ANCIENT KRIYA TECHNIQUES OF THE HIMALAYAN MASTERS

The Masters of The Kriya Tradition

The Himalayan Mountains have been the home of sages for millennia. These great sages have lived and passed on knowledge of the yogic teachings to disciples who then became masters passing on the teachings in an unbroken lineage since the Vedic period. Undisturbed by the passage of time, this tradition is not concerned with teachings that apply only to a particular era of history or geographical region of the world - its entire emphasis is on the experience of the universal truth of who we are.

A Himalayan Yogi known as Mahavatar Babaji taught Kriya Yoga to Lahiri Mahasaya. Babaji is said to incarnate whenever it is necessary to renew the Kriya Yoga flame. Lahiri Mahasaya had numerous disciples. He taught Kriya Yoga to monks as well as to householders. Amongst his most advanced disciples was Swami Sri Yukteswar. In 1910 Paramhansa Yogananda, met his guru, Swami Yukteswar who initiated him to Kriya Yoga. In 1920, Paramhansa Yogananda travelled to the west to spread the teachings of Kriya Yoga.

Origin of Yoga

Many people know yoga as exercises involving physical postures (asanas) but it is much more than that; the highest purpose of yoga is to achieve freedom of bondage from the ego. It is a very deep spiritual science which can lead to the ultimate goal of Self-Realization.

In the Yoga sutras by the great Indian sage Patanjali (6 BCE), yoga postures (asanas) are only a small part of a comprehensive system of teaching. The other branches (or “limbs”) of yoga include pranayama (control of pranic energy or breath), meditation, and others.

What is Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga is a very ancient technique that was known to many great sages and masters of India. It was lost to mankind for thousands of years but was again revived in 1861 by Mahavatar Babaji.

Kriya Yoga is a form of pranayama, a systematic way of controlling the pranic energy in the body. It is so effective because it works directly with the source of growth – the spiritual energy deep in our spines.

All yoga techniques work with this energy, usually indirectly. Yoga postures, for example, can help open up the spinal channels, and balance the energy in the spine. Yoga breathing exercises can help to awaken that energy.

The Kriya technique is much more direct. It helps the practitioner to control the life force by mentally drawing it up and down the spine, with awareness and will. One set of Kriya, which takes about a half-minute to perform, is equivalent to one year of natural spiritual growth.

Benefits of Kriya Yoga

The Kriya Yoga techniques bring about an integrated development of the individual. Among its many benefits are:

• physical healing and increased levels of energy, balancing of the emotions, mental calmness, increased concentration, inspiration, wisdom and spiritual self-realization.

• provides great strength, stability and peace, and makes one dynamic and visionary. • brings balance and tranquility to the body and mind by reducing both restlessness and inertia.

• gives more joy and happiness to one’s life and relationship with others. It is effective for one and all, regardless of their cultural, social or religious affiliation, age, sex or previous experience.

• strengthens one’s intuition and power of healing. The immune system is strengthened and one can enjoy vibrant health, a strong nervous system, more energy, and a relaxed, peaceful demeanor• helps to transform one’s body, mind and spirit. It is for anyone who is searching to establish an open pathway towards one’s inner self.

Paramhansa Yogananda

Born in India in 1893, Paramhansa Yogananda was trained from his early years to bring India’s ancient science of Self-realization to the West. In 1920, he moved to the United States to begin what was to develop into a worldwide work touching millions of lives. Americans were hungry for India’s teachings, and for the liberating techniques of yoga.

In 1946, he published what has become a spiritual classic and one of the best-loved books of the 20th century, Autobiography of a Yogi. This book has been translated into 21 different languages.

In addition, Paramhansa Yogananda established an organization for worldwide work, wrote a number of books and study courses, gave lectures to thousands in most major cities across the United States, wrote music and poetry, and trained disciples. He was invited to the White House by President Calvin Coolidge, and he initiated Mahatma Gandhi into Kriya Yoga, his most advanced technique of meditation.

Paramhansa Yogananda’s message to the West highlighted the unity of all religions, and the importance of spiritual devotion combined with scientific techniques of meditation.

About the Speaker: Nayaswami Devarshi

A long-time Ananda minister and Kriyacharya (authorized Kriya Yoga teacher), Devarshi is the director of Ananda’s Kriya Yoga Sangha. Devarshi’s duties include preparing devotees to receive Kriya Yoga, conducting Kriya Initiations at Ananda Village and other parts of U.S., India and South America. An important part of his ministry is to provide ongoing guidance and support for Kriyabans (kriya yogis) all over the world.

Who can Attend?

The seminar is free of charge and is open to everyone.

Book Sale

During the event, we will also be selling books written by Paramhansa Yogananda and his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda on topics such as meditation and yoga.

Date/Time of Seminar:

28 July 2018; 10.00 am to 12.00 noon

Venue:

CSC Ballroom, Civil Service Club, 60 Tessensohn Rd, Singapore 217661

(This is not a Kriya initiation and the Kriya Yoga techniques will not be taught during the seminar. To find out how you can learn Kriya yoga in Singapore, please speak to our representatives during the event.)