Initiation
About Kriya Yoga Initiation
An Unbroken Line of Direct Transmission
One must receive initiation into the authentic Kriya Yoga directly from Paramahamsa Prajnanananda or one of his authorized yogacharyas. There are no correspondence courses or lessons available through the Kriya Yoga International organizations of this lineage of teachings.
Preparing the Field
People who wish to receive initation are encouraged to "prepare their field" by becoming familiar with the teachings of Paramahamsa Hariharananda and Paramahamsa Prajnanananda. A good place to start is to watch this video, or purchase one of the books written by Paramahamsa Hariharananda or Paramahamsa Prajnanananda.
Attending a Kriya Yoga Program
Yogacharyas regularly tour the United States, Europe, and India to deliver lectures, initiate students, conduct guided meditation classes, and provide spiritual counseling. Please consult our calendar section for their touring schedules, or contact your regional center or ashram for information about dates and locations of programs.
A Kriya Yoga program consists of an introductory lecture, followed by initiation into the authentic Kriya Yoga by an approved yogacharya, and a minimum of three follow-up group guided meditations under the supervision of the yogacharya. Afterwards, individuals practice regularly on their own and attend group meditations in their area, depending on their availability (usually weekly).
In addition, some of the yogacharyas may reside in your area who may be available on a per-appointment basis to instruct and guide seekers in the ancient science of Kriya Yoga.
The Sacred Instruction: The Tradition of Kriya Yoga Purification and Blessing Ceremony
The ancient tradition for learning the royal science of Kriya Yoga meditation begins with purification. Students participate in a holy ceremony to purify the spine and the body. Each seeker is initiated on an individual basis through the direct contact of a teacher of this lineage. The teacher directly infuses the triple divine qualities of sound, vibration, and light into the initiate. Through this process, the seeker learns to perceive the inner light of the soul, hear divine sound, and feel the divine movement sensation all over the body. Sacred mantras are chanted throughout the ceremony with adequate explanations in English.
In the beginning of the ceremony, basic techniques for quieting the mind are taught, preparing the seeker for the infusion of divine energy. Initiation into the Holy Stream of Divine Consciousness is attained by overcoming the internal chatter of the mind. As the thought processes are calmed, it is possible to merge into the Divine in the form of sound, vibration, and light.
The instruction ceremony consists of the following phases:
- Purification of body, spine, and senses
- Infusion of triple divine qualities
- Blessings with flower
- Oblations of breath to the fire
- Affirmation
- Offerings to God and masters
- Sprinkling of the holy water of peace
Instruction ceremony participation covers:
- All ceremonial purifications
- Teachings of the first level of the Kriya Yoga techniques
The first phase of the ceremony purifies the body of the seeker. Further purification ensues from the breath oblations in the fire ceremony. This fire ceremony is outwardly symbolic, but causes cleansing to occur at more subtle, deeper levels. The depth of purification depends upon the desire and receptivity of the seeker. At the completion of the ceremony, the first level of Kriya techniques is taught so that aspirants can meditate on their own and continue the process of purification. Several different techniques of Kriya Yoga are presented. This entire ceremony, including the infusion of triple divine qualities, is performed by an authorized teacher or a monk of this lineage.
Offerings: The seeker offers three symbolic gifts to the instructor as offerings to God and the masters. The three offerings are five fruits, which represent the fruits gained from activities throughout life; five flowers, which represent the five senses; and a financial donation. The three offerings represent the causal, astral, and gross bodies, respectively.
Logistics: The seeker is asked to fill out a form before taking instruction. The seeker will also be asked not to divulge the technique to others in order to maintain the purity of the teachings.
Follow-up: The new initiate is also asked to attend at least three follow-up meditation sessions with the instructor. Weekly guided group meditations are held at centers worldwide.