Swami Kriyananda was once asked: What is the purpose of Ananda? “To have fun,” he said. What he meant, of course, is that living for God is fun when the right spirit permeates one’s practices. That spirit can be seen in the activities that characterize who we are and what we do.
Kriya Yoga is a meditation technique handed down by Babaji through our line of gurus. The Path of Kriya Yoga Course is a series of classes that leads to initation into Kriya Yoga, as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda. Each class in this course is described below. In addition to the Path of Kriya Yoga Course, we offer practical “How-to-Live” live classes based on Yogananda’s teachings, yoga & meditation retreats, and advanced classes for those initiation into Kriya Yoga.
The following classes are required for Kriya Yoga Initiation:
Level 1: Introduction to Kriya Yoga
Learn to Meditate and Energize
Meditation is one of the most natural and rewarding of all human activities. It gives direct, intuitive experience of higher realities, and is the cornerstone of true spirituality. It also brings balance, rest, and a growing inner peace. Learn the hong-sau meditation technique as taught by Yoganandaji, and discover his Energization Exercises. (Click here to register for Level 1: Learn to Meditate & Energize)
Level 2: Foundations of Kriya Yoga—Raja Yoga
Gain a profound understanding of how to apply the original yoga teachings in all aspects of your life. Learn Yogananda’s approach to Patanjali’s Eightfold Path, Hatha Yoga, Pranayama, Self-Healing, Meditation, and more. This 8-session course is based on Swami Kriyananda’s book of the same name. (Click here to read more details about Raja Yoga) Prerequisite: Level 1
Level 3: Kriya Yoga and Discipleship
The guru-discipleship relationship and the Ananda line of gurus; the opportunity to take discipleship initiation into this path; and the AUM technique, an advanced meditation technique to help prepare you for Kriya initiation. Prerequisite: Level 2
Level 4: Preparation for Kriya Initiation
The basis of the practice of Kriya Yoga and specific techniques to prepare for Kriya initiation. Classes include the history of Kriya, the astral spine, and how to bring the benefits of Kriya into daily life. Prerequisite: Level 3.
Kriya Yoga Meditation Initiation
After completing the above classes you become eligible to receive Kriya Initiation. After initiation, we offer ongoing individual one-on-one support for your kriya practice and we offer advanced classes specifically for those who have received kriya.