara Chakra). The journey and location of Kundalini reflects the conscious growth of each individual.
Ida and Pingala coil around Sushumna crossing each other at the point of each Chakra. At the level of the third eye chakra (Ajna chakra), the three channels merge into one single energy pathway which connects the third eye and the crown chakra.
Ida nadi is associated with the moon and various feminine qualities. It is considered cool and often represented as white. It begins on the left side of Sushumna at the root chakra. In many aspects, Pingala Nadi is the direct opposite of Ida. Pingala Nadi is associated with the Sun and masculine qualities. It is considered warm and usually represented as red. Pingala begins on the right side of Sushumna at the root chakra.
At any point in time, either Ida or Pingala are dominant. Usually one will remain active for one to two hours, and then the other one will take over. As they both have unique characteristics, we will be more effective at certain activities during the dominant flow of each nadi. During the flow of Ida nadi, we will be more introverted, creative, imaginative and sensitive; which makes it a better time for all artistic and pensive tasks. During the flow of Pingala nadi, we will be more extroverted, logical and energetic; which makes it suitable for tasks that require communication, calculation, movement and activity. Sushumna nadi is the most important of the three energy pathways, but it is not active or dominant for most people. Through the practice of Kriya yoga, Sushumna is first awakened and then Kundalini is driven up and through it.
The objective of Kriya Yoga is to use a combination of mudras, mantras, and pranayama techniques to awaken this master energy. With the help of pranayama, our vital energy is circulated through the Ida and Pingala. Initially, this energy is used to excite, awaken, and amplify the Ida and Pingala channels. These two channels of opposite polarity combine to awaken the Kundalini energy and gradually move the energy up the central passageway, stimulating the Chakras as it moves towards the crown chakra.
The five branches of Kriya Yoga
Kriya yoga is divided into five branches called Kriya Hatha yoga, Kriya Kundalini Pranayama, Kriya Dhyana yoga, Kriya Mantra yoga and Kriya Bhakti yoga.
Kriya Hatha Yoga
Kriya Hatha Yoga involves the use of Mudras (hand gestures), Bandhas (energy locks), and Asanas (postures) to awaken the Chakras and Nadis. The practice of this system is known to bring about peace and good health. Only 18 kriyas are used in Kriya Hatha Yoga, which are practiced in stages. Although the practice of Kriya Yoga yields several physical and mental benefits, one should pursue this technique, not for its health benefits, but to condition the body to achieve higher levels of consciousness.
Kriya Kundalini Pranayama:
The second branch known as Kriya Kundalini Pranayama uses Pranayama to directly arouse the dormant Kundalini energy. The practice also aids the flow of energy through the 72,000 energy channels that are spread throughout the body and six the Chakras located along the spine. The regular practice of Kriya Kundalini Pranayama ultimately awakens Kundalini energy, piercing each chakra one by one and eventually driving it to the crown chakra.
Kriya Dhyana Yoga:
Kriya Dhyana Yoga uses meditation to help reach Self-realization and super-consciousness (samadhi). This method also helps release subconscious repressions, promotes creative faculties, boosts mental clarity and improves concentration.
Kriya Mantra Yoga:
In the practice of Kriya Mantra Yoga a special mantra is chanted repeatedly to awaken the Chakras and the intellect. The Mantras can serve as a substitute to Pranayama or Asanas or can be used along with other Kriyas to stimulate the entire energy network. The practice of Kriya Mantra Yoga also helps cleanse the negative thoughts lying within the subconscious mind.
Kriya Bhakti Yoga:
The fifth and final branch of Kriya Yoga combines faith and devotion with Kriyas. It involves performing rituals, singing, chanting and dancing; as well as helping the poor and needy.
The five branches of Kriya Yoga transform and boost every aspect of the body: Physical, intellectual, mental, energy, and spiritual. A key component of these five approaches is the practice of ‘complete awareness’. In Kriya Yoga, we seek self-realization through activity. But action without awareness is futile. Thus, it is vital to incorporate awareness in every action including in our desires, dreams, words, thoughts, prayers, mantras, meditations, pranayama, and asanas. Performing all actions with awareness will in due course align the heart, mind, and body to the soul and lead to deep introspection, culminating in self-realization.
The various benefits of Kriya Yoga
The practice of Kriya Yoga yields several physical, mental, energy-based, and spiritual benefits.
Through the practice of Kriya Hatha Yoga we achieve mental relaxation and improve our physical health. Using Asanas and Mudras to stimulate the energy channels, energize the Chakras, and awaken Kundalini can empower consciousness, cleanse the subconscious, and add buoyancy, lightness, and flexibility to the body.
The practice of Kriya Kundalini Pranayama has a more direct impact on the nervous system and energy centers of the body. Pranayama helps cleanse the nervous system, boosting the flow of energy through the CNS and energy pathways (Nadis). With enough practice, it will lead to Kundalini awakening.
Through meditation, the practice of Kriya Dhyana Yoga strengthens the mind and empowers various centers in the brain. Faculties that are vital for daily activities and for success in our personal and professional life are improved and strengthened by meditation, which enhances confidence, inspiration, intuition, and visualization. The benefits start with the intellectual centers of the brain, but the long-term impact of meditation is quite profound. A person starts becoming aware of normally subconscious thought processes, gaining a deeper understanding of the self.
The use of mantra chanting in Kriya Mantra Yoga is known to invoke higher qualities and promote the flow of vital energy throughout the body.
