Kriya Yoga, amidst the vibrant tapestry of India’s spiritual traditions, emerges as a transformative path. Rooted in ancient teachings, it offers a structured approach to self-realisation and spiritual growth. But where does this sacred practice originate?
Early References
Kriya Yoga’s exact origins remain unclear due to its oral transmission over generations before it was documented. However, some suggest that it has been practised in India for thousands of years.
The earliest mention of Kriya Yoga appears in the Bhagavad Gita, one of India’s most revered scriptures. In it, Lord Krishna guides the warrior prince Arjuna, discussing various paths of yoga and hinting at techniques that resemble Kriya Yoga.
The Role of Siddhas in Kriya Yoga History
The lineage of Siddhas, ancient enlightened yogis, significantly contributes to Kriya Yoga’s transmission. Throughout history, many Siddhas have practised and shared this sacred technique. Babaji, the immortal Himalayan yogi, stands as a central figure in this lineage. Legends state he reintroduced Kriya Yoga in recent times, ensuring its teachings remained accessible for spiritual seekers.
Paramahansa Yogananda’s Revival
Kriya Yoga gained prominence in the West through the efforts of Paramahansa Yogananda, a revered Indian spiritual teacher. In his book, Autobiography of a Yogi, he describes his encounters with Babaji and his mission to spread Kriya Yoga worldwide. Yogananda’s teachings and the Self-Realization Fellowship have made this practice accessible to millions.
The Essence of Kriya Yoga
Often called the ‘lightning path’, Kriya Yoga is known for its efficacy in accelerating spiritual evolution. Its methods include breath control (pranayama), energy circulation, and meditation, which help speed up spiritual progress.
The practice directly stimulates the chakras in the spine, purifying energy channels and allowing life force (prana) to flow freely. This process leads to a deeper understanding of the self and a stronger connection with the divine.
Mahavatar Babaji and Other Lineages
While Paramahansa Yogananda’s lineage, associated with the Self-Realization Fellowship, is the most recognised tradition linked to Mahavatar Babaji, other lineages and teachers also claim a connection to this Himalayan master. For example, Swami Satyananda Saraswati of the Bihar School of Yoga highlights a lineage that includes several esteemed gurus, such as Babaji. Similarly, Lahiri Mahasaya, Yogananda’s guru Sri Yukteswar’s teacher, initiated numerous disciples into Kriya Yoga. Some of these disciples founded their own schools, each with unique teachings but all tracing their roots back to Babaji.
With Kriya Yoga’s growing popularity in the West, many contemporary teachers have emerged, some claiming spiritual connections or visions of Babaji guiding their teachings. Notably, Mahavatar Babaji is the Guru of Paramahamsa Vishwananda, Bhakti Marga’s leading acharya. As a child, Paramahamsa Vishwananda received Atma Kriya Yoga techniques directly from Mahavatar Babaji.
Summary of Kriya Yoga History
Kriya Yoga’s history reflects the timeless wisdom of Indian traditions. Emerging from ancient scriptures and championed by great teachers, this sacred practice has guided countless seekers on their path to self-realisation. Its lineage, filled with tales of sages and mystics, offers deep insights into India’s spiritual evolution.
Today, as the world faces new challenges, Kriya Yoga’s teachings provide a path to inner peace and transformative experiences. These techniques remain relevant, guiding individuals toward a deeper understanding of themselves and the universe. By exploring its history, we not only honour its past but also recognise its ongoing significance in modern times.
Learn Kriya Yoga
In Bhakti Marga, we run various yoga and meditation courses. One of the courses we teach is Atma Kriya Yoga which is a complete spiritual practice that includes, asana, mudra, pranayama, meditation and mantra. This course is designed to clean the energetic body, release Kundalini and lead the practitioner to a state of self-realisation. Atma Kriya Yoga ultimately leads to a divine love relationship between the individual and God. If you want to find out more, perhaps sign up to our free online Atma Kriya Yoga class.