Kriya Yoga is a meditation technique that quickly accelerates one’s spiritual growth. It was first made widely known by Paramhansa Yogananda in his Autobiography of a Yogi. According to Yogananda, Kriya Yoga is the most effective technique available to mankind today for reaching the goal of Yoga: union with the Divine.
Yogananda taught Kriya Yoga as part of a comprehensive spiritual path that includes three other techniques (Energization Exercises, Hong-Sau, AUM Meditation), along with discipleship to the Kriya line of Gurus. The Kriya technique itself is effective only to the extent that the Kriya yogi practices it with awareness, sensitivity, devotion, and in conjunction with other practices taught by Yogananda.
The actual Kriya technique is given through in-person initiation, and only after establishing a regular daily practice of the first three techniques: Energization Exercises, Hong-Sau, and AUM. This process takes about a year or more, depending on the student.
Over the years, Ananda has helped thousands of truth seekers all over the world to prepare for initiation into Kriya Yoga. We’ve seen that the practice of Kriya is infinitely more effective after the proper preparation and study of the Kriya teachings.
Prepare for Kriya Online
Ananda offers four online courses in preparation for learning the technique of Kriya Yoga:
Step 1 — Ananda Course In Meditation
Step 2 — Living the Principles of Self-Realization
This 10-week course shares, in a practical way, the Fundamentals of Raja Yoga: the comprehensive yogic path that shows us how to spiritualize our entire life, with meditation as its central practice.
The yoga teachings explain that this world is a school, where we are sent to develop our “spiritual muscles” by learning the many lessons life teaches us. When all lessons have been learned, and our consciousness spiritualized; we are able to graduate the School of Life and earn the true “Certificate of Completion”: Self-Realization.
Step 3 — Course on Discipleship
Based on A Handbook on Discipleship, written by Swami Kriyananda – shares insights into the importance and practice of the Guru/Disciple relationship. Stories of his personal experiences with Paramhansa Yogananda help to prepare the student for either an at-home or in-person initiation into discipleship to Yogananda and to the line of Masters of Self-Realization, if he or she feels ready for this level of commitment.
Step 4 — Preparation for Kriya Yoga
The Preparation for Kriya course includes instructions in the AUM technique of meditation and further prepares the student for Kriya Yoga initiation. This course is available by permission from the Ananda Kriya Sangha after completion of the first three steps of the Path of Kriya, and completion of the ceremony of discipleship mentioned above.
Step 5 — Kriya Yoga Initiation
Kriya Yoga is a technique that is part of the path of Kriya Yoga, as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda. It is given through initiation, after completion of study, typically taking nine months to one year depending on the individual, as well as by establishing a regular, twice-daily meditation practice using the main techniques that are taught in the Path of Kriya Yoga courses.
Students can prepare for Kriya through online courses (listed above on this page), with an Ananda Teaching Center or Community*, or a combination of both. Ananda has centers throughout the United States, as well as Europe and India. For more locations: Find Ananda Near You. Supplementary and supportive study material on the Path of Kriya Yoga can be purchased through Crystal Clarity Publishers.
*It is highly recommended if you do live near one of the Ananda Centers, that you work with your local center in your preparation for Kriya.
For more information on Kriya Yoga:
Ananda Kriya Sangha
kriyayoga@ananda.org
14618 Tyler-Foote Road
Nevada City, CA 95959
