What is Kriya Yoga?
Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditation technique based on breath and energy control, or pranayama. It is the foundation of the spiritual path we practise at Ananda, alongside other meditation practices and practical ways of living.
The technique was revived in 1861, when the yogi Mahavatar Babaji taught it to Lahiri Mahasaya. It was then passed from teacher to disciple, including Sri Yukteswar and Paramhansa Yogananda.
Yogananda introduced Kriya Yoga to the West through his teaching and his book Autobiography of a Yogi. Since then, Kriya has continued through an unbroken spiritual lineage.
According to Yogananda, Kriya Yoga is one of the most effective techniques for reaching the goal of Yoga: union with the Divine. He taught that its power comes from working directly with the spiritual energy within the spine.
Read a short booklet about Kriya by clicking the button below the image.
"Kriya Yoga is an instrument through which human evolution can be quickened. The ancient yogis discovered that the secret of cosmic consciousness is intimately linked with breath mastery." - Autobiography of a Yogi
The Path of Kriya Yoga
The Path of Kriya Yoga includes a series of meditation techniques that gradually prepare the student for Kriya initiation. The Energisation Exercises and Hong Sau technique, however, are open to anyone wishing to learn meditation and are universally applicable.
The main techniques are:
- Yogananda’s Energisation Exercises
- Hong Sau meditation
- AUM technique
- Kriya Yoga
Kriya yoga is taught through initiation. Before initiation, students prepare through study of Yogananda’s teachings and practice of the other meditation techniques. Preparation to receive initiation takes between 6-12 months.
Ongoing guidance and support continue after initiation.
Steps to Kriya Yoga
1. Ananda UK Meditation Course – An introductory course covering Hong Sau, Energisation Exercises, relaxation, and the foundations of meditation practice.
2. The Principles of Self-Realization –A deeper study of spiritual living, Raja Yoga, and Patanjali’s eightfold path, with practical tools for daily life.
3. A Course in Discipleship An exploration of discipleship and the guru-disciple relationship for those drawn to this commitment.
4. Preparation for Kriya Yoga – This course teaches the AUM technique and offers further preparation for initiation. It is available after completing the previous stages.
Click the button below to find out more about the level 1 Meditation course
Preparing for Kriya
If you are interested in Kriya Yoga and would like to begin the steps toward Kriya initiation, we currently offer the first course online with Ananda UK, with the remaining courses to be taken online with Ananda USA. Please get in touch with us to start your journey. We look forward to welcoming you onto the path of Kriya Yoga and Self-realisation.
Our Lineage
Paramhansa Yogananda
Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri
Lahiri Mahasaya
Mahavatar Babaji
Jesus Christ
Paramhansa Yogananda brought the teachings of Kriya Yoga to the West in 1920 and based his work on the lineage of gurus including Swami Sri Yukteswar, Lahiri Mahasaya, and Mahavatar Babaji. Babaji reintroduced the ancient science of Kriya Yoga and taught Lahiri Mahasaya, who made the teachings widely available while living as a householder. According to the tradition, Babaji later sent Yogananda to America to share the universal teachings of yoga and meditation with the West.