Kriya Yoga Tradition – A Brief Introduction by Shailendra Sharma

Kriya Yoga is an ancient practice of yoga, lost in the Middle Ages and revived in the 19th century by Babaji Maharaj. Known for his miraculous powers, including defeating death, Babaji appeared to Lahiri Mahasaya in the Himalayas in 1861 and shared the forgotten knowledge of Kriya Yoga, instructing him to spread it worldwide. This historic meeting is described in Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi.

Thus, Babaji Maharaj became the first guru in the Kriya Yoga lineage. His disciple Lahiri Mahasaya passed it to his son Tinkori Lahiri Mahasaya, then to Satyacharan Lahiri Mahasaya, and finally to Shailendra Sharma.

Kriya Yoga Practice According to Shailendra Sharma

Kriya Yoga is an advanced form of yoga that enables the practitioner to:

• Comprehend his immortal substance
• Understand the relationship between mind and body
• Develop higher consciousness

While many associate Kriya Yoga with knowing God, its core purpose is to know oneself, awaken the subconscious mind, and eventually understand the workings of Creation.

The 11 Major Steps of Kriya Yoga

1. Introductory Level (7 techniques): Includes tongue exercises, manasik pranayama, shvans sahit pranayama, nabhi kriya, yoni mudra, and maha mudra. These techniques prepare the practitioner for higher stages and should be learned directly from a guru.
2. First Level with Khechary Mudra: Introduces pranayama in nabhi kriya and additional mudras.
3. Second Level: Opens the heart knot (Hridaya Granthi Bheda) and includes mantras and specific head movements.
4. Third Level: Deepens the mind’s experience and enhances yoni mudra practice.
5. Fourth Level: Advanced pranayama requiring 1–2 years of adjustment.
6. Fifth Level (Dhyan Kriya): Focuses on meditation and concentration, refining the mind.
7. Sixth Level: Opens the Vajra Nadi and prepares for Kundalini awakening.
8. Seventh Level: Nabhi kriya enables conscious departure from the body.
   9–11. Higher Levels: Rudra Granthi Bheda, Omkar Kriya, and Shambhavi Mudra, leading to continuous samadhi.

Kriya Yoga allows immediate perception of one’s immortal substance after diksha. Yet, becoming intimate and friendly with the soul requires time and practice. The deeper the practice, the closer one becomes to the true self.

Conclusion

This brief introduction offers seekers an overview of the path of Kriya Yoga. It is a journey of self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and mastery over mind and body, guided by an unbroken lineage of great yogis.