Types of Yoga

KRIYA YOGA

Kriya Yoga is a science that uses the flow of breaths to oxygenate the body and make it fit for meditation. Signifying action, kriya yoga is a meditation technique of energy control, also called Pranayama. This ancient technique was revived in India in 1861.It was passed on by the great yogi Mahavatar Babaji to his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya, in the Himalayas.

Swami Yogananda became the leader of modern kriya yoga that is a concentrated approach to self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. It is a time-tested method to realize the innate spiritual nature, develop rational thinking, achieve emotional balance, promote physical health and live a life of purpose.

Influences on the mind -body- soul

The all pervading power of the life-force or prana flowing through the body and the influence of kriya yoga in balancing this energy is lucidly explained in The Bhagawad Gita by Lord Krishna. He says, "offering inhaling breath into the outgoing breath, and offering the outgoing breath into the inhaling breath, the yogi neutralizes both the breaths. When he does so, the yogi releases the life force from the heart and brings it under his control."

Sage Patanjali drawing on the goodness of this form of yoga says, "Kriya yoga consists of body discipline, mental control and meditation. Liberation can be accomplished by that pranayama which is attained by disjoining the course of inspiration and expiration".

The practice of Kriya yoga ensures growth on a physical, mental and spiritual level, bringing about a transformation. The brain cells are energized and rejuvenated, enhancing memory power. Control over the emotions is a crucial outcome of kriya yoga, achieved by the regulation of the neurons in the nerves. A sincere practice of kriya yoga clears the pathway leading to the divine power within.

References:

www.kriyayoga.org.nz
www.thehomefoundation.com
www.en.wikipedia.org
www.kriyayoga.org.uk
www.ananda.org
www.yoganiketan.net

Submitted by: Mrs. Uma
Edited by: Mrs. Savitha