Ananda Sangha of Portland--Kriya Yoga

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Kriya Yoga

"Kriya Yoga is a simple, psychophysiological method by which the human blood is decarbonized and recharged with oxygen. The atoms of this extra oxygen are transmuted into life current to rejuvenate the brain and spinal centers. By stopping the accumulation of venous blood, the yogi is able to lessen or prevent the decay of tissues; the advanced yogi transmutes his cells into pure energy.
The Sanskrit root of Kriya is kri, to do, to act and react; the same root is found in the word karma, the natural principle of cause and effect. Kriya Yoga is thus “union (yoga) with the Infinite through a certain action or rite.” A yogi who faithfully follows its technique is gradually freed from karma or the universal chain of causation."

—Paramhansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi (1946 Edition), Chapter 26

Kriya Yoga is a technique of pranayama (energy control) which, when practiced during meditation, greatly accelerates one’s progress toward God. Kriya is one of the most effective techniques available to help us reach the goal of union with the Infinite and is the heart of the spiritual practices for disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda.

Explanation of the results of the technique can be found in Yogananda's classic, Autobiography of a Yogi (see the Feature Article: The Science of Kriya Yoga for an excerpt) as well as in The Path, A Spiritual Autobiography, by Swami Kriyananda. The actual technique, however, can only be given in a special initiation ceremony after one has met a number of preliminary qualifications. The steps to Kriya Yoga are as follows:

Learn and practice the Hong Sau meditation technique through our Developing an Inner Life class.
Learn and practice the Energization Exercises.
Study the philosophy and techniques of The Art & Science of Yoga. This is an excellent time to establish a daily meditation routine if you haven't already.
Study the attitudes and practices of Discipleship that are necessary for the practice of Kriya Yoga. This includes Discipleship initiation and the Aum Technique of meditation.
After practicing the Aum Technique (along with Hong-Sau and the Energization Exercises) you'll be invited to take the Kriya Preparation class to prepare you for initiation.
The final step is then to attend a Kriya Yoga Initiation either in Portland or at another Ananda location.

If you would like to know more about this process, and about Kriya Yoga in general, please talk with either Daiva or Ganga Mata Glazzard at the Ananda Temple and Teaching Center 3:30-9pm (T-F), 9am-1:30pm (Sa) at 503-626-3403, or just drop us an email.