What is Kriya Yoga? Know About the Basic Philosophy and Practice

For learning yoga in the most proficient ways, knowledge of yoga-sutras is a must. When you learn the yoga-sutras of Patanjali it becomes easier to walk on the path of self-enlightenment as yoga sutras form the basis of eight-limbed path or step-by-step guideline to Ashtanga Yoga Learning. Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in India is flourishing sharply; what nobody takes care about is the second system of Patanjali, called the Kriya Yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in India

Kriya Yoga – What it is?

Kriya Yoga is an ancient methodlogy, it acts on the flow of spiritual energy in your body, mind, and soul.  It aims at neutralizing the causes of sorrow that are rooted in self-ignorance. It helps the practitioner to control life forces by mentally drawing it up and down the spine, creating a sense of awareness all around the body. Kriya Yoga can lead to self-realization by practicing three disciplines –

  • Tapas, self-discipline
  • Svadhyaya, or self-study
  • Ishvara Pranidhana or devotion of the lord

How to Practice Kriya Yoga?

Kriya Yoga is a direct practice. Learn a way to discover your essential nature and live a more conscious and fulfilling life by practicing Kriya Yoga in the right direction. Kriya Yoga practices are interpreted in various ways, but for purpose each of it is focused on a targeted development.

Tapas

Tapas, which means “heat” is a type of yoga practice focused on improving self-discipline. On a physical level, it is easier to generate heat in the body by practicing different asana and pranayama. Take, for example, the sun salutations. It’s an excellent method of generating heat in yourself, as the traditional breathing practice of Kapalabhati does. This burns the imbalances and blockages accumulated over the body for years. Yoga practitioner liberates the life forces, calms and clears the mind. Asana and Pranayama form the basis for Kriya yoga. After finishing the formal practice, you can only attain the enlightenment of self.

(Read moreThe Eight Types of Pranayama One Needs to Practice)

Svadhyaya

Svadhyaya, which means self-study, is a sacred way of sneaking into yourself. It involves repetition of holy mantras, the sacred syllable Om, or the study of scriptures related to Moksha (meaning freedom from bondage). So, Svadhyaya is divided into two different halves. First is recitation of sacred mantras, profoundly speaking the Om syllable to tune into the sources of energy. Second is study of sacred scriptures such as Bhagavad Gita or Vedas. Use the study materials as a source of self-study. You can get endless possibilities by reading and learning from these books.

Ishvara Pranidhana

Ishvara Pranidhana, or say surrender to the lord. In yoga sutras 1.23, Patanjali provided a sure-shot method to attain enlightenment through yoga – which is known as Ishvara Pranidhana. Ishvara, which means the supreme power of God, and Pranidhana mean to dedicate or surrender yourself. Thus practicing Ishvara Pranidhana helps to eliminate the afflictions of mind that cause pain and unhappiness. It directs the energy away from selfish desires towards the ultimate pursuit of oneness. A number of ways are there to practice Ishvara Pranidhana, you can learn from yoga teacher training in India.

Find a place, where you can learn Kriya Yoga in best ways!

Rishikesh Vinyasa Yoga School is one such yoga teacher training school that provides complete yoga learning and training experience in an isolated landscape.  There’s a retreat center to stay, interact and learn yoga from expert yoga masters. From practical and theories, every information about Kriya yoga, ashtanga yoga, vinyasa and yoga sutras of Patanjali will be cleared here. You need to focus and learn!!

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