Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditation technique of energy and breath control, or pranayama.
It was revived in 1861, after being hidden from the masses for many centuries. The great Himalayan yogi Babaji taught the technique to his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya. Lahiri then taught the technique to his disciple Sri Yukteswar, who taught it to his disciples, including Paramhansa Yogananda.
Yogananda popularised Kriya Yoga through his book, Autobiography of a Yogi, and through his public teaching in the West. Kriya has been taught in an unbroken link of spiritual succession to this day.
According to Yogananda, Kriya Yoga is the most effective technique available to mankind today for reaching the goal of Yoga: Oneness with the Infinite Consciousness.
Kriya is also very practical in its effectiveness. Kriya Yogis find that it enhances their ability to concentrate, to become more effective in business and in family life, and to become better people in every way.
Kriya Yoga is effective because it works directly with the source of growth-the spiritual energy deep in the spine.
At the Narrow Retreat we share Kriya Yoga step by step
Step 1a: Meditation For Beginners
You learn a simple yet powerful meditation technique that helps you to feel inner peace. The technique uses a sacred mantra that calms the heart and is the first of the four core techniques on the path of Kriya Yoga.
This course is offered in several formats including:
Step 1b: Energy and Energisation
This is a complete course in Paramhansa Yogananda’s Energisation Exercises where you learn to recharge the body with cosmic energy
You learn ways to draw energy into you and direct it to various areas of the body.
And energy heals! This increased supply strengthens and vitalises your body cells.
If you meditate, these exercises are an indispensable aid to your meditation practice.
Energisation Exercises is one of the four key practices on the Path of Kriya Yoga,
This course is offered in several formats including personalised one-on-one sessions. Please enquire
Step 2: The Art and Science of Raja Yoga
Develop a deeper understanding of the philosophy of yoga while establishing a solid meditation practice, and making like-minded friends along the way.
The course covers:
• Philosophy of Yoga
• Application of Yogic Principles to daily living
• Meditation practice
• Breathing techniques
• Healing principles and techniques
• Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga: An eightfold path to inner peace
• How to enhance your energy levels
• Understanding the concept of “Magnetism”
• Diet
Step 3: Course in Discipleship
No one would think twice about seeking an expert guide when climbing a mountain, learning a musical instrument, or becoming a competitive athlete. Yet in attaining spiritual freedom, surely the most difficult endeavour of all, many try to make their own way by cobbling together various beliefs and practices. Often these choices are based on nothing more than personal likes and dislikes.
This course explains why a guru is needed, what a true guru is, and how to follow the guru. It also clears up many common misunderstandings on the subject that are prevalent in current spiritual thinking.
Course Start Date: Upon completion of Art and Science of Raja Yoga
The course covers:
• Understanding the need for a Guru
• The Disciple’s part
• Life with a Master
• Attunement to the Guru
• Discpleship to Paramhansa Yogananda
Step 4: Preparation for Kriya Yoga
Preparation for Kriya Yoga is available to those who have studied the first three steps, and have performed the Discipleship Initiation ceremony in Step Three.
It gives instruction in the Aum technique of meditation, one of the four principle techniques that are part of the path of Kriya Yoga (the other three are the Energization Exercises and Hong-Sau technique given in Step One, and the Kriya technique in Step Five), as well as other practices to help prepare them for initiation into Kriya Yoga. It also includes lessons in deepening the practice of those techniques, and in deepening one’s meditation.
Course Start Date: Upon completion of Course in Discipleship
Step 5: Kriya Initiation Ceremony
A sacred ceremony where you receive initiation into the path of Kriya Yoga.
Paramhansa Yogananda stated that Kriya Yoga is the most advanced technique for reaching the goal of Yoga, or union with the Divine.
Those who have completed the first four steps of the Course, which typically takes about one year, are eligible to apply for initiation into Kriya.
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