What is Kriya Yoga?
Kriya Yoga is the profound journey of awakening the dormant Kundalini energy resting in the Muladhara Chakra through the power of focused breathwork and specialized techniques (Yogic Kriyas). This sacred energy is then guided upward, traversing through the higher chakras, unlocking the path to ultimate self-realization and spiritual awakening. It is not merely a practice but a transformative voyage toward inner enlightenment and divine connection.
The Origins and History of Kriya Yoga
It is said that the Supreme Being, Bhagvant, first entrusted the divine knowledge of Kriya Yoga to Surya Dev, the Sun God. Surya Dev then passed this sacred wisdom to Manu, but over time, it was lost to the world. Lord Krishna later revived it on the battlefield of Mahabharata, imparting its essence to Arjuna to guide him through the chaos of life. Yet again, as the ages turned, this profound knowledge faded into obscurity.
It was Mahavatar Babaji who reintroduced Kriya Yoga in its purest form, refining it into a practice that resonates with the modern seeker, making it accessible to today’s fast-paced world. It is believed that Kriya Yoga is not for everyone—it comes only to those who have walked the path of sadhana in a previous life or whose spiritual journey was interrupted. Your encounter with Kriya Yoga is no mere coincidence; it is a cosmic orchestration, reconnecting you with a timeless spiritual legacy and guiding you back to your true purpose.
Who is Mahavatar Babaji?
He is believed to have been born on November 30th, 203 AD, in a small coastal village called Parangipettai in Tamil Nadu. Named Nagaraja, meaning “serpent king,” his name is both a common one in Tamil Nadu and a foreshadowing of his mastery over “kundalini shakti,” or the “serpent power.” Nagaraja displayed extraordinary traits from a young age, suggesting that he had practiced Kundalini Yoga in a previous life. His father, a priest at the Muruga (Kartikeya) temple near their home, had prayed fervently to Kartikeya, the eldest son of Lord Shiva, to be born as his son. In answer to his prayers, the deity incarnated as Nagaraja.
At the age of five, Nagaraja was kidnapped and sold into slavery to a shopkeeper in Calcutta. However, his owner was kind and freed him, advising him to go wherever he wished. The boy was drawn to a group of wandering yogis whose divine radiance captivated him. He accompanied them across the subcontinent, learning sacred scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas during their decade-long travels.
By age 15, Nagaraja traveled with the yogis to Dhanushkodi, a coastal village in southern India close to Sri Lanka. From there, they crossed to Sri Lanka by boat and journeyed to Kartargama, a sacred city in the island’s north. Despite the arduous nature of the pilgrimage, Nagaraja instinctively navigated it, driven by an inner knowing that he had lived there in a past life. At Kartargama, he met his guru, Bhogarnatha, a great siddha who conferred numerous powers upon him, including the secret of “Kaya Kalpa,” a technique for preserving the body’s youth for millennia. Under Bhogarnatha’s guidance, Nagaraja underwent intense sadhana.
Bhogarnatha eventually directed him to Coutrallam in Tamil Nadu, where the sage Agastya resided in disguise. Agastya, one of the seven sages sent by Lord Shiva to restore Sanatana Dharma in southern India, recognized Nagaraja’s spiritual potential. After revealing his identity, Agastya initiated him into “Kriya Kundalini Pranayama,” or “Vasi Yogam,” a profound breathing practice for attaining elevated states of consciousness.
Following his training, Agastya advised Nagaraja to journey to the Himalayan temple of Badrinath. There, he diligently practiced the teachings imparted by Bhogarnatha and Agastya. For years, Nagaraja lived in solitude in a cave, mastering yogic techniques. Through relentless practice, he attained the status of a siddha, a perfected being who had gained mastery over his body, the elements, and the infinite divine power that resides within all existence.
After attaining the status of a siddha, Nagaraja transcended the limitations of the physical world and became known as Mahavatar Babaji, a being of divine perfection. It is believed that Babaji continues to reside on Earth, guiding spiritual seekers toward self-realization. He is known to teach sacred sadhanas either directly or through his Sukshma Sharira (subtle body), connecting with those who are ready for his grace.
Dr. Yogini Ujjwala’s life is a testament to this divine intervention. Babaji appeared in her life during her darkest moments, imparting Kriya Yoga and helping her realize her higher purpose. His timeless presence continues to inspire and transform countless individuals, guiding them on the eternal path of liberation and spiritual growth.
What Does Kriya Yoga Include?
Pranayama (Breath Control)
The foundation of energy regulation in Kriya Yoga.
Pranayama techniques are central to Kriya Yoga, as they regulate and channel the life force (prana) within the body. These practices calm the mind, enhance focus, and facilitate control over vital energy flows, preparing the practitioner for deeper meditative states.
Dhyana (Meditation)
Guiding the mind to focus within.
Meditation in Kriya Yoga isn’t merely about concentration; it’s about drawing the mind inward and connecting with the deeper self. Techniques often include mantras, visualization, and concentration practices that train the mind to transcend external distractions and experience pure consciousness.
Mudras (Hand Gestures)
Aligning subtle energies through hand postures.
Mudras play a significant role in balancing and directing energy flows within the body. In Kriya Yoga, specific mudras are practiced to help align the chakras and facilitate the movement of energy through the spine, enhancing meditation and increasing awareness.
Bandhas (Energy Locks)
Sealing energy within specific areas of the body.
Bandhas are internal locks that help retain and direct prana during Kriya practices. By holding and releasing these locks, practitioners can amplify the flow of energy through key energy centers, creating a powerful experience of internal focus and spiritual awakening.
Mantra Japa (Chanting)
Repetition of sacred sounds.
Mantra Japa, or chanting, involves the repetition of sacred sounds or phrases to create vibrations that resonate with the practitioner’s consciousness. This practice serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, grounding the mind while simultaneously elevating consciousness.
Chakra Sadhana (Energy Center Activation)
Awakening the body’s subtle energy centers.
Kriya Yoga places emphasis on activating and balancing the seven main chakras along the spine. Through specific techniques, practitioners learn to connect with each chakra, unlocking latent potentials, cleansing energy pathways, and fostering mental clarity and emotional balance.
Kriya Kundalini Pranayama
The heart of Kriya Yoga, a powerful pranayama technique.
Kriya Kundalini Pranayama is one of the most revered practices in Kriya Yoga, often taught only by advanced teachers. This breathing technique involves the slow, conscious movement of energy up and down the spine, activating Kundalini (the dormant spiritual energy) and fostering higher states of awareness and bliss.
Satsang and Self-Study (Svadhyaya)
Gathering spiritual knowledge and self-reflection.
Kriya Yoga practitioners often engage in Satsang (spiritual gatherings) and Svadhyaya (self-study), which includes reading sacred texts, reflecting on personal growth, and connecting with fellow seekers. These activities nurture a supportive community and provide deeper insights into one’s spiritual journey.
Lifestyle and Ethical Principles
Living in harmony with one’s values.
Beyond meditation and breathing techniques, Kriya Yoga encourages living by the Yamas (ethical disciplines) and Niyamas (observances), guiding practitioners to adopt a lifestyle rooted in non-violence, truthfulness, simplicity, and spiritual discipline. This alignment of lifestyle with spiritual practice strengthens the foundation for true transformation.
Benefits of Practicing Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga is a sacred yogic practice deeply rooted in Indian philosophy and Vedic tradition. It is revered as a comprehensive tool for self-realization, harmonizing the body, mind, and soul. Below are its benefits, with a focus on spiritual growth. It is said that those who advance in Kriya Yoga transcend the influence of planets. The rules of astrology no longer govern such individuals, as they take control of their own destiny.
Spiritual Benefits
Accelerates Spiritual Growth: In the Vedic perspective, Kriya Yoga is considered a direct path to liberation (Moksha), enabling practitioners to realize their divine essence by transcending ego and desires.
Purifies Karma: The practice helps dissolve accumulated karmas, paving the way for liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).
Awakens Kundalini Shakti: Kriya Yoga activates the dormant spiritual energy at the base of the spine, facilitating an ascent through the chakras, leading to enlightenment.
Enhances Meditation Depth: It allows practitioners to enter higher states of consciousness (Samadhi), fostering profound inner stillness and unity with the universal spirit (Brahman).
Divine Connection: Through pranayama and inner focus, Kriya Yoga strengthens the practitioner’s relationship with the Supreme Being, offering direct experiences of divine bliss (Ananda).
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Calms the Mind: The rhythmic breathing techniques stabilize the mind, reducing mental chatter and enhancing clarity.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: By balancing the nervous system, Kriya Yoga fosters a sense of peace and emotional resilience.
Improves Focus and Memory: Regular practice enhances cognitive functions, including concentration, creativity, and recall.
Emotional Healing: Kriya Yoga facilitates the release of suppressed emotions, promoting emotional balance and well-being.
Physical Benefits
Increases Vitality: The pranayama techniques boost energy levels by oxygenating the body and purifying the blood.
Improves Overall Health: It strengthens the immune system, enhances digestion, and regulates hormonal functions.
Promotes Longevity: Through its rejuvenating practices, Kriya Yoga slows down the aging process and revitalizes the body.
Balances Energy Channels: The practice harmonizes the flow of prana (life force) through nadis (energy channels), ensuring optimal physical health.