FAQ
What is Kriya Yoga?
Kriya yoga is a beautiful meditation technique and life style which when practiced regularly has a physical, mental and spiritual benefit. “Kri” is a Sanskrit verb meaning “action” and “Ya” in Sanskrit means “divinity” So in every action , thought and experience perceive the marvelous power of the divine (God) as the real doer. Not just during meditation, but also as one lives one’s daily life, to make every step in divine awareness and consciousness. In this way we become more aware and it give us more peace and joy which brings about a “constant alertness of the inner self” and Samadhi.
Is Kriya Yoga a religion?
Kriya yoga is a non-sectarian meditation technique, the essence of all religions. All religions hold the principals of peace, happiness and love as the goal of life. The essence of religion is to bring about the union (yoga) of god in human being and human being in god, which is established in truth and love. It is for all. Kriya Yoga master Lahiri Mahasay taught that one should stay in one’s own religion, but be a yogi and meditate to get direct experience.
What is Kriya love?
Without love, spiritual practices are empty efforts. In truth, we must bring about the conditions for the experience of divinity to reveal or manifest itself. First we cultivate spiritual practices such as Kriya Techniques to prepare our field to create a pure, clean mind, body and heart. Then with deepest love we attract the grace of the divine to bless us. We can bring ourselves to the door of divinity (thru prayer & meditation techniques), which can only be opened by the other side (grace of the divine). The key or secret password which unlocks the door is love.
What does the Kriya Love logo represent?
At the time of Kriya Yoga initiation a flower is given that is empowered with the power of initiation, known as the “blessings flower” The prayer in Sanskrit: “Om sarva subha abishta siddhirastu” translates into English as: “All goodness is in the flower, may you be as pure and radiant as the flower.” Many times while Paramahamsa Hariharananda was guiding his students in the deepest states of meditation he would say “Love, love, love. The Kriya love logo reflects this divinely intoxicated love on the physical, astral and casual planes of existence which naturally unfolds from the practice of Kriya yoga techniques. The three hearts radiating is symbolic of that quality. The lotus flower represents the Infinite Source, (Brahman) and the blue Third eye represents the light of the soul (atman). So with love on all three planes of existence, it connects the Atman and Brahma together. (i.e. to merge with love...)
What is the correct pronunciation of Kriya?
Kri (kree- long eee, not i or cry) Ya (yaa) thus kreeyaa
Who is God?
Each of us has our own understanding of who or what God is based on our environment, tradition, and education. To develop an enlighten perspective of God it should be tolerant of the marvelous dynamic beauty that there is both a personal and impersonal, and also an infinite and finite quality of God which manifests according to the faith of the individual seeker. It can be found in both form and formless expressions of worship and devotion. The one common belief which binds all of us together is that the living power of God, the spark of the divine, is in every living thing. As long as that spark of the divine is present, then we say it is alive. In the human being as an example when this spark of the divine goes, the body starts to decay and becomes dust. If you believe that the spark of the divine is in every living thing, then you should be able to perceive this spark within you. Kriya Yoga is a technique to help a person to develop a deeper perception and relationship with the spark of the divine within. This spark of the divine has a formless quality of sound, light and vibration and is connected with the breath. It is the same spark which is in every human being and in every great person that has ever lived. The direct experience of this spark of the divine and its source results in giving a person a deep peace, bliss and joy or can be simply described as love.
What does God want?
The same thing that every parent wants from their child. They want to develop a deeper relationship with them based on love and joy. It is our birthright as human beings to develop this relationship regardless of our lifestyle, (monastic or householder), our religion (Hindu, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sheik, Buddhist, Jain, etc.), our race (male or female), our social status or our economic status. It is the real goal of every human being. We are all born on the spiritual path and at some point in our life we are confronted with the noble questions of Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose in life? As we grow from being a baby child to an adult we are living a life of education, experience and wisdom, based on our own individual karmas to satisfy and fulfill. It is our soul’s journey regardless of what our ego or mind wants and we as human beings can only play our part as best we can as we travel this path. Some of us are trying to live a more sentient life and grow spiritually and evolve quickly and are using skillful means to learn the lessons for this birth and to become spiritual mature before we leave this plane of existence. “Opportunity should not be neglected, as it may never come again” PH
What is the goal of human life?
The founders of each great religion had direct experience of the Divine reality (God). Each of them was human beings who experience an extra-ordinary state of consciousness. It is this direct experience which in the Yoga tradition is known as Nirvaklpa Samadhi. Kriya yoga meditation can create the conditions for this experience to be revealed while living in the family life. Live a good life. Get married and have children if it is in your heart to do so. If it is in your heart to live a monastic lifestyle, be honest in your expectations and understanding of its requirements. Be true to yourself first. Educate yourself and be highly qualified and skillful and earn a living to support yourself and others. Fulfill your responsibilities to your family and community; actively help others within the limits of your means and capacities. But most important be a yogi and meditate at every step of your life in divine consciousness. It is a rare opportunity to be a human being and time passes quickly.
Can I still practice Kriya if I don’t believe in God?
Each person is free to come to their own understanding and belief. The sun shines on all of us regardless of our understanding or belief. However despite our understanding or belief we can experience the sun’s light and power and benefit from it. Similarly one can get the benefit and experience without believing in God. However the experience may change your understanding and belief because of the inner transformation which the practice of Kriya brings about in an individual.
What does it mean to be a master of Kriya Yoga?
The highest state of yoga is known as Nirvaklpa- Samadhi. A master of Kriya Yoga is a person who has experienced Nirvaklpa-Samadhi and can go there at anytime at will. They have reached this extra-ordinary ability thru the practice of higher Kriya’s and have established a permanent connection with the divine, the switch is always on. The Kriya Yoga lineages of Masters are the living examples of this state. Paramahansa Yogananda and Paramahamsa Hariharananda could go there at will and many people experienced them in this state. Paramahamsa Hariharananda would often say that Nirvakalpa-samadhi was the degree that one had to achieve to be a master of Kriya Yoga. It is a rare accomplishment that only a few have obtained.
What is Nirvaklpa Samadhi?
“The supreme state of ecstasy (Samadhi) without retaining (nir) a seed of individual consciousness (vikalpa).” Also called turiya Samadhi, this is the ultimate stage of yoga, the realization of God as Nirguna Brahman (formless). In this pulseless and breathless state, all biological and mental activity ceases, and the realized yogi is solely sustained by their total absorption in God.(pg 73 Infinite within Finite by Raghabananda & Hariharananda)
Who is the Guru and why do I need one?
The guru is the one who reveals the truth and removes the student’s ignorance of understanding. The Guru makes an eternal commitment that they will lead the disciple to the highest truth, no matter how many lifetimes it takes. The disciple responds that they will try sincerely and faithfully to practice and evolve themselves as directed by the Guru. It is a bond of love. The Guru is like a parent who only wants to help their child become even greater than themselves. Not everyone needs a Guru, although it is helpful to have an experienced guide on the spiritual path. It is a very personal relationship and it can be any aspect of the divine. For some it is Divine Father, Divine Mother, Krishna, Shiva, Vishnu, Jesus, Babaji, Yoganandaji or Hariharanadaji who are some examples of Gurus. It is known as one’s “Istha devatta” often the one you love most in your heart. Kriya yoga is not about guru worship, although there is naturally a deep gratitude and love expressed for the Guru. My Guru, Paramahamsa Hariharananda would often say “Be like me, don’t worship me.” “ Students become teachers”
What is initiation? What are the requirements?
To learn Kriya Yoga it traditionally starts with an initiation ceremony where Sanskrit mantras and blessings are offered to energize and purify the seven chakras of the student by the teacher. The teacher helps the student experience triple divine qualities of “sound, light and vibration”, the formless divine power which is abiding in every living person. This is followed by instructions on the Kriya Yoga techniques, which are taught according to a person’s physical capacity. It is a gentle loving technique which one can develop thru daily practice. These techniques deepen the awareness of the Kriya Yoga practitioner and improve the mind and physical body.
- After receiving initiation the student is required to follow up and attend three guided Kriya Yoga meditation classes with the teacher, so a strong foundation can be established and the inner transformation can be achieved.
- Daily practice is encouraged and attending the weekly guided Kriya Yoga satsang meditations help to fine tune the practice of the techniques. Kriya Yoga books, charts and guided Kriya Yoga meditation recordings are made available to the student by the teacher. Weekend retreats are conducted several times a year.
- Traditionally a donation is offered by the student during the initiation ceremony of $108, five fruits and five flowers. These are symbolic offerings made by the student as part of the initiation ceremony to God and the Kriya Yoga Masters for spiritual purification and blessings. The student is praying for the removal of all sufferings from their lives and that all their noble desires are fulfilled.
- Five Flowers represent the five senses being offered for purification and empowerment. Five Fruits represent past karmas (good and bad actions) being offered for the removal of bad karma and the attraction of good karma.
- Cash donation of $108 represents the physical body. With money we buy food, and with food we have grown from the baby child to the adult physical body.
- A vow is made that until one has the blessings of the teacher, the student will not teach these techniques to anyone, so as to help preserve the integrity and purity of the techniques, as is the tradition of the lineage of Kriya Yoga.
- Kriya Yoga is a very special knowledge and if practiced with love and devotion, sincerely and regularly it can be a great blessing for the kriyaban in their life.
Who is authorized to give Kriya yoga initiation?
The Kriya Yoga tradition follows the “param-para” process of empowerment. A living Kriya Yoga Master teaches and empowers qualified disciples who are established in the “triple-divine” qualities and are practicing the higher Kriya techniques. With the masters blessings they perform the initiation and purification ceremony. These Sanskrit mantras and blessings have been passed down from Mahavatar Babaji to his disciple Lahiri Mahasay who in turn taught it to other qualified yogacharyas. It is important to note that there is a living connection to the lineage of Masters. It is also important to distinguish those who have this direct connection from those who don’t.
Who is Mahavatar Babaji and how can I meet him?
Babaji is a marvelous mysterious Himalayan master who in 1861 re-introduced these ancient yoga techniques to the modern world and gave them the name Kriya Yoga. While all things are possible, one should be very careful in believing everything you hear or read about him, particularly on the internet. Many people claim to be his representative and to be authorized to teach in his name. While all are free to come to their own understanding and belief in this regard and to follow whoever they feel is authentic, the following advice is given. First to distinguish the difference between the Babaji of the Lahiri tradition, as revealed to the world in Paramahamsa Yogananda’s “The Autobiography of a Yogi” and the Babaji of other lineages. Keep in mind that Lahiri Mahasay and his disciples who had “glimpses of Babaji” were very advanced yogis and each experience was rather profound in their result. An example being the meeting between Sri Yuketeswar and Babaji at the Kumba Mela in which Babaji requested Sri Yuketeswar to write “The Holy Science”, which was in tune with Babaji”s thinking. If one wants something “tangible” regarding Babaji, then they should study this book. In addition, in practicing the Kriya Yoga of Lahiri Mahasay and his disciples lineage there is a living connection thru the “param-para pathway as originally established by Babaji. Lastly if one wants to experience Babaji, then best would be to meditate deeply and pray for direct experience, otherwise it is just someone else’s story.
Are there any restrictions? Such as diet?
Paramahamsa Hariharananda was a vegetarian and was very controlled in his intake of food to ensure he got a balance nutritional diet. There is some benefit of practicing yoga and being a vegetarian, if you are getting the proper nutritional requirements that you need. He taught that each person should have an understanding of their own personal nutritional requirements. It is different for each person, some are lactose intolerant, and some need calcium or omega’3 in their diet. It may also change as the body ages. For some he would suggest they eat chicken or fish if they needed the proteins to improve their health. Regarding smoking and drugs, he taught it is best to avoid anything that could negatively harm your nervous system and brain. “Meditation not medication.” “Oxygen is the principal food for your brain, so if you want your brain to function efficiently then avoid smoking." – Paramahamsa Hariharananda
Do I have to practice brahmachaya?
This is a personal choice which should be done with complete truthfulness and awareness of one’s own sexuality. Be true to yourself. Kriya is a path for both householders and monastics. Kriya Yoga teaches that for householders to develop a healthy lifestyle and that even in sexual activity to watch the marvelous divine power pulling breath.
Can I practice at home or do I have to sit with a group?
One candle gives off a little light, a group of candles gives off a greater light. When you sit with a group and practice Kriya yoga together you get the benefit of the greater light. Sometimes it can be quite beautiful. In the beginning it may be helpful to establish a good foundation to sit with the group, but ultimately one has to go off and practice on one’s own. The group meetings are available on a regular basis to provide an ongoing opportunity to get guidance from the teacher and to have an environment suitable for meditation.
Are the techniques physically difficult?
Kriya Yoga meditation is a loving gentle technique which should be practiced according to ones individual capacity. There should be no pain or extreme discomfort. If one has a particular limitation, such as a back or knee injury, this should be brought to the teachers attention and guidance will be provided to adjust ones practice accordingly. It is strongly recommend that one should get good medical advice from a qualified doctor regarding any conditions or injuries prior to the practice of any form of yoga, including Kriya Yoga.
Who is Baba Hariharananda? Was he a realized master, a sat guru?
Paramahamsa Hariharananda was a rare spiritual master. He was a realized Kriya Yoga master of the highest quality, a true sat guru. Not only did he achieve the exalted state of Nirvakalpa- Samadhi, he also lived with this ability for 50 years. He emanated spiritual power for the benefit of his sincere students. He received Kriya yoga initiations from Swami Sri Yukestwar, Paramahansa Yogananda, Swami Satyananda and Bhupendrath Sanyal, they are all in the lineage of Babaji and Lahiri Mahasay. He was blessed by Indian saints and mysterious yogis. Even with his many spiritual blessings he lived a life dedicated to the spiritual upliftment of others. At the age of 67 he first left India to come to the west for the benefit of sincere students. He traveled thru-out India, Europe, North and South America spreading the message of Kriya Yoga and initiating thousands of sincere seekers. He empowered many teachers, both men and women of all religions to teach Kriya yoga. He was always joyful and every breath was taken with divine awareness. Yet he was very humble and loving and because of this purity he was loved by many. Even at the end of his life he was loving and joyful, blessing the doctors and nurses who tried to maintain his life.
Who is Don Baba?
Don Baba received Kriya Yoga initiation from Swami Hariharananda Giri in New York City in 1981. Swamiji at the time was President and the Sadhusabhapati of the Sadhusabha, Sadhumandal, the Board of trustees, Karrar Ashram, Swargadwar, Puri, Orissa founded by Swami Sri Yukestwar Giri. Don Baba studied with him for twenty one years and learned higher Kriya’s techniques directly from him.
In 1987 Swamiji empowered Don Baba to guide Kriya Yoga meditations and in 1996 he empowered Don Baba to independently give Kriya yoga initiations and teach Kriya Yoga to sincere seekers. When one receives initiation in the path of Kriya yoga it is done with the blessings of the Guru and in his name by the initiator. Gurudev Hariharananda instructed Don Baba: “you initiate people independently and tell the people that you are acharya and Swami Hariharananda is the Guru” also “ talk about Kriya to many persons and anyone willing give him, Kriya initiation soon, tell I am not Guru, I am Acharya, Hariharananda is giving initiation to you.” It is with his blessings that Don Baba initiates and teaches Kriya Yoga.
On more than one occasion in private, Paramahamsa Hariharananda expressed the desire that Don Baba would take monk’s initiation from him. He also announced this in several public programs while Don Baba was in his presence. This put Don Baba in a deep state of inquiry of what does it mean to be a monk and after serious consideration he decided that it was not the path for him to take. In later years Paramahamsa Hariharananda was happy that Don Baba was living a “divine life”’ and did not press the issue.
Several times Paramahamsa Hariharananda told Don Baba to start his own ashram in New York City. Don Baba told him that he just wanted to meditate. While Paramahamsa Hariharananda was alive, Don Baba saw no need for an ashram. In addition, Don Baba wanted to remain free from such organizational responsibilities. In later years, when Paramahamsa Hariharananda settled at his Florida residence, Paramahamsa encouraged Don Baba to focus on giving Kriya initiation and spreading the message of Kriya Yoga all over America.
Is Don Baba a realized master of Kriya Yoga?
Don Baba is a Kriya yogi who loves to meditate. While he has experience many beautiful experiences while practicing Kriya Yoga and particularly in the presence of Paramahamsa Hariharananda, he does not claim or consider himself to be self-realized or a master of Kriya yoga. “Something really beautiful happens when I sit for Kriya meditation and I just try to go as deep as I possibly can into this awareness and allow it to transform me and to become more absorbed in the peace I am experiencing. My mind is not trying to quantify or identify what is happening, instead I am just focusing and being as present and alert as possible to what is revealing itself.” – Don Baba
Is Don Baba a Guru?
Once Paramahamsa Hariharananda said to Don Baba: “everyone wants to be Guru. If they only knew what it means they would go mad and run down the street, they would not want the job.” Don Baba is an experience Kriya yoga meditation guide, as well a teacher who has initiated many Kriya Yoga students into the path of Kriya Yoga. Don Baba is not a Guru, but instead a sign post pointing the way to the Kriya Yoga masters as the gurus. “Don Baba is giving swimming lessons, but the student has to jump into the water and swim. In the beginning Don Baba will help the student swim and show them how to swim, until they can swim on their own. But ultimately the student has to swim on their own freely.”
Would you like to submit photos or recordings of Gurudev for use on this website?
Please send photos and recordings to administrator@kriyalove.com
Who is Sri Sunil Kumar Ghosh?
Sri Sunil Kumar Ghosh is a disciple of Sri Bunpendranath Sanyal Mahasay, who was a direct disciple of Lahiri Mahasay. Sri Sunil Kumar Ghosh has written one of the few books in English, about the life of Yogacharya Bunpendranath called “A Life Divine, A short Life-Sketch, Divine Activities & Messages of Yogacharya Sri Sri Bunpendranath Sanyal Mahasay. Don Baba’s letters of correspondence with Sri Sunil Ghosh are posted in the PDF section. It should be noted that in Sri Sunil Ghosh’s book on page 21, he says the following: “Swami Hariharananda Giri of Karrar Ashram, Puri got 5th and 6th Kriya’s from Sri Sanyal Mahasay and also his permission for giving dikhsas.”
Who is Brian MacGregor?
Brian is a young gifted artist whose work I like. He was gracious enough to allow me to incorporate some of his work on the website. Please take the time to explore his website.
What is the purpose of the Kriya Love library?
During the twenty years of studying with Paramahamsa Hariharananda, Don Baba accumulated a personal collection of photos, tapes and documents which he would often share with sincere students to help with their practice of Kriya Yoga. Often Paramahamsa Hariharananda would tell his students to get a copy of a meditation tape of his to practice with on their own. Often there would be pile of personal tape recorders at his feet which he himself would flip the tapes in the middle of meditation class so as not to miss anything. In addition often he would instruct for his letters to be read every day in the class and distributed amongst the students. Many students took photos and shared them with others. He gave freely and in the spirit of that legacy the Kriya Love Library is effort to share these same resources with sincere students who will benefit from having access to them. It is also the goal to share these resources in the best possible light as possible and not to edit out any part of Baba’s history with any particular perspective. In reviewing the events as they happen in time what shines thru the most is the genuine love and joy that disciples had for Gurudev and his genuine abundant love for God, Kriya yoga and his disciples.
How will donations made to Kriya Love be used?
All donations will be used to help spread the message of Kriya Yoga. This will include the maintenance of the Library website as well as free souvenir materials to be distributed during events honoring Paramahamsa Hariharananda.
How will the money earned from Don Baba’s sales be used?
Any money that has been earned thru teaching has always been used to continue the spreading of the message of Kriya Yoga. This includes flyers, travel expenses, hall rentals, the printing of photos and documents given to students to help with their Kriya Yoga practice. It is the intent to create abundance which will facilitate the continued teaching of Kriya Yoga and to make additional resources for students available in the future.
*Please note the guided meditation audio and video files, letters and printed materials are for initiated Kriya practitioners who have received personal instructions regarding these Kriya yoga techniques from an authorized qualified yogacharya.
*Don Baba and Kriya Love is not responsible for any injuries regarding these techniques and it is the sole responsibility of the individual practitioner to be educated and knowledgeable regarding any health concerns they may have and take appropriate measures regarding all health concerns before, during and after the practice of these Kriya yoga techniques as warranted.