In the world of Yoga, Kriya Yoga holds a special place due
to its potent combination of breath, concentration, and energy manipulation.
The word 'Kriya' means 'action' or 'ritual,' and in this context, it refers to
a set of techniques that are performed to achieve a specific outcome – the
unification of mind, body, and spirit. At the heart of Kriya Yoga is the
practice known as 'Kriya Proper.' Kriya Proper involves specific breathing
techniques and intense mental focus designed to stimulate the flow of prana, or
life force, along the spine, leading to heightened awareness and spiritual
growth.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qaUZw28mXLF6x_lpH10qw2I7IhER8ixs5t9OsSJdo2ML0Jfl7IpXuC1sdkuH3fAFiWWbhcwL7rIuUbcgWA3jllax-xn1Sbl29EcbfB4w_NheDPaVudzsK9qz94OLjK13kk0jB1gcF3WO55uOt8-5I12I2OlNVn5ib0Z2WJ8DDfvzUBgqzcnen1Es/w601-h400/Jeewan_A_cosmic_chakra_meditation_4K_3d92bc14-29a6-4c6d-a78b-55bf01e45738%20(1).png)
Understanding Kriya Yoga and Kriya Proper
Before we delve into the specifics of the Kriya Proper
practice, it's essential to understand the philosophy behind Kriya Yoga. Kriya
Yoga is a meditative discipline that aims to accelerate spiritual development
and create a deep state of tranquility. It is believed to have originated
thousands of years ago, but it was brought to the public eye in the 19th
century by masters such as Lahiri Mahasaya and later popularized by Paramahansa
Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic "Autobiography of a Yogi."
Kriya Yoga is built on the concept of Kundalini, the dormant
spiritual energy within us all. It is said to reside at the base of the spine
and can be awakened and guided upwards through the chakras (energy centers) to
the crown of the head, leading to a state of enlightenment.
The practice of Kriya Proper is the primary technique used
to achieve this spiritual ascent. It involves a series of specific breathing
exercises, bodily postures, and mental concentration to manipulate prana, the
vital life force, along the spine. The ultimate goal is to control this energy,
guiding it along the spinal path, purifying the body, mind, and spirit in the
process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Kriya Proper
Before attempting Kriya Proper, it is recommended to learn
the technique under the guidance of a qualified teacher or guru. This ensures a
correct and safe practice. However, for the sake of understanding, here is a
general step-by-step description of the process:
Posture and Preparation: Sit comfortably with your
spine upright, either on a chair or cross-legged on a mat. The key is to
maintain an erect but relaxed posture. Close your eyes and take a few moments
to calm your mind and center your attention inward.
Tune into your Breath: Begin by becoming aware of
your breath. Notice the natural rhythm without trying to change it. As your
mind starts to settle, gradually deepen your breath, making it slow and
rhythmic.
Mental Focus: Visualize the spine, from its base to
the crown of the head. Imagine it as a hollow tube, through which the prana
will flow.
Breathing Technique: Inhale slowly and deeply,
visualizing the breath as energy or light moving up the spine from the base to
the top. Hold the breath momentarily, keeping your focus on the crown of your
head. Exhale slowly, visualizing the energy or light descending down the spine
to its base. This constitutes one round of the Kriya breath.
Rhythm and Repetition: The inhalation, retention, and
exhalation should be done in a rhythmic manner, maintaining an equal ratio for
each part. Start with a few rounds and gradually increase the number as you
become more comfortable with the practice.
Mental Chanting: To enhance focus and create a
vibration that aligns with your energy flow, mental chanting of certain mantras
or syllables can be incorporated. Commonly used sounds include "OM"
or "SO-HAM" (pronounced as 'So-Hum'). As you inhale, mentally chant
"SO," and as you exhale, mentally chant "HAM."
Meditation: After completing the rounds of Kriya
breath, sit quietly in meditation. Allow your mind to rest in the silence and
peace that follows the practice. You might find your consciousness in a higher,
more tranquil state.
Closing the Practice: Always close your practice with gratitude.
Thank the universe or the divine power you believe in for the energy and the
opportunity to practice Kriya Yoga. Slowly open your eyes, keeping the calmness
and centeredness as you move forward with your day.
The Benefits of Kriya Proper
Practicing Kriya Proper regularly can lead to several
benefits, both tangible and intangible.
Physical Health: The specific breathing techniques
enhance lung capacity and oxygenate the body effectively. The increased oxygen
supply to the blood can improve overall physical health and vitality.
Mental Clarity: Kriya Proper helps to cleanse the
mind, reducing clutter and unnecessary thoughts. This leads to increased focus,
clarity, and productivity in daily life.
Emotional Balance: By channeling the prana along the
spine and through the chakras, Kriya Proper helps to balance the energy centers
of the body, leading to better emotional regulation and resilience.
Spiritual Growth: Most importantly, Kriya Proper
accelerates the practitioner's spiritual journey. It aids in the awakening and
ascent of the Kundalini energy, leading to higher states of consciousness and
ultimately, self-realization or enlightenment.
A Word of Caution
While the benefits of Kriya Proper are immense, it is a
potent practice that should be approached with respect and caution. It is
advisable to learn and practice under the guidance of a qualified guru or
teacher, especially when starting. Overdoing or incorrectly practicing Kriya
Proper could potentially lead to energy imbalances.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEu8AuMZylrlvGnpxilQyB8dPLLcUsw2o5KUCMlnmopdyEBE963sO8GYlJ19PffaBrHRZDPdF95wSYLMbAUQKoApDDwc2gZhKtdm2iHSmWCamvR3xkKVB2QIsk5ChSja_E39nFqWby5MN1-TMkA-3WHc-axfwnoRkoBDkcdLTvwQs2RgjnWO3C7hC/w619-h412/Jeewan_The_flow_of_chakra_the_mystical_flow_of_energy_see_with__aac8306c-6f2a-4976-a8f8-d1af0e7bb178%20(1).png)
Conclusion
Kriya Proper, the fundamental practice of Kriya Yoga, is a
powerful tool for spiritual evolution. Its technique of conscious breathing
coupled with intense focus helps direct the flow of prana along the spinal
path, leading to physical well-being, mental clarity, emotional balance, and
spiritual growth. As with any spiritual practice, patience, consistency, and
reverence will yield the most profound results. So, embark on your journey of
Kriya Yoga with an open heart and a willing spirit, and experience the
transformative power of Kriya Proper.
Kriya Proper, the pivotal practice of Kriya Yoga, is more than a mere set of
breathing exercises; it's a potent spiritual discipline that can bring about
profound transformation in one's life. Its unique technique of conscious,
controlled breathing, coupled with intense mental focus, serves as a bridge,
connecting the physical and spiritual dimensions of our existence.
The practice is a pathway to inner peace, higher awareness,
and ultimately, self-realization. It allows us to tap into the vast reservoir
of life force or prana within us, channeling it in a way that it not only
nourishes our physical body, but also nourishes our mind and spirit. This
regulated flow of energy along the spine, the central axis of our being, brings
about a sense of balance, harmony, and unity - a feeling of being connected
with the universe.
While the benefits of Kriya Proper are multifold, embracing
physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual growth, the
real reward lies in the journey itself. Each breath taken with awareness, each
moment spent in conscious contemplation, takes us a step closer to
understanding our true nature. It is a journey of self-discovery and
self-transcendence.
Importantly, Kriya Proper is not a quick fix, but a lifelong
commitment. It is a path that requires patience, consistency, and dedication.
As Paramahansa Yogananda said, "Kriya Yoga is an instrument through which
human evolution can be quickened.” It is not about instant enlightenment, but a
steady, gradual awakening.
Incorporating Kriya Proper into your daily routine can be a
transformative experience. However, always remember to approach it with due
respect and ideally under the guidance of a qualified teacher. The power and
potential of this ancient practice are immense; handle it with the reverence it
deserves.
In conclusion, Kriya Proper offers a doorway to explore the
uncharted territories of our inner world. It offers a chance to experience life
beyond the mundane and perceive the extraordinary in the ordinary. It's a
golden key to unlock the boundless potential within us. As you step onto this path,
you embrace a journey that leads you towards your highest self, your true
essence. May your journey through Kriya Yoga be filled with illuminating
insights, profound peace, and awakening.