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Kriya Yoga: An Introduction |
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Welcome to the Institute for Spiritual Studies. We are a center for the study of Kriya Yoga, and will be happy to assist you in your studies of this ancient science.
'Kriya Yoga' is a Sanskrit word meaning the science of self-control and Self-realization through meditation.
It is a practical, non-sectarian, and comprehensive philosophy of life with methods and techniques supportive of ever greater happiness, and a broadening horizon of awareness and enlightenment.
The Modern Practice was given to us by Babaji Maharaj through his householder disciple Lahiri Mahasaya. The system consists of a number of yogic techniques that hasten the practitioner's spiritual development and help to bring about a profound state of tranquility and God-communion with one's own self.
The science was well known in ancient India, dating back over a thousand years. Krishna twice referred to Kriya Yoga in the Bhagvad Gita, as it was also twice mentioned in the writings of Patanjali. This teaching was lost for centuries until it was finally reintroduced in the 19th century.
At that time, the immortal yogi Mahavatar Babaji initiated Lahiri Mahasaya into Kriya Yoga. Lahiri Mahasaya then revived the practice, and it soon spread throughout India. Yogananda, a disciple of Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri who was himself a disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya, then brought Kriya Yoga to the United States and Europe during the 20th century. Since that time it has spread throughout the world.
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