You're about to read a book that can transform your life. Kriya Yoga is much more than the latest theory for self-improvement, but is based on an ageless tradition of universal truth: the ancient science of yoga and meditation. Yes, "ancient" because its roots go back in time to a period long before historical records were kept. Stone seals showing people seated in various yoga postures have been found in the Indus Valley of India, and have been dated by archaeologists as far back as 5000 B.C.
And, yes, "a science" because its assumptions have been tested in the laboratory of human life and consciousness over millennia and have proven to be true. In fact, modern researchers in such highly-respected institutions as Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic have been doing extensive studies on the effects of meditation. Their findings show that a regular practice lowers blood pressure, improves the quality of sleep, improves concentration, reduces stress, controls anxiety, and reduces age related memory loss, to name a few.
In August 1920, a young Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, set out on the long ocean voyage from his native India to America, bringing with him the ancient teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga.
When asked, "Is your teaching a new religion?" Yogananda replied, "It is a new expression of truths that are eternal."
His simple words refer to Sanatan Dharma, the eternal truth which predates all religions.
Yogananda declared, "You are on the eve of a great spiritual awakening, a great change in the churches, where true souls will be drawn to seek the experience of God's presence."
Formal religion focuses mainly on outward rituals, dogmas, and rules, and on the false notion that the worshiper can only approach God through the intercession of a priest. Yogananda called such religion equally common East and West - "Churchianity."
Yogananda's teacher, Swami Sri Yukteswar, explained that the planet has entered into a new age. He wrote that we have exited Kali Yuga, an age of materialism and outward form. Only recently has the planet moved into Dwapara Yuga, an age of energy, growing awareness, and fluidity. Modern science has shown that matter is energy.
Every significant invention of the twentieth century is based on the new energy-awareness, from telegraphs, telephones, and radios, to countless electronic technologies and gadgets that have fundamentally changed people's lives.
A new understanding is similarly growing in spirituality and religion. Many people now question the purpose of outward forms and rituals they seek instead the direct inner experience of higher truth.
Yogananda dedicated his life to showing how to have that direct personal experience. Essential to his mission was introducing the ancient teachings of Kriya Yoga and writing fresh interpretations of two of the great world scriptures, the Bhagavad Gita and the Bible.
Kriya Yoga (which I will often refer to as "Kriya") is more than a technique. Yogananda gave the technique of Kriya to his students as part of a comprehensive way of life, designed to help them individually realize their soul natures and to bring that realization into their daily lives.
Millions would learn about Kriya Yoga from Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi, published in 1946. I was surprised to read that Kriya, or a similar technique, was taught by Krishna to his disciple Arjuna, by Christ and his disciples, by the Indian sage Patanjali, and by many other enlightened teachers over the centuries.
Asana (95)
Bhakti Yoga (20)
Biography (49)
Hatha Yoga (82)
Kaivalyadhama (58)
Karma Yoga (31)
Kriya Yoga (69)
Kundalini Yoga (58)
Massage (2)
Meditation (324)
Patanjali (136)
Pranayama (67)
Women (32)
Yoga for Children (12)
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